Best developer linux distro

11 Best Linux Distros For Programming And Development [2021 Edition]

L inux-based operating systems are the most sought after and best suited for developers and programmers. Most developers use different Linux distributions to get their work done swiftly and create something new, but as a former developer myself, one of my major concerns were “Which Linux distro should I be looking at exactly?” Similarly, some of the other concerns while choosing a Linux distro for programming or software development are compatibility, power, stability, and flexibility.

Distros like Ubuntu and Debian have managed to establish themselves as the top picks when it comes to the best Linux distro for developers. Some of the other great choices are openSUSE, Arch Linux, etc. Don’t forget the credit-card-sized Raspberry Pi using which you can learn how to code and build interesting projects.

11 Best Linux Distros For Programming In 2020

Here is the list of the best Linux distros for developers and programming

• Debian GNU/Linux
• Ubuntu
• openSUSE
• Fedora
• Pop!_OS
• Arch Linux
• Solus OS
• Manjaro Linux
• Elementary OS
• Kali Linux
• Raspbian

1. Debian GNU/Linux

Debian GNU/Linux needs no introduction. It is one of the most crucial distros not because it’s popular but because many other distros are based on its stable branch.

Image Credits: Thomas Papp on Medium

The reason behind Debian’s status as a developer’s operating system is a large number of packages and software support, which are important for developers. It’s highly recommended for advanced programmers and system administrators.

Please note that if you are a beginner Linux user and want to learn the basic coding nuances, Debian isn’t the perfect programming operating system. For that, you need to look for beginner-friendly Linux distros such as Ubuntu 20.04, Linux Mint, or Zorin OS.

2. Ubuntu

Ubuntu is the most popular Linux distro when it comes to development. Over the years, thanks to the open-source community, it has grown to become one of the highlights of the Linux desktop scenario.

It is a Debian-based distro which is used in cloud and server applications. It also ships in multiple flavors with different desktop environments and features to gratify people’s different needs.

It is easy to get started with development in Ubuntu. Thanks to the .deb packages, your favorite apps and tools are just a couple of clicks away. Not to mention, its own Software Center has a lot of free applications that make it a great Linux OS for programming. Its LTS version remains supported for 5 years and provides the stability of a fixed release.

3. openSUSE

openSUSE, which can easily give Ubuntu a run for its money due to its professional and timely development, is a very stable operating system for programming. This Linux distro is available in two versions — Leap and Tumbleweed.

While openSUSE Leap is an LTS release that remains pretty up-to-date and guarantees stability, Tumbleweed is a rolling release for those who love the taste of the latest software. If you want to try the latest bleeding-edge hardware support, Tumbleweed is the way to go.

One of the major advantages of openSUSE is its jYaST package management, making it easy to automate different tasks. Another great characteristic of this dependable Linux distro for developers is its software delivery method. My personal favorite thing about openSUSE is, you can head over to its software portal website and install anything in just one click. Its vast package database and supportive community is another plus point.

4. Fedora

Fedora is a community-driven project that delivers the most cutting edge operating system in several editions aiming for particular use cases. The best thing about Fedora is its primary sponsor, Red Hat Inc., which is a well-known company among the Linux ecosystem.

Fedora comes in several editions, and the Fedora workstation is specially designed for developers. It is pretty stable and features numerous tools to configure the development environment. It serves mostly out-of-the-box on most hardware, and its small release delivers all-new features, security, and bug fixes.

Moreover, Fedora only ships with open source components, making it a perfect choice if you’re a die-hard open-source enthusiast. Even Linus Torvalds prefers Fedora over Debian and Ubuntu. Moreover, you can share your problems in the Fedora forum and expect a solution to arrive quickly. As Red Hat backs fedora, you can also expect it to work without issues during the development process.

5. Pop!_OS

The US-based Linux hardware manufacturer System76 announced its custom Ubuntu-based Linux distribution called Pop!_OS in 2017. The company took this step after Ubuntu decided to ditch its homegrown Unity desktop environment and adopted the already flourishing GNOME desktop environment. Now, they’ve made their own desktop environment which they’re calling COSMIC, which is a GNOME-based environment with extra features.

