There are many different Linux distributions (“distros”) available for download. But which one is best for programming?
In this article, we will recommend five of the best Linux distros for programming and development purposes.
All of these operating systems are free to download and use.
Ubuntu
Ubuntu is a popular Linux distro that is based on Debian. It is widely used in both personal and professional settings.
Ubuntu has a large community support base, which makes it a good choice for beginners. It is also relatively easy to install new software on Ubuntu using its built-in package manager, apt.
Fedora
Fedora is another popular Linux distro that is sponsored by Red Hat. Like Ubuntu, it is based on Debian and has a large user base with great community support.
Fedora comes with GNOME as its default desktop environment but also supports other popular DEs such as KDE Plasma and Xfce.
Fedora uses the DNF package manager instead of apt, but both package managers are very similar in terms of usage.
Debian
Debian is one of the oldestLinux distributions and it forms the basis for many other distros (including Ubuntu and Fedora).
Debian is known for being very stable and well-tested before new releases are made available to users. As a result, it can be a great choice for mission-critical systems where uptime is important.
While Debian does not have as large of a user base or community support as some other distros, there are still plenty of resources available online if you need help getting started with using it.
Arch Linux
Arch Linux is another great option if you’re looking for a lightweight distribution that you can customize to your own needs. Arch uses the Pacman package manager, which is very simple to use.
The main downside of Arch compared to other distributions is that it requires more initial setup time since you need to manually install all the components that you want to use.
However, once you have everything set up , Arch provides an excellent platform for programming and development work.
Gentoo
Gentoo is another Linux distribution that focuses on flexibility and customization.
Gentoo allows users to choose between different compiler options, optimize their system for specific hardware, or even create their own custom packages.
While Gentoo can be challenging to set up (especially if you’re new to Linux), it can be worth the effort if you want complete control over your system.
So there you have it – 5 of the best Linux distros for programming and development. All of these operating systems are free to download and use. Which one you choose will ultimately depend on your own needs and preferences. But regardless of which distro you choose, you’ll be sure to have a great experience programming on Linux.