Home » Ubuntu » How to Install Sublime Merge on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04
How to Install Sublime Merge on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04
Last Updated on by Joshua James
Navigating the intricate world of Git clients, Sublime Merge emerges as a beacon of efficiency and user-friendliness. Developed by the creators of the acclaimed Sublime Text, Sublime Merge encapsulates the same principles of speed, reliability, and elegance. This Git client is designed to elevate your version control and code management practices, making it an indispensable tool for developers. This guide will elucidate how to install Sublime Merge on Ubuntu 22.04 Jammy Jellyfish or Ubuntu 20.04 Focal Fossa.
Key Features of Sublime Merge:
Optimized Performance: Built on native code and the Sublime Text buffer, Sublime Merge promises unparalleled performance, efficiently handling vast repositories.
Refined User Interface: A sleek, intuitive interface ensures a consistent user experience across different platforms, from Windows and Mac to Linux.
Enhanced Diff Tools: Integrated three-way merge, syntax highlighting, and word diff capabilities provide a comprehensive view of code changes.
Personalized Experience: Sublime Merge offers extensive customization options to align with individual workflows, from themes to key bindings.
Universal Compatibility: Its cross-platform design ensures smooth operation on various operating systems, facilitating collaborative projects.
Command Palette & Layouts: Quick access to functionalities via the Command Palette and adaptable diff views streamline tasks and improve efficiency.
Git Flow Integration: Seamless support for Git Flow means your established workflows remain uninterrupted.
Distinguishing Aspects of Sublime Merge:
Full Git Feature Set: Sublime Merge embraces advanced Git functionalities, from interactive rebasing to cherry-picking, ensuring a comprehensive Git experience.
Conflict Resolution: An integrated tool for merge conflict resolution ensures that merging branches is hassle-free.
Robust Search Capabilities: Navigate vast codebases effortlessly with powerful search features, ensuring you can locate commit messages, authors, and specific code modifications swiftly.
With a clear understanding of Sublime Merge’s capabilities, the next step is implementation. The subsequent sections will guide you through the installation process on Ubuntu 22.04 Jammy Jellyfish or Ubuntu 20.04 Focal Fossa, detailing Sublime Merge PPA or Flatpak with Flathub methods.
Table of Contents
Install Sublime Merge on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04 via APT
Step 1: Updating Ubuntu System Packages Before Sublime Merge Installation
Your journey begins with preparing your Ubuntu system. To do so, we must ensure that your system’s software packages are up-to-date. This is crucial for avoiding potential conflicts and ensuring compatibility with the new software. Execute the following command in your terminal:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade
Here, sudo apt update updates the package lists for upgrades for packages that need upgrading, while sudo apt upgrade installs the newest versions of all packages currently installed on your system.
Step 2: Installation of Initial Packages for Sublime Merge on Ubuntu
Sublime Merge requires specific dependencies for proper functioning. While most of these dependencies are likely already present on your Ubuntu system, confirming their presence is essential. The following command will ensure that these packages, software-properties-common, apt-transport-https, curl, and ca-certificates, are installed:
These packages serve various functions. For instance, curl is a tool for transferring data with URLs, and ca-certificates are necessary for establishing secure web connections.
Step 3: Integrating the Sublime Merge PPA on Ubuntu
Next, we move on to the installation of Sublime Merge. The Advanced Package Tool (APT) manager, a package handling utility, is the primary method for software management on Ubuntu. It’s a convenient and quick installation method. However, to use APT for installing Sublime Merge, you must first import a third-party repository or a “PPA.”
Start by importing the GPG key. A GPG, or GNU Privacy Guard key, is used for secure communication. You can import the GPG key with this command:
Following the successful import of the GPG key, import the repository using the command:
echo 'deb [signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/sublime.gpg] https://download.sublimetext.com/ apt/stable/' | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/sublime-merge.list
This command appends the Sublime Merge repository address to your system’s software sources list.
Step 4: Updating the APT Packages Index and Installing Sublime Merge on Ubuntu
Having added the new Sublime repository, we must instruct APT to re-synchronize the package index files from their sources via an APT update. This ensures that the latest changes from the Sublime repository are included:
sudo apt update
Finally, we are ready to install Sublime Merge. The following command will download and install the latest version of Sublime Merge from the recently added repository:
sudo apt install sublime-merge
Install Sublime Merge on Ubuntu via Flatpak and Flathub
This segment will explore an alternative route for setting up Sublime Merge on your Ubuntu system. This method involves using Flatpak, a versatile, universal package manager that delivers applications as self-contained packages known as flatpacks. Flatpak’s unique design isolates applications from the system, enhancing stability and security. It also offers the benefit of version consistency across different Linux distributions.
If Flatpak isn’t already set up on your system, install it. Our comprehensive guide, “How to Install Flatpak on Ubuntu”, can walk you through the process.
Step 1: Activating Flathub for Sublime Merge on Ubuntu
Before we can tap into the power of Flatpak to install Sublime Merge, we must ensure that the Flathub repository is enabled on your system. Flathub is a primary hub for Flatpak applications, housing a vast collection of software that can be readily deployed on any Linux distribution.
To add the Flathub repository to your Flatpak configuration, use the following command in your terminal:
This command checks if the Flathub repository exists in your Flatpak configuration. If not, it will add it, expanding your access to a broad spectrum of applications.
Step 2: Install Sublime Merge on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04 via Flatpak Command
With Flathub active and at your disposal, you can now move on to installing Sublime Merge. At this point, the flatpak install command will be your tool of choice. Execute the following command in your terminal:
flatpak install flathub com.sublimemerge.App -y
This command seeks Sublime Merge from the Flathub repository and initiates its installation.
