Files
atom/docs/build-instructions/windows.md
batjko 2d07d6662c Update Windows build instructions
Just a few suggested changes to reflect experiences over a few months of building on several Windows machines.
- The Posix tools comment doesn't seem to be applicable (anymore)? 
- Added further instructions when using pre-installed Git.
- Added the frequent issue of first-time build failures (random `node-gyp` errors), which don't reoccur on second try.
- Added a few extra words on opening a new issue, to clarify that appropriate details should be provided, if the issue hasn't been reported before.

Feel free to amend or suggest further changes.
2014-07-21 09:33:17 +01:00

3.7 KiB

Windows

Requirements

On Windows 7

On Windows 8

Instructions

# Use the `Git Shell` app which was installed by GitHub for Windows. Also Make
# sure you have logged into the GitHub for Windows GUI App.
cd C:\
git clone https://github.com/atom/atom/
cd atom
script/build # Creates application in the `Program Files` directory

Why do I have to use GitHub for Windows?

You don't. You can use your existing Git! GitHub for Windows's Git Shell is just easier to set up.

If you prefer using your existing Git installation, make sure git's cmd directory is in your PATH env variable (e.g. C:\Program Files (x86)\Git\cmd) before you open your powershell or command window. Note that you may have to open your command window as administrator. For powershell that doesn't seem to always be the case, though.

If none of this works, do install Github for Windows and use its Git shell. Makes life easier.

Troubleshooting

Common Errors

  • node is not recognized

    • If you just installed node you need to restart your computer before node is available on your Path.
  • script/build outputs only the Node and Python versions before returning

    • Try moving the repository to C:\atom. Most likely, the path is too long. See issue #2200.
  • error MSB4025: The project file could not be loaded. Invalid character in the given encoding.

  • Other node-gyp errors on first build attempt, even though the right node and python versions are installed.

    • Do try the build command one more time, as experience shows it often works on second try in many of these cases.

Windows build error reports in atom/atom

  • If all fails, use this search to get a list of reports about build errors on Windows, and see if yours has already been reported.

  • If it hasn't, please open a new issue with a print/screenshot of your Windows version, 32/64bit and build output, incl. the node and python versions.