Brackets is a popular, lightweight, and open-source code editor for web development, particularly focusing on HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. It’s an excellent choice for Ubuntu and Linux users because of its ease of use, live preview feature, and built-in support for preprocessors like LESS and SASS. Brackets also has a user-friendly interface and various extensions that enhance productivity for web developers. In this post, we will explore why Brackets is the ideal editor for 32-bit and 64-bit Ubuntu/Linux.
Why Use Brackets on Ubuntu/Linux?
Brackets is tailored for front-end development, making it a go-to editor for HTML and CSS enthusiasts. Below are some key features that make Brackets the best editor for Ubuntu/Linux systems:
- Live Preview:
Brackets comes with a live preview option that allows you to see the changes in real-time as you code. This feature is handy for web developers working with HTML and CSS because you can instantly see how your webpage looks as you make changes. For example, when you edit an HTML file, Brackets automatically refreshes the browser window, displaying your changes instantly. - Inline Editors:
Brackets offers inline editing, allowing you to open a quick editor within your current code for properties like CSS, without leaving the page. You can modify CSS styles right in the HTML code. Example: If you click on an ID or class in the HTML file, Brackets will open a small window in the same file, allowing you to edit the corresponding CSS code. - Preprocessor Support:
Brackets supports preprocessors like LESS and SASS, which are powerful tools for writing more efficient and organized CSS. With preprocessors, you can use variables, nested rules, and functions to make CSS coding more manageable. - Extensions and Themes:
Brackets has a rich collection of extensions and themes. You can customize your coding environment, add features like Linting for error-checking, or integrate Git for version control. Brackets’ themes let you modify the editor’s appearance to suit your preferences, ensuring comfort during long coding sessions. - Open Source:
Brackets is free and open-source, making it an ideal choice for developers looking for a powerful editor without the cost. You can download Brackets directly from the official website and install it easily on your 32-bit or 64-bit Ubuntu/Linux system.
How to Install Brackets on Ubuntu/Linux
Follow these steps to install Brackets on your Ubuntu or Linux system.
- Step 1: Download Brackets for Linux from the official site.
- Visit Brackets.io and download the appropriate version for your system (32-bit or 64-bit).
- Step 2: Open a terminal and navigate to the directory where you downloaded the
.deb
file.
cd ~/Downloads
- Step 3: Install Brackets using the dpkg command.
sudo dpkg -i Brackets.deb
- Step 4: If there are any dependency errors, fix them by running:
sudo apt-get install -f
- Step 5: After installation, launch Brackets from the application menu, and you’re ready to code.
$ brackets
It will open a IDE, where you can edit the html and for Live preview during continous development, go to “File -> Live Preview ” and as and when you edit something in editor, you will see live updates in chrome browser opened window ( like below )
My best editor on Ubuntu is Codelobster – http://www.codelobster.com