Linux is a great ecosystem that can be used for various purposes. For instance, Linux powers over 96% of the first million servers. When it comes to programming, Linux is arguably better than Windows.
Why is Linux more suitable for developers and programmers?
One of the many motivations for programmers to use the Linux operating system is that it is free and open-source. Additionally, Linux is very secure. While there are indeed antivirus programs for Linux, Linux viruses are extremely rare. Many Linux distributions also benefit from regular updates, and this advanced feature combined with stability makes FOSS (Free and Open Source Software) a great choice.
However, the real highlight of Linux for programming and development is its compatibility with almost all programming languages. You will appreciate access to the Linux command line, which is superior to the Windows command line. There are also a plethora of Linux programming applications, such as Sublime Text, Bluefish, and KDevelop. Linux has compatibility with languages like Ruby, C, and C++. Certain languages, such as Visual Basic on Windows, are not supported on Linux. But so far, Linux claims the most extensive programming language support. For remote server management, whether file servers or web servers, there is built-in SSH support. Of course, familiarity with Linux is an excellent skill to add to your resume, especially for system administrators.
Here are some of the best Linux distributions for programmers and developers
1. Ubuntu
While it is not the oldest distribution or the only Linux distribution, Ubuntu can be installed on the most popular Linux operating systems. With a large user base, Ubuntu’s documentation is very rich. From official forums to third-party communities, there are many support options available. The existence of Ubuntu derivatives (like Lubuntu and Xubuntu) is due to the fact that Ubuntu works well.
The Debian-based OS provides an excellent, user-friendly package manager. With Android open-source project compatibility, it is a great choice for Android developers. You will also find snap package support for applications written in your preferred programming language, which you can then deploy to Linux using Snapcraft. Easy to use, widely popular, and with a wealth of programming resources, from snap applications to Android Open Source Project and Ubuntu Make, Ubuntu is an excellent choice for developers.
Why Ubuntu is great for programmers and developers:
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Abundant official and third-party support
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Resource-rich
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Ubuntu Make uses command-line tools for development
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Android open-source project compatibility
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Easy to use
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Debian-based
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Regular updates
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Great package manager
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Supports snap applications
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Multiple installation options: desktop, IoT, cloud, server
2. Pop!_OS
From Linux PC manufacturer System76, Pop!_OS is a Linux distribution aimed at programmers and makers. Pop!_OS is based on Ubuntu and features the GNOME desktop environment. Personally, Pop!_OS is the desktop Linux distribution I run on my laptop. It has many features, including useful keyboard shortcuts, a powerful app store, and access to repositories like TensorFlow. Window management can even be adjusted based on the developer’s workflow. Additionally, Pop!_OS has features like seamless switching between integrated graphics and dedicated graphics, making Linux a great experience for programming.
Why Pop!_OS is great for programmers and developers:
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Based on Ubuntu
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GNOME desktop environment
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Powerful app store
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Shortcuts and window management designed for programmers
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Easy to use
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Excellent support
3. Kali Linux
Kali Linux gained popularity among some non-Linux users due to the American TV show “Mr. Robot”, and it is an excellent distribution for security-conscious Linux users. Focused on penetration testing, it is perfect for pen testing, ethical hackers, and network vulnerability assessments. Although it is not beginner-friendly, Kali Linux is top-notch for pen testing and ethical hacking. With its pre-installed tools like the password cracker John the Ripper, web application security scanner OWASP ZAP, and penetration testing suite Aircrack-ng, Kali is well-suited for ethical hacking. The black hoodie and F Society mask are sold separately.
Why Kali Linux is great for programmers and developers:
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Dedicated to penetration testing and ethical hacking
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Includes a plethora of tools like John the Ripper, Aircrack-ng, and OWASP ZAP
4. CentOS
Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) free community version CentOS is a fantastic alternative to RHEL. You will find most of its features but packaged in a free distribution. CentOS has access to its YUM package manager and Red Hat Software Collections (RHSCL) repositories, which are filled with open-source databases, making CentOS a wise choice for programmers. With commercial RHEL software available for free on CentOS, this stable enterprise-grade Linux OS is an excellent choice.
Why CentOS is great for programmers and developers:
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RHEL community version
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Access to RHSCL
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Stable and secure
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YUM package manager
5. Raspberry Pi
The credit card-sized Raspberry Pi is a very practical single-board computer (SBC). The Pi packs a bigger punch than its small form factor, capable of running a variety of Linux operating systems, including Debian, Ubuntu, CentOS, and even Kali Linux. However, Raspbian is an excellent choice. It supports many programming resources and languages, such as Python, Mathematica, Greenfoot, and BlueJ. Raspbian runs like a champion on the super-popular SBC with its lovely Pixel desktop environment. Programming on the Raspberry Pi means you can use a small energy-efficient desktop PC.
Why Raspbian is great for programmers and developers:
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A wealth of programming resources like BlueJ, Greenfoot, Python, Mathematica
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Pixel desktop
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The Raspberry Pi is compact and energy-efficient, making it an excellent programming PC that won’t break the bank
Best Linux Distributions for Programmers and Developers – Final Thoughts
Choosing the top Linux operating system will always have some subjectivity. However, the criteria for programmers and developers help narrow down the list. Generally, look for powerful and stable distributions that have a thriving user community. This way, you will benefit from regular updates and a wealth of resources (such as official forums or Wikis) as well as third-party resources (like subreddits).
Which Linux operating system do you prefer for programming? Feel free to leave a comment below!
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