How to Uninstall Sublime Text via Terminal: A Comprehensive Guide

Sublime Text is a powerful and popular text editor known for its customizable features and smooth performance. However, at some point, you might find it necessary to uninstall this editor from your system. This guide will walk you through the process of safely removing Sublime Text from your computer using the terminal. Whether you installed it through a repository or via a different method, this tutorial will help you get rid of it effectively and cleanly.

Uninstalling Sublime Text from a Repository

If you installed Sublime Text via a repository, the process of uninstalling it is relatively straightforward. This method is particularly useful for users on Ubuntu 18.04 and similar Linux distributions. Here’s how you can remove Sublime Text using the command line:

Step-by-Step Guide

Open your terminal application. This can typically be done by pressing Ctrl Alt T on your keyboard or by searching for 'Terminal' in your application menu.

Use the sudo command to run the following terminal command with administrative privileges:

sudo apt purge sublime-text

This command will remove the Sublime Text application from your system, along with any associated configuration files that were changed during the installation.

Removing the Repository (Optional but Recommended)

While not strictly necessary, it is a good practice to remove the repository used to install Sublime Text. This helps keep your system clean and ensures that you do not accidentally reinstall the editor without removing the packages first.

Removing the Repository Using ppa-purge (Ubuntu Only)

If you installed Sublime Text via ppa, you should remove the repository to avoid future installs without proper uninstallation. Use the following steps to remove the repository:

First, install the ppa-purge tool if you haven’t already:

sudo apt install ppa-purge

Next, find the name of the Sublime Text PPA by running:

ls  | grep sublime

Note the output and use it in the next step.

Remove the Sublime Text PPA using the commands:

sudo ppa-purge [PPA_NAME]

Replace [PPA_NAME] with the name of the PPA you noted in the previous step.

Best Practices and Additional Tips

After uninstalling Sublime Text, here are a few additional tips to ensure a clean system:

Clear any cache associated with the Sublime Text installation to free up space:

sudo apt autoremove --purgesudo apt clean

Check if any other applications or packages rely on Sublime Text files or configurations. If so, remove or update them accordingly.

Verify that Sublime Text is no longer present in your system applications and settings.

Check your system logs to ensure that no errors or issues related to Sublime Text have been left behind.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I uninstall Sublime Text without using the terminal?
While it is possible to uninstall Sublime Text using the graphical setup tool, using the terminal provides a cleaner and more precise method, especially if you want to remove all associated files and repositories.

Q2: I uninstalled Sublime Text but still see a desktop shortcut. How do I remove it?
If you have desktop shortcuts, look for configuration files in your user directory or global configuration files. You can remove these manually or use the system settings to manage desktop shortcuts.

Q3: What if I need to reinstall Sublime Text in the future?
Simply follow the installation process again. If you have any remaining configuration files, you can start with a clean installation and reapply any necessary settings.

Conclusion

Uninstalling Sublime Text through the terminal is a straightforward process that can be done with just a few commands. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you will ensure that your system is clean and ready for any future software installations. Whether you are a seasoned user or a beginner, this guide will help you manage your Sublime Text installation confidently and effectively.