Have you used Linux OS before or have heard of it? As a developer, you need to be more productive and want to do things easily. Linux is good to go choice!!
What is Linux?
Linux is an operating system just like Windows and Mac Os. Linus Torvalds in 1991 developed the Linux Kernel that is the base of the os. It is everywhere in our phones, laptops, PCs, cars, and even in refrigerators. It is an open-source, fast, and powerful operating system.
Why Linux 🤔
Linux shines for programming and development in its compatibility with virtually any programming language. You'll appreciate access to the Linux command line which is superior to the Windows command line. It is typically faster than other OS, more efficient and has less resource overhead. It can give life to your old systems too with better performance as compared to other OS. There is a lot of software for Linux and—like Linux itself—a lot of the software for Linux is free software. This is one reason why many people like to use Linux. Hold on there are more👇
Free 💰- Yessss! Who does not like free things?
More Secure 🔐 - No operating system is bulletproof but Linux has covered you through controlled access to specific files/ encryption of data.
Open Source - The code is freely available to see and modify. It has a large community of developers reviewing its code and improving it daily.
Live CD/USB 💿- You are not forced to install it to use and can run/try it using the live usb feature.
Easy-to-use( not a joke 🚫) -The modern Linux os has brought a large number of changes to GUI for newcomers making it user-friendly.
Customisation - If you love to customize stuff, Linux is for you. Modify it with some basic knowledge and tools.
Should a Programmer or Developer use Linux?
Linux is more than an OS, it is a skill! It is for everyone whether you are busy developing websites or android apps, machine learning, or cloud computing. It is more in demand in various IT jobs and a skill for your resume. It has excellent programming language support and tools for development. It's packed with functionality including useful keyboard shortcuts and window management that adds a plus point to productivity. Terminal and package management gives a different power to the developer, easy to download software, and packages making the task easy.
There are many distributions of Linux available and for different needs and features. The most common and daily used are :
Debian - The universal operating system
It is one of the most stable and rock-solid Linux distros. Came into existence in 1993 is now supported by a large community. Being one of the oldest acts as the base for many modern Linux distribution. It is used both on desktop and server computers.
Stable and Secure
Extensive hardware support
Huge number of software packages available.
Slow version releases
Distributions to look for - MX Linux , Deepin , Kali , antiX
Ubuntu
Ubuntu is a complete desktop Linux operating system, freely available with both community and professional support. It is based on Debian so is also stable. It comes with the support of snap package for easy installation of applications.
Large user base
User friendly
Many useful software installed by default
Larger community support
Distributions to look for - Linux Mint , Pop!_OS , Kubuntu, Zorin OS , KDE neon
Arch Linux
Arch is an independently developed system built from scratch. It is considered distribution for experience due to its difficult installation with no GUI. It is based on a rolling-release system, which allows a one-time installation with continuous upgrades to the software.
Many arch based distribution provides an easy installer for the beginner who doesn't like to take a difficult path of installing arch but want to enjoy the simplicity of arch.
Lightweight
Rolling release
Pacman package manager
No bloatware
Distributions to look for - Manjaro Linux , Garuda Linux , Arco Linux ,Endeavouros , BlackArch Linux
Fedora
It is built by Fedora Project and packs with cutting edge features. It has many tools and security features to make it more reliable and stable operating system. Fedora is a good choice for programmer and has a reputation for focusing on innovation and integrating new technologies. It is corporately backed by Red Hat.
Developer portal
Stable and Secure
For experienced users
Scheduled release cycle
There are a lot more distros to look at. Know more about latest distributuion
If you are using a linux os do comment why you like it 😄 .
Cover Photo by 👉 Sai Kiran Anagani on Unsplash