Linux is a powerful operating system that has a lot to offer developers. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the things that make Linux a great choice for development, as well as some of the different types of Linux distributions available. We’ll also help you choose the best distribution for your needs.
Photo by Alex Chumak on Unsplash
Why Linux.
Linus Torvalds created Linux in 1991 as a free and open-source alternative to Unix. Since then, it has become the most widely used operating system in the world, with a estimated 90% of web servers running on Linux.
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FOSS culture.
Linux is built on the philosophy of free and open-source software (FOSS). This means that anyone can view, edit, and redistribute the source code for any purpose. This makes Linux an attractive option for developers, as they have complete control over their environment.
Security.
Linux is known for its security features, which make it a popular choice for hosting critical applications. The modular nature of Linux allows administrators to easily lock down systems, and there are many tools available to harden systems further. In addition, the large number of users means that vulnerabilities are quickly found and patched.
Package managers.
Package managers are an essential part of any Linux distribution, and allow developers to easily install, update, and remove software packages. This saves time and effort when setting up development environments, as all the necessary dependencies can be installed with a few commands.
The Different Types of Linux Distributions.
Debian is a Unix-like computer operating system that is composed entirely of free software. Debian’s social contract guarantees the freedom of the distribution and ensures that modifications will be released under the same principles.
Arch.
Arch Linux is a lightweight and flexible Linux distribution that tries to Keep It Simple. The design approach of the development team follows the KISS principle (“keep it simple, stupid”) as much as possible.
Fedora.
Fedora is a general purpose operating system built on top of the Linux kernel, developed by the community-supported Fedora Project and sponsored by Red Hat. It uses a Rolling Release development model, meaning new versions of Fedora are made available every few months, rather than waiting for a specific “release date”.
Gentoo.
Gentoo Linux is a source-based distribution with a package management system called Portage. Gentoo provides users with frequent updates to both base packages (compiled from source code) and installed programs (binary packages).
Ubuntu.
Ubuntu is a Debian-based Linux operating system, with Unity as its default desktop environment (for version 11 onwards). It is based on free software and named after the African philosophy of ubuntu, which often is translated as “humanity towards others” or “the belief in a universal bond of sharing that connects all humanity”.
Which One Should You Choose.
Debian is a great choice for developers who want a stable and secure development environment. Debian’s package management system is very robust and easy to use, making it a good choice for developers who want to manage their dependencies effectively. Debian also has excellent documentation, which can be very helpful for new developers.
Arch.
Arch is a great choice for developers who want a fast and lightweight development environment. Arch’s package management system is very simple and efficient, making it a good choice for developers who want to keep their development environment clean and tidy. Arch also has excellent documentation, which can be very helpful for new developers.
Fedora.
Fedora is a great choice for developers who want an easy-to-use development environment with lots of features. Fedora’s package management system is very user-friendly and comes with a lot of handy tools, making it a good choice for developers who want to get the most out of their development environment. Fedora also has excellent documentation, which can be very helpful for new developers.
Gentoo.
Gentoo is a great choice for experienced developers who want complete control over their development environment. Gentoo’s package management system gives users complete control over how their packages are installed and configured, making it a good choice for experienced developers who want total control over their development process. Gentoo also has excellent documentation, which can be very helpful for new developers.
Conclusion
Linux is a great choice for development for many reasons. It is stable, has great security, and there are many different distributions to choose from depending on your needs. Debian, Arch, Fedora, Gentoo, and Ubuntu are all great choices for different purposes. If you’re just starting out, Debian or Ubuntu are probably the best choices. But if you want more control over your system, Arch or Gentoo might be better suited for you. Whichever distribution you choose, Linux is a great platform for development.
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