Category Archives: Software I Like

Here are some of my favorite software applications and tools. Don’t leave home without them!

Fun with Sublime Text

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Sublime Text is the greatest thing since sliced bread. Here’s how I set it up to get the most out of it.

Step 1: Install the Package Manager!

  1. Open Sublime
  2. Toggle the Sublime console with ctrl ` (Control + backtick)
  3. Run the command on this page: http://wbond.net/sublime_packages/package_control/installation

Step 2: Syncing Via Dropbox

I use multiple computers, and want to sync my settings across them to have a consistent experience in Sublime. Make sure Sublime is closed for this part!

  1. Move your Sublime Text Package folders into Dropbox (I used Dropbox/settings/Sublime Text 2)
  2. Symlink the Dropbox-synced folders back to their original location

Here’s how I did it:
First, move the Sublime Package folders to Dropbox.

 $ mkdir ~/Dropbox/settings/Sublime\ Text\ 2
 $ cd ~/Dropbox/settings/Sublime\ Text\ 2
 $ mv ~/Library/Application\ Support/Sublime\ Text\ 2/Installed\ Packages/ .
 $ mv ~/Library/Application\ Support/Sublime\ Text\ 2/Packages/ .
 $ mv ~/Library/Application\ Support/Sublime\ Text\ 2/Pristine\ Packages/ .

Then symlink them back into place!

 $ cd ~/Library/Application\ Support/Sublime\ Text\ 2/
 $ ln -s ~/Dropbox/settings/Sublime\ Text\ 2/Installed\ Packages Installed\ Packages
 $ ln -s ~/Dropbox/settings/Sublime\ Text\ 2/Packages Packages
 $ ln -s ~/Dropbox/settings/Sublime\ Text\ 2/Pristine\ Packages Pristine\ Packages

Step 3: Install Cool Packages!

To install a package, open the package manager (⌘+SHIFT+P), type “Install Package”, hit enter, then type the package name and enter.
Check out these packages:

  • SideBarEnhancements
  • AllAutocomplete
  • TrailingSpaces
  • SublimeLinter
  • Git

Step 4: Configure Settings (all of these go into Sublime’s User Settings: ⌘+,)

  • Tabs and Spaces 
    {
	"tab_size": 4,
	"translate_tabs_to_spaces": false
}
  • Ensure Newline at EOF 
    "ensure_newline_at_eof_on_save": true
  • Trim trailing whitespace on save 
    "trim_trailing_white_space_on_save": true
  • If you use TrailingSpaces, set some sensible settings in Preferences -> Package Settings -> TrailingSpaces: 
    {
	"trailing_spaces_include_current_line": false
}

References:

Dropbox!

Link

Dropbox is easily one of my favorite programs. I regularly use 3 computers, plus a virtual machine, plus an iPhone, and before Dropbox I was carrying everything on a USB thumb drive and juggling multiple revisions of documents across all of my devices. With Dropbox, I can take for granted not only having the most recent version of all documents handy, but that it is all backed up in the “cloud” for safety. Sharing a folder with another Dropbox user is drop-dead simple as well. Add to that the ability to view previous revisions, and a great group of developers and support personnel, and Dropbox has a winning formula in my book! I wholeheartedly recommend Dropbox to anyone who uses multiple computers, a mobile device, or needs to be able to access their documents from anywhere via the internet.

Dropbox’s free plan gives 2GB of space, and can be upgraded by referring people, completing some basic account tasks, and/or paying money.

Click here to sign up for Dropbox.
disclaimer: this is my referral link, and you and I both will receive extra space if you use it to sign up.