System76 calls Pop!_OS an operating system for developers, makers, and computer science professionals who use their machines to create new things. It supports tons of programming languages and programming tools natively.

To make your workflow more productive, Pop!_OS gives programmers a unique power with a keyboard-driven tiling window manager. Advanced window management, shortcuts, and workspaces enhance the user experience.

If you’re confused between Pop!_OS and Ubuntu, do read our Ubuntu VS. Pop!_OS article.

6. Arch Linux

Arch Linux is a favorite Linux distribution for die-hard Linux enthusiasts who want full control of their operating system. If you want to start from the ground up, you can choose Arch Linux to build a customized operating system that could easily become a great Linux distro for programming and other development purposes.

If you love the rolling Linux distributions (here are some fixed vs. rolling release differences), then look no further. Arch Linux has a bleeding-edge repository that is always up-to-date. A one-time installation is sufficient, and every time a new version is released (very early every month), you need to update your packages to install the latest versions of the same.

Again, the community is always there for you if you need help. Overall, it’s a great distro for programming and advanced users.

7. Solus OS

And here comes Solus. We’ve mentioned it a couple of times in our previous articles. Powered by the Budgie desktop environment, it is one of the most cleaner looking and one of the best distros for programming as it comes with a lot of programming tools out of the box.

One of the hurdles you might face if you’re coming from using Ubuntu is the “eopkg” package manager. Understanding eopkg is no rocket science, but you’ll need to spend extra time learning it.

8. Manjaro Linux

Manjaro is the choice of people who find installing Arch difficult. It has an easy GUI installer, just like Ubuntu or Linux Mint which makes the installation process a whole lot easier.

It is the second most popular distro, according to Distrowatch, which, in itself, says a lot about the distro. Combining all the power of Arch Linux, it suits best for beginners looking for Arch alternate. Moreover, Manjaro comes in three editions GNOME, KDE, and XFCE, so you don’t miss out on your favorite desktop environment.

Manjaro’s development team has been doing a pretty great job with each release and making the overall experience more polished.

9. elementaryOS

Wait but, what’s the best-looking Linux distro doing on this list? While elementaryOS is an amazing Linux distro looks-wise, it’s also based on Ubuntu which is also one of the best Linux distros for programming. Hence, if you want a nice blend of programming and macOS-like feels, look no further and install elementaryOS.

elementaryOS was one of the first Linux distros that I tried when I was pursuing my CS graduation. I absolutely loved it and was glad that something like it existed as I was tired of constant Windows slowdowns on my potato PC.

10. Kali Linux

Kali Linux, created by Offensive Security, is primarily preferred by ethical hackers to perform penetration tests on vulnerable networks and computers. But it can also act as a great companion for programmers looking for a Linux distro for programming and development.

It comes loaded with tons of pre-installed tools. However, let me clarify that it’s not designed for people who’re new to the Linux world. However, you’ll be fine using it if you’ve tried Linux and programming. Kali Linux also helps you gain knowledge that’ll surely help you excel in your career.

Just like other entries on this list, you can download its latest version and install it or dual boot from scratch.

11. Raspbian/Raspberry Pi OS

Let me get straight to the point. The Raspberry Pi is the coolest thing that I’ve ever tried. The first time I showed it to my non-techie friends, their reactions were so precious, “Wait, that thing is a computer. You’re joking, right?” This credit-card-sized computer has become a viral hit in schools as it’s heavily used for Linux programming and teaching the basics of coding.

This modest computer’s official Raspbian/Raspberry Pi OS comes loaded with tons of programming tools, connector pins, and other useful ports. This makes it a perfect Linux OS for learning embedded systems programming.

It has BlueJ, Geany, Greenfoot, Mathematica, Python, Node-RED, Scratch, and other tools for making your learning process more effective. We have a complete series of how-to articles on Raspberry Pi so, do make sure to check them out if you’re interested.

