Kate is a versatile and powerful text editor developed by the KDE community. It provides extensive features, including syntax highlighting for numerous programming languages, a multi-document interface, and a highly customizable layout. Kate is ideal for casual users and developers who need a robust coding and text editing tool.
The following guide will demonstrate the steps to install Kate on Ubuntu 24.04, 22.04, and 20.04 LTS distributions using the command-line terminal. The installation methods involve using the standard APT package manager and Snapcraft (snap commands).
Method 1: Install Kate Text Editor via APT
APT (Advanced Package Tool) is Ubuntu’s default package management system. It is easy to use and provides the most stable version of Kate. Run the following command to install Kate:
sudo apt install kateFor newer versions of Kate, users who do not mind installing Snapcraft packages will find that Kate is much more up-to-date utilizing this method.
Method 2: Install Kate Text Editor via Snapcraft
Another efficient method to introduce the Kate Text Editor into your Ubuntu environment is by utilizing Snapcraft. Although Snapcraft’s widespread adoption doesn’t match that of Flatpak within the Linux realm, it offers a robust experience on Ubuntu, particularly as Canonical continues to promote Snaps.
To incorporate Kate via Snapcraft, you should begin by setting up the Snap Manager. If, for any reason, you had removed it earlier, you can quickly bring it back with this command:
sudo apt install snapd -yThen, to ensure a seamless installation, integrate the core files for SNAP:
sudo snap install coreTo install Kate and simultaneously enable its classic support with Snap, use the following:
sudo snap install kate --classicThe --classic flag ensures the editor has all the necessary permissions to function optimally.
Launch Kate Text Editor
Now that you have successfully installed Kate Text Editor on your Ubuntu system, it’s time to learn how to launch it.
CLI Methods to Launch Kate
You can quickly launch Kate Text Editor directly from the terminal. To do this, enter the following command:
kateSnap installations of Kate need to run:
snap run kateGUI Method to Launch Kate
You can also launch Kate Text Editor from the application menu for a more user-friendly approach. This method does not require using the terminal, making it a convenient option for daily use. Follow these steps to launch Kate from the application menu:
- Click on Applications or the Show Activities button, usually in the top-left corner of your screen or the bottom-left corner for some Ubuntu versions.
- In the search bar that appears, type “Kate” to find the Kate Text Editor application.
- Click on the Kate icon to launch the text editor.
Additional Kate Text Editor Commands
Update Kate Text Editor
To check for updates and upgrade Kate Text Editor, follow these steps.
APT Command Method to Update Kate
Open your terminal and enter the following command to check for available updates for Kate and other system packages:
sudo apt updateIf an update is available, you can update all the packages on your system (recommended) by running the following command:
sudo apt upgradeAlternatively, if you prefer to update only the Kate package, use this command:
sudo apt upgrade kateSnap Command Method to Update Kate
You can check all Snap installations for updates with a single command, which speeds up the update process compared to using APT commands:
snap refreshThis will blanket check for updates for all installed Snap applications, including Kate if any are available.
Remove Kate Text Editor
If you wish to remove Kate Text Editor from your Ubuntu system, follow these simple steps.
APT Command Method to Remove Kate
Enter the following command to remove Kate installed via APT:
sudo apt remove kateSnap Command Method to Remove Kate
For Snap installations of Kate, run the following command to remove Kate:
sudo snap remove kateConclusion
Throughout this guide, we’ve covered installing Kate Text Editor on Ubuntu 24.04, 22.04, and 20.04 LTS using APT and Snapcraft. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced user, Kate offers a range of features to enhance your text editing and coding experience. Our final recommendation is to explore Kate’s capabilities and see how it can improve your workflow.