Install SublimeLinter-php on Windows

I like to work with Sublime Text because of the many packages and simplicity. You can customize the applications in almost any way possible: color schemes, packages, settings and short cuts. And with the plugin SublimeLinter-php it is even possible to see your PHP errors before you save and run the file!

I had recommended Sublime to my colleague, however he is working on Windows which does not provide PHP out-of-the-box. And this is required for the SublimeLinter-php plugin to work. Even when you have installed it, it may not work. Therefore I have written this short tutorial how you can make the plugin work at your Windows computer. Mac users: You only have to follow step 3 through 7. By default, the Mac is friendly for this plugin.

Installation steps:

1. Download the desired PHP version: http://windows.php.net/download/
2. Unzip the files into C:/PHP/
3. Open Sublime.
4. Press CTRL+SHIFT+P
5. Enter  Install Package and choose Package Control: Install Package
6. Enter SublimeLinter and click on enter to install.
7. Do the same in step 5 and 6 for the package SublimerLinter-PHP.
8. Open Preferences -> Package Settings -> SublimeLinter -> Settings – User
9. Change in the paths key “windows”: [] to “windows”: [“C:/PHP/”]
10. Save the file and restart Sublime.

Congratulations! SublimeLinter-php also works for you now (make sure you set the syntax to PHP). How can you find this error?:

1. Install the packages.
2. Enable debug output (Tools -> SublimeLinter -> Debug Mode)
3. Restart Sublime.
4. Press CTRL+`
5. You can see all the debug  information including the following error:

   SublimeLinter: cannot locate 'php'