Why choose Linux for development?
First of all, let’s start with the fact that every modern, popular operating system today is essentially programmable. You can successfully program on Mac, Windows, or Linux. More recent versions of Windows have even included WSL, which gives you the option of installing Linux “inside” your Windows OS when needed, allowing you, for example, to use Docker comfortably.
But the truth is, no system is going to write code for you. Contrary to what some people believe, especially beginner programmers, choosing a system isn’t the most important thing. Still, I think Linux is a really good distribution for a few simple reasons:
- Linux is free — that means you can download one of the many free distributions and install it on your computer at any time. You don’t have to buy a system for several thousand rubles extra, and you can spend that money, for example, on higher-quality components or peripherals,
- Linux requires using the terminal — theoretically, you can manage without it, but this system requires it at almost every turn. At first, this might seem discouraging, but in practice, knowing your way around the terminal can come in handy in your work as a programmer, so in my opinion, that’s a big advantage,
- Linux is open source — it’s developed by the community, and you can inspect its code if you need to. That makes it easy to see exactly what you’re using and be almost certain that your system doesn’t have unwanted features (trackers, for example),
- Linux is secure — most viruses and malware are designed for the most popular operating systems (mainly Windows), and there really aren’t many of them on Linux,
- Linux is very efficient — if you have an old, slow computer, try installing Linux on it (Lubuntu or antiX, for example). As unbelievable as it may seem, these systems really can give your old hardware a second life,
- Linux lets you be productive — this system is really great for advanced users. You can change practically everything according to your individual preferences. The system itself usually comes with handy programs like a great, fast file search system, simple window tiling, or the ability to use virtual desktops. If you set everything up properly and can get around Linux smoothly enough, your work will be a real pleasure,
- getting familiar with Linux is good practice, especially if you’re a programmer. If you ever have to deploy an application on a server, it will most likely be Linux. In that case, basic knowledge of it can come in handy, because you won’t be afraid of the terminal and “weird commands.” In fact, it’s a pretty convenient way to manage a computer, which might put you off at first but could prove useful in your work many times over.
The Best Linux Distributions for Development
Fedora
Fedora is one of the most popular distributions among developers. Linus Torvalds, the creator of the Linux kernel, uses it himself. Fedora is a very stable distribution that doesn’t require extensive configuration. If you treat your system as a tool and don’t want to spend a lot of time configuring it, this distribution could be a good choice for you.
Ubuntu
Ubuntu is an extremely popular and stable distribution, especially recommended for beginners. Its interface is very user-friendly, and thanks to its great popularity, you can easily find a solution to almost any problem online. It’s a great distribution for learning the basics of Linux, especially since it’s often used on servers.
Linux Mint
Linux Mint is a Linux distribution based on Ubuntu and Debian. As a result, it’s very stable and looks graphically similar to Windows, for example. It’s very simple and beginner-friendly to use. The distribution itself is quite stable, which makes it very popular with programmers around the world.
Arch Linux
A real treat for people who are passionate about operating systems. Although I wouldn’t recommend Arch to every beginner (at least not for everyday use) - if you want to configure the entire system yourself from the inside and tailor it as closely as possible to your preferences, take a look at this distribution. However, if you want to focus on programming rather than playing around with your operating system, Arch may disappoint you, since it takes some time to set up, especially at the very beginning.
Debian
Debian is a true Linux legend. A whole host of other distributions are based on it, including Ubuntu, mentioned above and known to almost everyone. Debian is widely used on servers and, in my opinion, is one of the best options for developers. It’s relatively easy to use in its own right, and using it can be very useful in your work.