If you want to buy a Raspberry Pi, decide after reading our Raspberry Pi 4 Model B review. (Psst… It’s the most powerful Raspberry Pi ever made)

Why Is Linux Best For Programmers And Developers?

Firstly, there’s no such thing as “the best Linux distro for programming.” You can code on any GNU/Linux operating system as long as you know how to install the necessary development tools. But, we think Linux is best for programmers because; most web frameworks, tools, code editors are also open-source, just like Linux; hence, everything, when used together, feels like an ecosystem in itself and gives a good, seamless feel.

But why is Windows popular if Linux is so good? People normally still assume that things don’t function right out of the box like Windows. There are other reasons, too, like gaming which we have covered in the Linux gaming article. While you’re here, do make sure to check out our article on 13 Best Linux Distros for Gaming.

But a Linux-based OS is still the best Linux distros for programming and development purposes. If you want to learn new technologies such as game development, web development, Blockchain, or Machine learning, Linux is the best choice because it is free to use and open-source.

You don’t need software licenses to get started; instead, you can download any open-source tool for free, make changes in its source code, and heavily personalize it to suit your development environments, and maybe make your own repository of the personalized version on GitHub.

You can customize the terminal, try different text editors, and install the desktop environment of your choice. Moreover, most programming languages (if they aren’t limited to a particular OS) work on Linux. Last but not least, Linux expertise is in great demand. Getting started with Linux now can slowly but surely help you in your career.

Now that you know that Linux is great for programming let’s look at some of the best Linux distros for programming and all developers.

Conclusion

So, these were some of the best Linux distros for programming and development. There are a lot of other distros, but we included the popular ones. These distros are like a drop in the ocean.

If you’ve used a distro that deserves to be on this list, do let us know. Also, make sure to check out our other best Linux distros articles.

Источник

10 Best Linux Distributions For Programmers

Last updated January 7, 2020 By Aquil Roshan 22 Comments

There are hundreds of Linux distributions. A lot of them are customized for specific usage such as robotics, mathematics etc.

Does this mean there are specific Linux distributions for programming as well?

Yes and no. When Linux was originally created, it was mainly used by programmers at that time. Linux has changed a lot since its inception but it is still an excellent choice for development.

Technically, you can choose any one of the best Linux distros available out there for programming.

However, in this article, I thought of considering some factors like reliability, stability, software availability, ease of installation and user experience to list some of my personal favorites for programmers and developers using Linux.

So, no matter whether you want to just use a code editor, create virtual machines, deploy containerized apps or just anything relevant – you will find the listed distros helpful.

Best Linux distributions for programming

You don’t have to stress a lot to select any one of the following mentioned. If the distro is actively maintained, has a decent community that helps keeps the packages up-to-date, and is reliable, you should be good to go.

To help you save some time, I shall filter some options in no particular order of ranking.

1. Ubuntu

Ubuntu is considered one of the best Linux distributions for beginners. But it is also an excellent choice for an advanced power user, or a developer. Ubuntu is suitable for all.

It is easy to use and you will also find most of the tools/packages available in the default repository. They also have the Snap packaging that makes installing programming tools even easier.

You should stick to its LTS releases to get reliable software updates for years. Do note that Ubuntu has several official flavors available based on different desktop environments.

You can refer to our guide to decide which Ubuntu version to choose.

2. openSUSE

openSUSE is tailored for developers and system administrators with in-built functionalities to help you manage systems, utilize containerization technologies included, and a bunch of useful features for programmers, developers, and sysadmins.

It has a great community, a solid development sector, and a completely professional attitude.

A regular openSUSE release is maintained for several years and thus providing it the stability.

If you want a rolling-release cycle, they also offer openSUSE Tumbleweed edition- which is a bleeding-edge distro for developers who want everything up-to-date as fast as possible.

3. Fedora

Fedora has a release cycle of 9 months. This is great for developers who can’t afford to be left with an older version for too long.

