Gobby is a free text editor that offers collaborative editing. This basically allows you and your team members to edit text-based projects and documents simultaneously, via a network. And since you can use the app on Windows, macOS, Linux, and a number of Unix-based systems, it is very versatile when it comes to editing. Thus, Gobby is a good app for any team projects that require dedicated text-based editing, be it writing codes or other collaborative initiatives.
Gobby works on GNOME, which was developed using the GTK+ toolkit. This collaborative editor is a nice fit for any desktop environment. So, you can have multiple users, working on the same project, editing the text-based files, together in real time. Hence, it is a very good app for the Work From Home scenario, as it doesn’t take into account any geographic limitations. Thus, you should know how to install Gobby on Linux, if you want to make the most of it. For this, we have prepared the following guide to help our readers. This guide contains several methods you can use to install Gobby without any worries. All you have to do is follow the instructions we have detailed below.
What Is Gobby?
As you already know, Gobby is an open-source project, which makes it completely free to use. On Gobby, you can have multiple users, working on the same text-based document, in real-time. This promotes team collaboration and is great for group projects. The app supports synchronization to help users deal with concurrent changes. This allows you to see any changes as they appear, and edit the file on the go. Thus, Gobby is suitable for remote operations such as pair programming or any documentation that requires multiple people working together.
With Gobby you also get a ton of features to make your job easier. There are things like syntax highlighting, version control, multiple cursors, and an in-app chat so that your collaboration can be seamless. And since it is available on multiple systems, it also serves as a cross-platform solution. Furthermore, it is a very simple and easy-to-use app that sets it apart from the competition. This simplicity in its operation also makes it a popular choice amongst all kinds of teams.
Features
Let’s learn a bit more about Gobby by knowing what features it has to offer:
- Multiple platforms are supported, such as Windows, macOS, Linux, and Unix-based systems.
- Full-functional text editor with syntax highlighting and GtkSourceView.
- Real-time collaborative text editing that is lock-free.
- In-app chat and multiple cursors for collaboration
- Custom UNDO that doesn’t affect other users.
- You can highlight texts written by different users in different colors
- Unicode support available
- Zeroconf is only supported on Linux
- Perfect Forward Secrecy for transferring encrypted data
- Password protected sessions
- Access Control Lists are available for providing sophisticated access control to users.
- Configurable and dedicated server.
- A sidebar that allows you to view all the people working on the project
- Auto indentation and configurable tab
- Internationalisation
Benefits of Using Gobby
- Enhances productivity by enabling real-time collaboration.
- Simplifies team projects with synchronized editing.
- Cross-platform compatibility makes it versatile for different teams.
- Built-in features like in-app chat and syntax highlighting improve workflow.
- Lightweight and easy to install on various Linux distributions.
Why Choose Gobby for Linux?
Linux is widely known for its robust environment and flexibility, making it an excellent platform for collaborative tools like Gobby. With native support for GNOME and GTK+, Gobby integrates seamlessly into Linux environments. Whether you’re managing a software development project, writing documentation, or brainstorming ideas, Gobby provides the tools needed to work effectively in a team setting.
Prerequisites
Here are a few libraries and dependencies you need to install to build Gobby without any issues:
- libinfinity v.0.7+
- Glib v.2.40.0+
- Glibmm v.2.40.0+
- libxml++ v.2.6.0+
- libgsasl v.0.2.21+
- Gtkmm v.3.6+
- GtkSourceView v.3.0+
Installing Gobby: What You Need to Know
Before diving into the installation methods, it’s essential to understand the flexibility Gobby provides when installing it on Linux. Depending on your expertise and preferences, you can choose from package managers like Snap, Flatpak, or native repositories. Additionally, advanced users can compile Gobby from source for a more customized experience. Explore the options below to find the best method that suits your needs.
Various Methods to Install Gobby On Linux
Now that we know what Gobby is, it’s time to install it on Linux. As mentioned above, the app can be installed on Linux and its various distributions using a number of methods that we have listed here. You can pick the solution that works for you.
