There are a lot of top Linux distributions for developers and there are a lot of options that one can choose. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the top Linux distributions for developers.
Selecting the right Linux distribution (distro) for programming as a developer is a very important decision that can have a great impact on the developer’s experience and the final results they’ll have. Let’s have a good understanding of what a Linux distribution is and the top Linux distributions for developers.
What Is A Linux Distribution?
Before we look at some of the top Linux distributions for developers, let’s have a good understanding of what a Linux distribution (distro) is.
Linux distribution is defined as an operating system that is made from a software collection that is built on the Linux kernel and also on a package management system. Now these distributions are used in packaging or bundling all of the necessary software to run an operating system. This includes the kernel, libraries, utilities, and applications.
Each of these Linux distributions has its own target audience and they are developed and supported by different organizations, communities, or individuals.
Top Linux Distributions For Developers
After having a good understanding of Linux distributions, we’ll be looking at some of the top Linux distributions for beginners. Here’s a list of some of the top Linux distributions for developers who are programmers.
1. Ubuntu ( Common choice for Linux Newbies or Beginner developers)
Ubuntu is one of the next Linux distributors for developers. One amazing thing about Ubuntu is that it is user-friendly making it a great choice for those who are new to programming or have little knowledge of Linux.
Ubuntu is one of the top Linux distributions for developers and is built on and supported by Debian. It is very easy to install, use, and navigate, and it has a lot of online resources to help you get started.
Apart from being user-friendly, Ubuntu is free. It is one of the most popular Linux distributions out there, it is even popular among those who have little knowledge of Linux.
Ubuntu is very reliable and has a Long Term Support (LTS) release, which provides a reliable and secure development environment that doesn’t need to be upgraded frequently. Ubuntu is a very accessible operating system that’s easy for users at all skill levels to use. So, if you’re a beginner or you’re new to Linux, then Ubuntu is the best distro for you to use.
2. Manjaro Linux (Widely used among Intermediate programmers)
Manjaro is second on the list of top Linux distributors for developers. Manjaro Linux is one of the most popular choices among intermediate programmers. Manjaro Linux is built on and supported by Arch Linux and they both have a lot of similar features but Manjaro Linux is much easier to install and use. This is one of the reasons why it is one of the most popular distros for intermediate developers or programmers.
3. Arch Linux ( common choice among Advanced Programmers)
The next top Linux distro for developers is Arch Linux. Unlike Ubuntu and Manjora, which are being used by beginners and intermediate programmers, Arch Linux is a popular choice for Arch advanced programmers. Arch Linux is a lightweight distribution that can be easily configured to meet your needs.
The Arch User Repository (AUR) is one unique feature that Arch Linux has. The Arch User Repository (AUR) can be used to find and install software. If you are an advanced programmer, then Arch Linux distro is a great choice for you.
4. Kali Linux (best choice for security researchers)
Kali Linux is a distro that is among the top Linux distributions for programmers. Kali Linux is built on and supported by Debian and is commonly used among security researchers for digital forensics and penetration testing.
Kalin Linux is the most popular choice of Linux distribution among security programmers due to its wide collection of security-related tools. These tools can be used to test the security of systems and find weaknesses. If you are a security developer, programmer, or researcher and you’re looking for a Linux distro that would help in security penetration and programming, then Kalin Linux is the best option for you.
If you are looking for a Linux distro that will help you in penetration and security programming, then look no further. Developers, as well as security researchers, can gain a lot of benefits by using Kali Linux as their choice of Linux operating system
5. Fedora (best for server programmers)
Fedora Workstation is a popular choice for server programmers due to its reliable and stable distribution, which has a strong focus on security and diverse software packages.
Fedora Linux is flexible in that it can be customized and tailored to meet the specific needs of programmers. Fedora also has a broad spectrum of packages available, giving users a lot of options to choose from and making it easy for developers to find the right tools and libraries needed for server programming. It is also easy to configure, making it a flexible and adaptable platform for developing and setting up server applications.
6. OpenSUSE (Popular among System admins)
OpenSUSE is another distro on our list of top Linux distributions for developers. The OpenSUSE distro is one of the oldest Linux systems and it was created in 1992. OpenSUSE is one of the best choices of distro systems for system administrators and developers who want a secure and reliable operating system.
OpenSUSE is stable and comes with diverse tools and features that make it much easier to administer a server. Like Ubuntu and Kali Linux, OpenSUSE is built on and supported by Debian. It comes with diverse software that is suitable for education and programming.
7. Drauger OS ( Commonly used by game programmers)
Drauger OS is another well-used distro among game programmers on our list of top Linux distributions for developers. The Drauger OS is built on and is supported by Ubuntu; not only that, it displays all the features and benefits that come with that operating system.
Drauger OS is widely used by game programmers who are interested in Linux gaming, as it is a good development platform for game programmers since Drauger OS has a wide range of features that can be used for game development, such as a custom kernel and support for Vulkan.
8. Zorin OS (best for Windows-based programmers)
Zorin OS is built on and supported by Ubuntu. This is a very great option for programmers who are familiar with
Windows or Mac OS and it also comes with all the tools a programmer or developer needs to start programming immediately. Zorin OS is the best Linux distro for Windows-based programmers or developers.
9. Gentoo Linux (best for customizations)
Gentoo Linux is another top Linux distribution for developers. Gentoo Linux is known for its flexibility and for being very easy to customize. It can be configured to meet the specific needs of developers and It also offers a lot of options and tools that you can use to customize your system.
Gentoo Linux is the best Linux distro for developers, programmers and system designers who want to tailor the Linux operating system to suit their needs.
10. Linux Mint (best for general-purpose use)
Linux Mint is the next top Linux distribution for developers. The Linux Mint distro is best for general-purpose use. Like Drauger OS, Linux Mint is based on Ubuntu, which means it has the same features and benefits as Ubuntu. As we said earlier, Ubuntu is user-friendly but because of the extra features of Linux Mint, it is even more user-friendly than Ubuntu. It comes with pre-installed software that makes it easy to launch using Linux.
11. Android-x86 (commonly used by android programmers)
The last top Linux distribution for top developers on our list is Android-x86 and it is commonly used by Android programmers who want to develop their applications on a desktop or laptop.
Android-x86 is community development software that focuses on introducing the Android operating system to x86-based PCs and laptops. The project provides a live and bootable ISO image that can be used to run Android on your PC
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are a lot of top Linux distributions for developers and there are a lot of options that one can choose from. In this article, we’ve listed 11 of the top Linux distributions for developers and programmers. Linux is the preferred operating language of millions of programmers and developers around the world. Linux is a common operating language for programmers who are into gaming, software operating, video editing, and other purposes.
As mentioned earlier, there are different distributions available, and choosing the best distro for programming can be quite challenging. It’s been believed that Ubuntu is the best Linux distribution program to use due to the fact that it is very easy to use and has a lot of features. So, if you’re a beginner, you should stick with Ubuntu until you move to other intermediate and advanced distros.