KDevelop is a powerful, cross-platform integrated development environment (IDE) designed primarily for C, C++, and other programming languages. It offers a wide range of features, including code completion, syntax highlighting, and project management, making it an ideal tool for developers working on complex projects. Highly customizable, KDevelop integrates seamlessly with various tools and compilers, allowing for a flexible and efficient development workflow.
On Ubuntu 24.04, 22.04, or 20.04 LTS, installing KDevelop is straightforward and can be done using the command-line terminal. The same installation methods are also applicable to short-term Ubuntu releases, ensuring compatibility across different versions of the distribution. This guide will walk you through the steps to install KDevelop on your Ubuntu system, providing you with a robust and reliable IDE for your development needs.
Method 1: Install KDevelop via APT
Update Ubuntu Before KDevelop Installation
Before you begin, run an update on your system to ensure all packages are up-to-date to avoid any conflicts during the installation.
sudo apt updateProceed to upgrade any outdated packages using the following command.
sudo apt upgradeInstall KDevelop via APT Command
The easiest method to install Kdevelop involves using the APT package manager. It offers stability and security for your system. However, it might not have the latest features, performance improvements, and bug fixes that you can find in the Flatpak or Snapcraft methods.
sudo apt install kdevelopMethod 2: Install KDevelop via Snapcraft Commands
To begin installing KDevelop on Ubuntu using Snap, it’s crucial to ensure the Snap package manager is ready to handle the installation. Snap is natively installed on Ubuntu and offers a straightforward method to install various applications, including KDevelop. Before proceeding with the KDevelop installation, setting up your system to support classic snaps is necessary, as some packages require this compatibility.
Enable Classic Snap Support
Run the following command to create a symbolic link, enabling classic snap support on your system. This step ensures enhanced compatibility with the Snap package manager:
sudo ln -s /var/lib/snapd/snap /snapInstall Core Snap Files
Before installing KDevelop, it’s advisable to install the core snap to prevent any potential conflicts during the installation process. Execute the following command to install the core snap package:
sudo snap install coreInstall KDevelop via Snap Command
Once the preliminary setup is complete, you can proceed to install KDevelop. Use the command below to install KDevelop via Snap. The --classic flag is necessary as it grants the application access to your system’s resources, ensuring full functionality:
sudo snap install kdevelop --classicMethod 3: Install KDevelop via Flatpak with Flathub
The third option involves using the Flatpak package manager. Ubuntu distributions don’t include Flatpak by default. Canonical, the company behind Ubuntu, also supports Snaps, ensuring Flatpak won’t come pre-installed while Snapcraft runs. However, you can install Flatpak if you choose.
Note: Ensure you install Flatpak on your system. If you haven’t, consult our guide, “How to Install Flatpak on Ubuntu,” for detailed instructions on installing the latest supported version of Flatpak.
Enable Flathub for KDevelop
Next, you must enable Flatpack using the following command in your terminal.
sudo flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepoInstall KDevelop via Flatpak Command
Next, you can install the KDevelop Flatpak using the following command.
flatpak install flathub org.kde.kdevelop -yLaunch KDevelop via CLI Commands or GUI Path
With KDevelop installed, you can launch the software from your terminal or the GUI path. For new Ubuntu users, we’ll cover both methods.
CLI Methods to Launch KDevelop
Use the appropriate run command for your installation type below:
kdevelopsnap run kdevelopflatpak run org.kde.kdevelopGUI Methods to Launch KDevelop
Most desktop users can quickly launch the software by clicking the application icon on the specified path:
Activities > Show Applications > KDevelop
Additional KDevelop Commands
Update KDevelop
You should run the commands in your terminal to check for updates. Using the installation package manager you initially used, these commands will check your system’s installed packages, including KDevelop.
For APT installations, use the standard APT update and APT upgrade commands.
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgradeFor snap installations, you can force a refresh to update all snap packages using the following command in your terminal.
sudo snap refreshLike Snap, Flatpak installations can use the following command in their terminal to check and refresh all Flatpak packages and prompt you if an update is available.
flatpak updateRemove KDevelop
For users that installed the APT version, remove the application as follows.
sudo apt remove kdevelopSnap installations use the following command.
sudo snap remove kdevelopLastly, to remove the Flatpack version, run the following command.
flatpak uninstall --delete-data org.kde.kdevelop -yConclusion
By installing KDevelop on Ubuntu, you equip your system with a versatile and feature-rich IDE that can handle a wide range of programming tasks. The installation process is simple, and the same methods apply to both LTS and short-term releases of Ubuntu. Once set up, you can leverage KDevelop’s advanced features to enhance your development workflow, ensuring a productive and efficient coding experience. Regular updates from Ubuntu repositories will keep your IDE up-to-date, providing you with the latest tools and improvements.