Upgrade Atom: Linux Guide for Easy Updates

Even though GitHub discontinued Atom in December 2022, many developers still use it. This guide helps you install and update Atom on your Linux system, exploring various methods and their pros and cons. Remember, however, that Atom is no longer receiving updates, making its long-term use less ideal. For further assistance, check out this helpful resource.

Installing Atom: Your Options

Several methods exist for installing Atom on Linux, each with security and update implications.

1. Using Official .deb/.rpm Files

• Prerequisites: A working internet connection and a package manager (dpkg/apt for .deb, rpm for .rpm).
• Instructions:
  1. Download the correct .deb or .rpm file from a trusted source (verify checksums for added security).
  2. Use your package manager: sudo dpkg -i atom.deb (or sudo rpm -i atom.rpm).
  3. Verify successful installation.
• Security: Download only from verified sources. Checksum verification is crucial.
• Updates: Manual downloads and installations are required, increasing the risk and effort.
• Pros: Straightforward for users familiar with package managers.
• Cons: Manual updates are cumbersome and pose security risks. Why risk manually updating outdated software?

2. Using PPAs (Personal Package Archives)

• Prerequisites: An internet connection and the add-apt-repository command (Debian/Ubuntu).
• Instructions:
  1. Add the PPA: sudo add-apt-repository ppa:<ppa-name> (choose a reputable PPA).
  2. Update your package list: sudo apt update.
  3. Install Atom: sudo apt install atom.
• Security: Carefully vet the PPA's reputation; verify GPG keys if possible.
• Updates: Often automatic through your distribution's package manager.
• Pros: Easier installation and mostly automatic updates.
• Cons: Reliance on a third-party source introduces potential security vulnerabilities. Isn't automatic updating a better solution?

3. Using Snap Packages

• Prerequisites: Snapd installed and running (common on most modern distributions).
• Instructions: sudo snap install atom.
• Security: Snap packages generally offer enhanced security compared to PPAs.
• Updates: Automatic. Use sudo snap refresh atom to force an update.
• Pros: Simple installation and automatic updates. Relatively secure.
• Cons: Snap packages can be larger than .deb/.rpm files.

4. Using a Custom Bash Script

• Prerequisites: Bash shell and basic shell scripting knowledge. A trustworthy script.
• Instructions: Download and run the script (exercise extreme caution).
• Security: High risk. Thoroughly review the script's code before execution.
• Updates: Depends on the script; some automate updates, others require manual intervention.
• Pros: Potentially automated updates.
• Cons: Inherently risky; requires shell scripting expertise. Why not use a safer, more readily available method?

5. Building Atom from Source

• Prerequisites: Extensive Linux experience, a build environment (compiler, build tools), and significant time commitment.
• Instructions: Clone the Atom repository and follow the build instructions (complex process).
• Security: Offers maximum control but demands high technical skills.
• Updates: Requires recompiling the source code for each update – a major undertaking.
• Pros: Maximum control (for advanced users).
• Cons: Extremely difficult and time-consuming; not recommended unless absolutely necessary.

Comparing Your Choices

Recommendations

• Beginners: Use Snap if supported; it's easiest and quite secure.
• Intermediate Users: Consider PPAs only from vetted sources; always verify GPG keys.
• Advanced Users/System Administrators: Choose a single method (like Snap) for consistency and management simplicity.

Remember, while this guide assists in updating Atom, it's vital to consider migrating to a supported code editor given Atom's discontinued status.

Troubleshooting

• Permission Issues: Use sudo before installation commands.
• Missing Dependencies: Run sudo apt update and sudo apt upgrade (or equivalent for your distribution).
• Package Conflicts: Resolve conflicts before installing Atom.

This guide provides methods for updating Atom; however, due to its unsupported status, switching to a modern, supported code editor is strongly recommended.

Key Takeaways

• Multiple methods exist for installing/updating Atom on Linux, each with trade-offs in security and ease of use.
• Package managers (APT, Snap) are generally the simplest and safest options for updating Atom.
• Building from source offers maximum control but requires significant technical expertise.
• Due to Atom's discontinuation, migrating to a different, supported editor is highly recommended.