You get two variants, one for your workstation and another ready for servers. Similar to openSUSE, Fedora also aims to help developers or programmers to get things done.

If you’re looking to utilize open source tools, you will find almost everything you need to use just a click away. It also features GNOME Boxes to help you create virtual machines easily. I’ve also covered a quick article to help you update Fedora, in case.

It is also worth noting that you can deploy containerized applications with its built-in Open Container Initiative (OCI) image support.

4. Pop!_OS

Pop!_OS is based on Ubuntu – however, the overall experience feels solid and smooth enough over the real deal.

Of course, it is subjective, but if you’re curious, you can check out a subjective Pop!_OS vs Ubuntu comparison to learn more.

The software repository is maintained by keeping developers in mind. So, you will find more tools available by default and most of them should be up-to-date as well. The GNOME experience and the workflow of the distribution have also been tweaked for coders/developers.

So, you must give it a try before deciding the best for yourself!

5. elementary OS

elementary OS is yet another Ubuntu-based Linux distribution. It is indeed one of the best Linux distros out there – however, if you are a developer looking for something that gets things done while also having a great user interface (macOS-ish), this could be your choice.

It also features its own app store where you can choose to pay for the free apps while having some cool features like picture-in-picture mode and so on.

Not just limited to the looks and features – but it is stable enough and useful for developers as well.

6. Manjaro

Talking about Arch, why not try something that’s simpler and yet based on Arch?

If you are someone who does not appreciate a lot of steps (or troubleshooting) to set up things, you might be better off with Manjaro.

Manjaro is fast and also supports various desktop environments to suit your requirements. You will also find the repository good enough for developers. I’m not sure – what you work on but not just the overall platform but the Manjaro community is quite active to help users when needed.

7. Arch Linux

Ok, so this one will require a fair amount of time and patience on your part just to set up. But it’s worth it.

Arch Linux comes with just the Linux kernel and the package manager, Pacman. You don’t even get a graphical interface. You build on the base, picking components as per your preference. The result of this is a highly personalized operating system that contains everything you need and nothing that you don’t.

Arch Linux is known for it’s bleeding edge, up to date repository. The operating system itself is completely reliable. The rare issues regarding stability creep in when you install unsupported packages from the Arch User Repository (which can be avoided by being cautious while dealing with AUR). This too affects only the software in question and not the OS itself.

Every debug info and instructions are well documented in the Arch Wiki which honestly is the best documentation any Linux distro has. So any issue you may face can be repaired easily by following very beginner-friendly instructions provided in the Arch Wiki.

Building a personalized operating system with Arch Linux is the way to go – but if it’s not something you want to invest your time on, you can try the next alternative as well.

8. Debian

Debian is unquestionably one of the best out there (considering the fact that Ubuntu is based on Debian).

You should have every important tool/package available for Debian to utilize for your work. Debian may not be a pretty OS – in terms of its user interface when compared to Pop!_OS. But, you can customize it to fit your requirements.

No matter whether you are a novice or an expert developer, Debian has a decent learning curve for all that helps you make the most out of it.

9. Raspbian

Raspbian is yet another useful distro based on Debian for developers/programmers using Raspberry Pi for their projects.

It includes most of the essential software for programmers like Python, Java, Scratch, and so on. So, give it a try!

10. Nitrux

Nitrux is an interesting addition to this list while being something based on Ubuntu (but not exactly).

Overall, it features some unique tools like ZNX to manage your distributions and MauiKit (a UI framework to help you develop applications with cross-platform support).

It may not be suitable for every user (or developer) out there – however, it is indeed a unique Linux distribution that you can take a look at. You can learn more about Nitrux in our interview article with its founder.

Wrapping up

These would be my picks as the best distros for programmers and developers. It’s completely alright if you prefer something else than the ones mentioned in this article – as long as it helps you get the job done, it’s all good.

Did I miss any of your favorites? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

Like what you read? Please share it with others.

Источник