Atom
GitHub (now a subsidiary of Microsoft)
Atom is a free and open-source text and source code editor for macOS, Linux, and Windows. It's highly customizable, 'hackable to the core', and packed with features like syntax highlighting, smart autocompletion, and built-in Git control. Developed by GitHub, it's designed for developers who want a modular and adaptable coding environment. **Note:** Atom text editor has been officially sunsetted by GitHub on December 15, 2022, and is no longer actively developed or supported.
User Sentiments
Top Likes
- Highly customizable and hackable
- Free and open-source
- Cross-platform support (macOS, Windows, Linux)
- Extensive package ecosystem
- Built-in Git integration
Top Dislikes
- Discontinued and no longer supported
- Can be resource-intensive
- Some users found it slower compared to alternatives
- Plugin system can sometimes be unstable
Popular Comments
MacUpdate User - Darth Vader
2023-01-15
I used Atom for several years and loved its flexibility and the vast number of packages available. It was my go-to editor for web development. It's a shame it's no longer being developed.
Softonic User
2022-12-10
Atom is a fantastic text editor, especially for those who like to tinker and customize their environment. The hackability is a major plus. However, the end of life announcement is a big disappointment.
Reddit User - code_ninja_88
2024-05-20
Switched to VS Code after Atom was discontinued. VS Code is a good alternative, but I still miss some of Atom's unique features and the community packages.
Banym's Blog - Banym
2018-03-29
The project view. One feature I was missing in my old preferred editor on MacOS was the project view. I want to browse the directory of the open file...The plugin system. To have additional plugins available for you editor is a key feature. It keeps the main application focused to the main functionality.
TechRadar - TechRadar Reviewer
2022-08-03
Atom is a good note-taking tool if you learn how to use it well. However, it can be a bit complex to learn, and we noticed that the app consumes significant computing resources.
Mac Softpedia - Mac Softpedia Editor
N/A
A text editor is at the center of any developer's workflow, and Atom was designed to let you do pretty much anything without having to switch to a different app...Endlessly customizable. The 'hackable' text editor isn't called that for nothing.
Detailed Review
Atom was a beloved free and open-source text editor created by GitHub, designed for developers who desired a highly customizable and versatile coding tool. Built using web technologies on the Electron framework, Atom offered a rich feature set including syntax highlighting, autocompletion, a built-in package manager, and Git integration. Its tagline, "a hackable text editor for the 21st Century," emphasized its core strength: deep customization through HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Users could tailor almost every aspect of the editor, from its look and feel to its functionality, through a vast library of community-created packages and themes.
Standout Features
- Hackability: Extensively customizable via HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, allowing users to modify virtually any aspect of the editor.
- Package Ecosystem: A large and diverse collection of community-contributed packages to extend functionality.
- Built-in Package Manager: Easy discovery and installation of packages directly within the editor.
- Cross-Platform Compatibility: Available for macOS, Windows, and Linux.
- Smart Autocompletion: Context-aware autocompletion to speed up coding.
- Git Integration: Seamlessly work with Git and GitHub directly within the editor interface.
- Multiple Panes: Split the editor window into multiple panes for comparing and editing code across different files.
Conclusion
Atom was a powerful and versatile text editor that catered especially to developers who valued customization and flexibility. Its open-source nature and extensive package ecosystem fostered a strong community and allowed for continuous enhancement. However, it is crucial to note that GitHub officially sunsetted Atom on December 15, 2022. While the final version remains available for download and use, there will be no further updates, security patches, or community support from GitHub. Users seeking a actively developed and supported editor are advised to consider alternatives like Visual Studio Code, also built by Microsoft (which acquired GitHub), or other options like Sublime Text or Brackets. Despite its discontinuation, Atom remains a significant piece of software history and a testament to the power of open-source and customizable development tools.
