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Ubuntu 22.10 has already been released, but my computer’s Ubuntu is still on version 18.04.
Currently, among the mainstream operating systems for PCs—Windows, Linux, and MacOS—Linux is still predominant in embedded development. So, what are the advantages of Linux over Windows?
What advantages does Linux have?
The cost of migrating from one system to another is enormous. What charm does Linux have that is worth my doing this?
Linux is Elegant
When I install software on Windows, I first need to open the browser, search for the software I want, carefully avoid ads, and when I find a site that looks legitimate, I still have to cautiously find the download link instead of the huge download button, and finally install it carefully, making sure not to miss any checkboxes. If I accidentally miss one, I might find my computer lagging, and soon enough, unwanted programs will show up on my desktop.
In contrast, on Linux, commands like apt install or yum install can handle the entire installation.
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Linux does not require you to choose whether to install software on C drive or D drive; it has already defined where files should be placed,
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There is no need for antivirus software,
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No need to clean up junk files,
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No need to free up memory,
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No need to activate the system; it is open source and free,
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No need for disk optimization,
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Linux is Efficient
This is what attracts me most about Linux.
Command Line
The command line is not an outdated way of operating a computer. On the contrary, it has always been efficient and expressive.
When you want to copy, cut, or delete a file, I believe opening the file manager and jumping between different windows is not as fast as a single command.
When you want to check the system’s operating status, I believe moving the mouse, right-clicking, and selecting Task Manager is not as fast as a single command.
When you want to write a simple script or file, I believe opening the editor, creating a new file, writing, and selecting the file location to save is not as fast as a single command.
The mouse is a great tool, but it has its limitations; after all, it only has three buttons. The expressiveness of using parameters in the command line is limitless.
Reduce Mouse Usage
Through the command line, browser plugins like Vimium (which operates the browser interface in a Vim-like manner), Albert (which brings up an input box to open apps, files, URLs, search directly, calculate…), system shortcuts, and IDEA (which is designed with a keyboard-first philosophy), I can use the mouse very little.
Of course, it’s not that I dislike the mouse; when your hands are flying over the keyboard, using the keyboard directly is faster than moving your right hand to the mouse and then back again, and this uninterrupted experience is very pleasant.
As for why this is an advantage of Linux, in my years of experience using Windows, I have not found an entry point to customize system shortcuts, let alone custom macros. Windows certainly has a command line, but I believe its richness and the coordination between commands are not as good as Linux’s (some call it an accessory).
Reduce Repetitive Tasks
I have a folder dedicated to storing various scripts I have written. Most of the time, the problems you face can be solved by available software, but when there are some fragmented, unique, repetitive small tasks, scripts can help you solve these well.
For example, I have a script that monitors the production environment (which should actually be part of the project itself), an OA guardian script (which monitors whether I have written a daily report, and if not, sends me a text reminder), and even a scheduled script for sending WeChat messages…
These scripts can alleviate the repetitive labor in the information world to some extent, allowing me to focus more on creative work.
Startup Speed
On my computer, both system startup speed and software (IDEA, Chrome) startup speed are slightly better than Windows.
Based on my experience, there are no accurate test data. However, IDEA has been tested and is over a second faster.
Memory Usage
The above only illustrates the benefits brought by scripts, without stating that they are brought about under Linux.
Because only Linux has such openness and customizability, you can easily modify system configurations and change system states through commands, even modify the kernel code, compile, and use it.
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If you don’t like the current desktop environment, you can easily switch through commands.
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If you like Mac OS, you can follow online tutorials to make Ubuntu look exactly the same (including the boot logo).
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If you don’t like the default file manager, you can choose other excellent software, such as Nautilus.
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If you don’t like the current terminal, there are many choices; I have even used a terminal that mimics one from a movie, which is very geeky.
In contrast, for instance, regarding fonts, in Linux, I can install and switch system fonts through commands, while in Windows, there are no such settings or entries. I do not quite understand why this choice is not available.
And these are just some trivial examples.
Disclaimer: The materials for this article are sourced from the internet, and the copyright belongs to the original author. If there are any copyright issues, please contact me for deletion.
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● Column “Embedded Tools”
● Column “Embedded Development”
● Column “Keil Tutorial”
● Selected Tutorials from the Embedded Column
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