Launch Sublime Merge on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04
Once you’ve successfully installed Sublime Merge on your Ubuntu system using the APT or Flatpak method, launching the application and exploring its features is time.
APT Launch Method for Sublime Merge on Ubuntu
The Sublime Merge installation via APT is closely linked to your system’s application directory. Hence, it can be called directly from the terminal using the following command:
sublime_merge
Flatpak Launch Method for Sublime Merge on Ubuntu
If you’ve installed Sublime Merge using Flatpak, you can launch the application from the terminal with the flatpak run command. This command signals Flatpak to initiate the specified application.
flatpak run com.sublimemerge.App
GUI Launch Method for Sublime Merge on Ubuntu
Launching Sublime Merge is a breeze for desktop users who prefer a graphical approach. Here’s the straightforward route to access Sublime Merge:
Navigate to your system’s application menu. This is typically found at the lower left or upper left corner of your screen, denoted by an icon similar to a grid or a Ubuntu logo.
Open the application menu to display a list of installed applications.
Locate Sublime Merge in the list. You might have to scroll down or use the search bar at the top of the menu.
PinThe official Sublime Merge application icon as seen on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04 Linux.
Tips on Getting Started with Sublime Merge on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04
In this section, we’ll delve into some valuable tips to help you streamline your experience with Sublime Merge on Ubuntu Linux. These are meant to assist you in leveraging the full potential of this software, be it through customizations, workflow enhancements, or shortcuts.
General Tips with Sublime Merge on Ubuntu
Here are some general pointers to consider when using Sublime Merge:
Navigating the Interface: One of Sublime Merge’s strengths is its uncluttered, intuitive interface. Spend some time familiarizing yourself with the layout and where different functionalities are located.
Learning Git Basics: Sublime Merge provides a clean graphical interface for managing your Git repositories. However, a basic understanding of Git commands and principles can significantly enhance your tool usage.
Keyboard Shortcuts: Sublime Merge offers a number of keyboard shortcuts that can help expedite your Git operations. For instance, use Ctrl + P to switch between repositories, and Ctrl + Shift + P to access the command palette.
Customization Tips with Sublime Merge on Ubuntu
Sublime Merge offers a range of customization options. Here are a few that you might find helpful:
Changing Themes: Sublime Merge comes with several built-in themes. You can switch between them by navigating to Preferences > Themes... in the application menu.
Custom Key Bindings: Sublime Merge allows you to customize your key bindings. This feature can be accessed through Preferences > Key Bindings.
Layout Customization: Sublime Merge also allows you to modify the application layout per your preference. You can adjust the layout by going to View > Layout.
Other Tips with Sublime Merge on Ubuntu
Lastly, here are a few more recommendations to enhance your Sublime Merge experience:
Use Integrated Diff Tools: Sublime Merge has a built-in diff tool that lets you easily view changes between commits, branches, or the working directory.
Harness the Power of the Command Palette: The Command Palette (accessible via Ctrl+Shift+P) is a powerful feature of Sublime Merge. It allows you to perform nearly any action without taking your hands off the keyboard.
Take Advantage of Blame Feature: Sublime Merge provides an easy-to-use blame feature that helps you quickly determine who changed a line or section of code.
Remember, Sublime Merge is a potent tool. Its potential is unlocked when you familiarize yourself with its features and incorporate them into your workflow.
PinA look at the standard user interface of Sublime Merge after installation on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04 Linux.
Managing Sublime Merge on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04
Maintaining software efficiently is a crucial aspect of operating system management. This section is dedicated to ensuring your version of Sublime Merge is up-to-date and how to uninstall it if needed.
Update Sublime Merge on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04
One of the keys to software performance and security is regular updates. Depending on your installation method, you can update Sublime Merge differently.
APT Update Command for Sublime Merge on Ubuntu
The update process is straightforward if you use the Advanced Package Tool (APT) to install Sublime Merge. The APT is an easy-to-use tool for handling packages, and the command-line tool apt is a package management command-line utility used as an alternative to apt-get in Debian and Ubuntu Linux distributions. By using it, you can handle packages on your Ubuntu system. Use the following command:
sudo apt upgrade && sudo apt upgrade
This command will update Sublime Merge and all installed packages with updates available.
Flatpak Update Command for Sublime Merge on Ubuntu
If you choose to use Flatpak for the installation, you can also update Sublime Merge using Flatpak’s built-in update command:
flatpak update
This command will seek updates for all installed Flatpak applications, including Sublime Merge.
Remove Sublime Merge from Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04
There may be times when you no longer require Sublime Merge on your Ubuntu Linux system. Here’s how to uninstall it.
APT Remove Command for Sublime Merge on Ubuntu
If Sublime Merge was initially installed using APT, you can uninstall it using the following command:
sudo apt remove sublime-merge
The above command will remove Sublime Merge but leave behind configuration files and user data related to the application.
Additionally, to remove the PPA from your system, run the following command:
Running this command will remove Sublime Merge and its associated data.
Final Thoughts
In sum, installing and managing Sublime Merge on an Ubuntu Linux distribution is a straightforward process, regardless of whether you choose the APT or Flatpak method for installation. The simplicity of these installation procedures and Sublime Merge’s robust capabilities as a version control system make it an excellent choice for users of all skill levels. Remember, the key to maintaining the software’s performance and security is regular updates, which are easy to perform, and we have covered the steps in this guide. So, if you’re looking for a reliable version control tool for your Ubuntu system, Sublime Merge is highly recommended.
