Version Latest
Atom v1.60.0 (32-bit)
Requirements
Windows 10 / Windows 11 / Windows 7 / Windows 8
Size
184 MB

Atom is a free and open-source code editor created by GitHub. It is intended to offer developers a highly customizable environment for creating and revising code. Atom 32-bit, which is built with web technologies like JavaScript, HTML, CSS, and Node.js, is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. 

Overview 

One of an Atom's distinguishing traits is its extensibility. It provides a wide library of community-created packages that users can install to extend the editor's functionality. These packages offer a wide range of features, such as linting, version control integration, and language support. With the flexibility to modify practically every aspect of the editor, developers may adapt their coding experience to meet their specific requirements and tastes. 

It also has clever autocomplete, which provides code snippets and completions as you type. This feature not only accelerates development but also reduces errors. The autocomplete feature learns from your coding patterns and refines its suggestions over time to give more accurate and context-aware completions. 

The editor supports multiple panes and split editing, allowing users to work on many files at once. This capability is very handy for comparing or refactoring code from different portions of a project. Developers can better navigate and edit their code by separating the editor into numerous panes. 

It features a package manager that makes it easier to install and manage packages. With thousands of packages available in the official repository, users may simply identify and install tools to improve their development productivity. This package manager ensures that developers may continue to improve Atom's capabilities as new packages are created and distributed by the community. 

In addition to its individual functions, the Teletype bundle includes collaboration features. This feature provides real-time collaboration, allowing numerous developers to work on the same file concurrently. Teletype enables developers to interact, share expertise, and work together regardless of their physical location. 

Atom's user interface is streamlined and intuitive, with a clean workspace featuring a file explorer, customisable sidebars, and a minimalist toolbar. The layout is intended to keep the attention on the code, creating a distraction-free environment for coding. Atom has a choice of themes and syntax highlighting options, allowing users to tailor the editor's appearance to their preferences. 

Features 

Extensibility: Atoms' greatest strength is their extensibility. Users can change practically every feature of the editor by installing community-created packages. These packages include features like linting, version control integration, language support, snippets, and more. With thousands of packages accessible in the official repository, developers can customize the editor to meet their individual needs. 

Smart Autocomplete: It has a clever autocomplete feature that recommends code snippets and completions while you type. It learns from your coding patterns and adjusts to deliver more accurate suggestions over time. This feature facilitates development and avoids errors by making context-aware suggestions. 

Numerous Panes & divide Editing: You can divide your editor into numerous panes to work on different files or sections of code at the same time. Split editing increases efficiency, especially when comparing or refactoring code from several portions of a project. You can rearrange and resize the windows to fit your workflow. 

It comes with a built-in package manager that makes it easier to install and manage packages. You can simply explore and install packages from the official repository using the editor. This package manager ensures that developers may continue to improve Atom's capabilities as new packages are created and distributed by the community. 

Find and Replace: It has extensive search and replace capabilities. It searches within files or across a whole project and supports regular expressions. You can replace text occurrences individually or all at once, making it simple to make global changes in your codebase. 

Git Integration: It includes built-in Git support, allowing developers to execute version control activities directly from the editor. You can view file changes, stage and commit changes, create and switch branches, and even resolve merge conflicts using the same Atom interface. 

Customizable Themes and Syntax Highlighting: You can modify the appearance of the editor by selecting from a range of themes and syntax highlighting options. You can select from a variety of themes or design your own. Syntax highlighting helps to distinguish code elements, making it easier to read and comprehend your code. 

It includes a Command Palette, which allows you to easily access different commands and capabilities. Ctrl + Shift + P (or Cmd + Shift + P on macOS) allows you to search for commands, preferences, and installed packages, saving time by avoiding laborious menu navigation. 

Teletype communication: It includes the Teletype package, which allows for real-time communication among developers. Teletype allows many users to work on the same file at the same time, making it easier to communicate, exchange expertise, and pair programs in real-time. 

Atom is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, so developers can use it regardless of their operating system of choice. 

How To Use 

  • To install, go to the official website or FileSalad and download the installer for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux). 
  • Run the installer and follow the on-screen directions to finish the installation. 
  • Once installed, open the app. 

Interface Overview

  • When you open Atom, you'll see a welcome screen with options to start a new project, open a file, or clone a repository from GitHub. 
  • The left sidebar has a file explorer that allows you to navigate and manage your project's files and directories. 
  • The top toolbar contains crucial functions such as file opening, file saving, search, and setting access. 
  • The main editing area is where you may write and edit your code.

Starting a new project or opening a file:

  • To start a new project, click "File" on the top menu and then "New Project." Choose a location for your project and name it. 
  • To open an existing file, click "File" and then "Open File." You can just browse your computer's file system and choose the file you want to open. 

Customizing the Editor:

  • The Editor has several customization possibilities. To access them, go to "File" and then "Settings" (or use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl +,). 
  • The options menu allows you to change a variety of parameters, including themes, syntax highlighting, font size, and more. Explore the various options to customize Atom according to your tastes. 

Editing Code: 

  • Includes support for multiple programming languages by default. When you open a file with a recognized programming language extension (such as.js for JavaScript), syntax highlighting and language-specific features are immediately applied. 
  • Enter your code in the main editing section. It has features such as clever autocomplete, which provides code snippets and completions as you type. It also provides automatic indentation and bracket matching to improve code readability.

Managing Packages:

  • Atom's extensibility through community-created packages is one of its key strengths. To install packages, navigate to "File" and then "Settings." In the settings menu, select "Install" and search for the necessary package. 
  • When you've found the package you wish to install, click the "Install" button next to it. It'll download and install the package for you. 
  • To manage installed packages, go to "File" and select "Settings." In the settings menu, select "Packages." From there, you can enable, disable, or uninstall packages as necessary. 

Collaborating with Teletype:

  • Teletype provides real-time collaboration capabilities. To utilize Teletype, navigate to "File" and select "Teletype." 
  • Follow the steps to sign in or establish an account, if needed. Once logged in, you can invite collaborators to join your coding session by sending them a unique link issued by Teletype. 
  • Collaborators can join your session via the link and work on the same file concurrently, making it easier to collaborate and share knowledge in real-time.

PROS

  • Extensibility through community-created packages.
  • Intuitive user interface with ample customization options.
  • Smart autocomplete and split editing enhance productivity.
  • Real-time collaboration with the Teletype package.
  • Regular updates and active community support.

CONS

  • This product is not developed actively anymore.
  • Can be resource-intensive on older or less powerful hardware.
  • Performance may decrease when handling large-scale projects.
  • Lacks some advanced features present in heavyweight IDEs.
  • Occasional stability issues reported by some users.
  • Learning curve for beginners who are not familiar with web technologies.

Conclusion

Overall, Atom is a sophisticated code editor with extensibility, customization, and collaboration capabilities. It provides developers with a versatile tool for improving their coding experience and efficiency. With active community support, regular updates, and free availability, it has become a popular choice among developers all around the world.