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Windows: Open a File From the Command Line With Sublime Text 2

As I spend more time on the command line, I find myself seeking out convenience methods for doing things that usually mean a lot of clicking around, especially in a Windows environment. I’m also moving back and forth a bit between a Linux virtual machine and my regular work Windows OS, and I’m wanting certain things to exist in both places.

BTW: I’m running Windows 7 Professional 64-bit. Your mileage may vary.

The Goal:

subl myfile.txt opens myfile.txt in Sublime Text 2 from a Windows command prompt

Step 1: Create a Windows batch file that will run when the command prompt is opened

  • Create a file where ever you like called autorun.bat. I put mine in c:\dev\autorun.bat
  • Open autorun.bat in a text editor and add the following:
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doskey subl="C:\Program Files\Sublime Text 2\sublime_text.exe" $*

(Replace the path to your Sublime Text executable as necessary.)

  • Save the file

Step 2: Add the autorun.bat file to your registry

  • Open the Registry Editor (Start –> Type ‘regedit’ in the Search programs and files input)
  • Click down into HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Command Processor
  • If an AutoRun value does not exist, create a new one
    • Right-click Command Processor and click New –> String Value
    • Name the new value ‘AutoRun’
    • Right-click the new value and select Modify…
    • Enter the path to your autorun.bat in the Value data field. Mine says ‘c:\dev\autorun.bat’
    • Click OK

Step 3: Try it out

  • Open a new command prompt
  • cd to a directory with a file that can be opened with a text editor
  • Type subl your-file-name.txt
  • Be happy

Resources

Without these helpful resources, none of this would have been possible.

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