apm Command in Linux

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The "apm" command, standing for Atom Package Manager, is a versatile tool used in Linux to manage packages for the Atom editor. Atom, a customizable text editor, is widely used by developers for its flexibility and the extensive library of packages available to enhance its functionality. The "apm" command leverages the Node Package Manager (NPM) to install and manage these packages, making it an essential tool for developers who use Atom.

The apm command in Linux serves as the Atom Package Manager, allowing you to install, manage, and interact with packages for the Atom text editor.

Table of Contents

• Understanding the Basics of apm
• Install apm in Linux
• How to use apm Command in Linux?

Understanding the Basics of apm

The "apm" command in Linux is a powerful tool for managing power on your machine. Whether you're looking to conserve battery life on a laptop or manage power usage on a server, understanding the `apm` command and its options can be incredibly beneficial. By mastering these commands, Linux users can ensure their systems are running efficiently and sustainably.

Install apm in Linux

Before diving into the "apm" command, it's important to have Atom editor installed on your Linux system. Once Atom is set up, you can begin exploring the various capabilities of "apm".

To install the Atom Package Manager (APM) on a Linux system, you would typically need to have Atom installed, as APM is bundled with the Atom editor. If Atom is already installed, you can use the "apm" command directly in the terminal. If you need to install Atom, you can download it from the official website or use a package manager like "snap" for Debian-based distributions −

sudo snap install atom --classic

Once Atom is installed, you can manage Atom packages using the "apm" command. For example, For more advanced package management, you can refer to the APM documentation on the Atom website or the APM GitHub repository.

How to use apm Command in Linux?

This section aimed to provide a thorough overview of the `apm` command in Linux, covering its syntax, options, and practical usage examples. Here's a detailed guide on the available flags and their usage with examples −

The basic syntax of the `apm` command is as follows −

apm [options] <command>

Common Flags/Options

Package Management Flags/Options

Advanced Flags/Options

To better understand how to use the `apm` command, let's look at some practical examples −

Installation of Packages

To install a new package, you would use "apm". To install a new package, you would use the following syntax −

apm install [package-name]

Remember to replace "package-name" with the actual name of the Atom package you wish to install. Let’s install the rust-lang package −

apm install rust-lang

This command fetches the package from the Atom package repository and installs it along with its dependencies.

Install a specific version (0.1.5) of the linter package −

apm install [email protected]

Alternatively, use the GUI method −

Updating Packages

Keeping your packages up-to-date is crucial, and "apm" simplifies this with the update command −

apm update [package-name]

Let's update the PHP package as below −

apm update [email protected]

Note − If no package name is specified, "apm" will update all installed packages.

Removing Packages

If you need to remove a package, the command is straightforward −

apm remove [package-name]

Let’s remove the linter package using the apm −

apm remove linter

This uninstall the package and remove its associated files.

Advanced Usage

Beyond the basic commands, "apm" also offers advanced options for power users.

Listing Installed Packages

You can list all installed packages with −

apm list

This command provides a comprehensive list of all packages currently installed on your system.

Checking the Version of APM Installed

To check the version of "apm" installed on your system, you can use the following command −

apm --version

This displays the version of "apm" along with the versions of Node.js and npm, which are related to the Atom editor.

Displays Manual Page

Users can also display detailed information about a specific command, including usage instructions.

apm --help 

Searching for Packages

Finding the right package is made easy with the search functionality −

apm search [query]

This returns a list of packages that match your search query.

Viewing Package Information

To view detailed information about a specific package, use −

apm view [package-name]

This provides you with the package description, version, repository link, and more.

Remove the Package

Remove the autocomplete-plus package −

apm remove autocomplete-plus

Upgrade all Installed Packages

For upgrading all installed packages using apm, execute the below command −

apm upgrade  # Use with caution

Search for Specific Packages

Search for packages related to Git −

apm search Git

View Information for Specific Packages

View information about the atom-ternjs package −

apm view atom-ternjs

Remember that apm relies on npm internally. Depending on your npm version, there might be additional flags available.

Note − For the latest information and potentially new flags, refer to the official Atom documentation on apm: https://github.com/atom/apm

Conclusion

The "apm" command is a powerful ally for developers working with the Atom editor on Linux systems. Its integration with NPM ensures a seamless package management experience. Whether you're installing your first package or managing a complex set of tools, "apm" provides the functionality needed to maintain an efficient development environment.

Remember, while APM is a legacy system and has been largely replaced by ACPI (Advanced Configuration and Power Interface), it still holds relevance in certain Linux distributions and scenarios. Always ensure that your system supports APM before attempting to use these commands.