Method 1. Install Gobby On Linux Using Snap
The first method involves installing Gobby via Snap, a custom, third-party package manager for Linux that works on almost any distribution. The steps are as follows:
Step 1. First, install Snap on your distribution:
Ubuntu/Debian
sudo apt update
sudo apt install snapd
sudo systemctl enable --now snapd.socketFedora
sudo dnf install snapd
sudo ln -s /var/lib/snapd/snap /snap
sudo systemctl enable --now snapd.socketopenSUSE
sudo zypper install snapd
sudo systemctl enable --now snapd.socketArch Linux
sudo pacman -S snapd
sudo systemctl enable --now snapd.socketStep 2. Now, install Gobby using Snap:
sudo snap install gobbyMethod 2. Installing Gobby using Flatpak
Just like Snap, you can rely on Flatpak to install Gobby. It is also a universal package manager for Linux apps that uses the Flathub repository to install any app on Linux and its distributions. You will need to follow these steps:
Step 1. Start by installing Flatpak:
Ubuntu/Debian
sudo apt install flatpakArch Linux
sudo pacman -S flatpakopenSUSE
sudo zypper install flatpakFedora
sudo dnf install flatpakStep 2. Then, add the Flathub repository:
flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepoStep 3. Finally, install Gobby using Flatpak:
flatpak install flathub org.gobby.GobbyStep 4. You can also run Gobby to check if its installed correctly:
flatpak run org.gobby.GobbyMethod 3. Using AppImage To Install Gobby On Linux
However, if you are not comfortable installing Gobby, and simply want to run it, you can easily use AppImage. All you have to do is:
Step 1. First, you need to get the latest AppImage for Gobby. You can get it from the official Gobby repository at GitHub:
Step 2. Now that you have downloaded the file, make it executable:
chmod +x Gobby-*.AppImageStep 3. Finally, run the AppImage file:
./Gobby-*.AppImageMethod 4. Compile Gobby From Source
You can also build Gobby from source, since it is an open-source app, and the code is available to the public. However, this is not a method we recommend to beginners. On the other hand, if you are a developer or an advanced user, who wants a custom Gobby experience, you can try compiling it from source:
Step 1. First, install the required dependencies on your device:
For Fedora
sudo dnf install gcc-c++ cmake gtkmm3-devel glibmm24-devel libxml++-devel libinfinity-develOn Ubuntu/Debian
sudo apt install build-essential cmake libgtkmm-3.0-dev libglibmm-2.4-dev libxml++2.6-dev libinfinity-0.7-devFor openSUSE
sudo zypper install gcc-c++ cmake gtkmm3-devel glibmm2-devel libxml++-devel libinfinity-develStep 2. Now, clone the Gobby repository from GitHub:
git clone https://github.com/gobby/gobby.git
cd gobbyStep 3. Finally, compile the build and install it:
mkdir build
cd build
cmake ..
make
sudo make installMethod 5. Install Gobby Via The Native Package Managers
Lastly, you can install Gobby on Linux and its distributions using the official package repositories that are available. Just run the terminal and use the following commands:
Gentoo
sudo emerge gobbyArch Linux
yay -S gobbyUbuntu/Debian
sudo apt update
sudo apt install gobbyCentOS/RHEL
sudo yum install epel-release
sudo yum install gobbyLinux Mint
sudo apt update
sudo apt install gobbyAlt Linux
sudo apt-get install gobbyFedora
sudo dnf install gobbyPCLinuxOS
sudo apt install gobbyGUIX
guix install gobbyMageia
sudo urpmi gobbyOpenSUSE
sudo zypper install gobbyPop!_OS
sudo apt update
sudo apt install gobbyFreeBSD
sudo pkg install gobbyTroubleshooting Gobby Installation on Linux
If you encounter any issues while installing Gobby, here are a few steps you can take:
- Verify Dependencies: Ensure all required libraries are installed as per the prerequisites section.
- Update Your Package Manager: Run
sudo apt update,sudo dnf update, or equivalent commands for your Linux distribution to ensure the package manager has the latest information. - Check for Conflicting Versions: Remove older versions of Gobby using
sudo apt remove gobbyor the corresponding command for your package manager. - Enable Proper Repositories: If you’re using Snap or Flatpak, confirm that the repositories (like Flathub) are properly added and functional.
- Consult System Logs: Use
journalctlordmesgto find detailed error logs related to the installation.
For persistent issues, refer to the official Gobby GitHub repository or community forums for support.
Gobby Installation FAQs for Linux
Gobby is available on most major Linux distributions, including Ubuntu, Fedora, Debian, and Arch Linux. You can install it using your distribution’s package manager.
Currently, Gobby is not commonly distributed as a Flatpak or Snap. It is recommended to use your Linux distribution’s package manager to install it.
Gobby is a lightweight application and does not require significant resources. It should run smoothly on most modern systems with basic specifications.
Yes, you need administrative privileges to install Gobby through your package manager. Use sudo when running installation commands.
You can start Gobby by typing gobby in the terminal or by searching for it in your desktop environment’s application menu.
Yes, Gobby allows collaborative editing over a network. One user can host a session, and others can connect to it using the host’s IP address.
Gobby uses the Infinote protocol for real-time collaboration. This protocol ensures low-latency and synchronized editing among participants.
Gobby supports encrypted connections using TLS. It is recommended to enable encryption when collaborating over the internet to protect your data.
Yes, you can use Gobby offline for local collaboration by hosting and joining sessions on a local network.
Visit the official website or refer to the documentation provided by your Linux distribution for detailed guidance on using Gobby.
Conclusion
Gobby is an exceptional tool for teams looking for a straightforward and effective way to collaborate on text-based projects. Its compatibility with multiple platforms and feature-rich environment make it a valuable addition to any workflow. With the detailed methods provided in this guide, you can easily install and begin using Gobby on your Linux system. Whether you’re coding, writing, or brainstorming, Gobby helps bring your team’s ideas to life in real time
