Linux Over Windows

If you're a dev and never heard of Linux, Seriously buddy, it's time to come out of your cave. Let me tell you one thing in the world of programming, some people have Linux as their first love: they use their terminal skills just to flex (like following image) and may simply believe they are superior to other coders.

If you're looking to step out of your comfort zone and explore a creative learning journey, Linux is the challenge you're looking for. This will not only push you beyond your current limits but also take you into a dynamic environment where every command you enter becomes a lesson.

To be honest, both Linux and Windows have their advantages, but in this blog, we will understand what provides Linux strong ground when it comes to coding and why many programmers (including me) recommend it over Windows. From its open-source nature to its powerful and customizable development environment, Linux offers many other advantages that make it stand out.

Lets understand Linux feature that make it superior :

Open Source

One of the main differences between Linux and Windows is the open-source environment. Linux gives developers the freedom to use and modify the source code, which promotes a collaborative and transparent environment. It's like a home-brew operating system - who doesn't like that? And it also has a community to approach problem-solving. The philosophy of Linux and open source encourages innovation and continuous improvement, allowing developers to contribute to the improvement of the operating system. As the Linux penguin says, "Join the fun and waddle your way to freedom!"

Command Line Interface

Linux and its Command Line Interface (CLI) is a powerful tool that differentiates it from Windows in coding environments. The command line enables efficient execution of tasks, allowing developers to automate repetitive processes, search for problems, and manage files seamlessly. The command line offers unparalleled precision and control, allowing developers to perform complex tasks with ease. And you can customize as much as you like, That's what makes it a developer's favorite weapon.

Lets take look what CLI provides :

  • Scripting and Automation

  • Text Processing and Pipelines

  • Resource Efficiency

  • Remote Access and Management

  • Customisation and Personalization

  • Access to Powerful Tools

  • Debugging and Problem Solving

Package Management

Linux is great for package management because it gives developers access to a repository that contains a variety of software libraries and tools. Package managers such as Advanced Package Tool (APT) and Yum make it easy to install, update, and remove software components. This approach simplifies development and ensures that developers get the latest and most stable versions of libraries and tools without having to go through complicated installation procedures.

Stability and Reliability

Linux is known for its stability and reliability, making it a good choice for coding environments. The modular architecture and separation of user space from the core result in a robust system. This stability allows developers to focus on coding without the risk of unexpected crashes or system errors. Conversely, Windows, with its frequent updates and background processes, can break the encryption process.

Development Tools

Linux has a wide range of development tools, compilers and libraries that support a variety of programming languages. The availability and ease of integration of these tools provides developers with a complete and diverse coding environment. Many popular programming languages, including Python, Ruby, and C++, integrate well with Linux, improving the overall development experience.

Linux vs Windows

As a developer I understand nobody like to read it thoroughly so here is a quick comparison.

FeatureLinuxWindows
Open SourceYesNo (Closed Source)
Command Line InterfacePowerful and versatileAvailable but less robust
Package ManagementCentralised repositoriesLess integrated
Stability and ReliabilityKnown for stability and reliabilityOccasional interruptions due to updates
Development ToolsExtensive ecosystemComprehensive, but Linux often more versatile

Now, when you decide to switch, you need to be aware of the diverse selection of distributions available. Choosing the perfect Linux distribution is like finding the holy grail - every user has a mission!

So maybe following comparison can help :

FeatureUbuntuFedoraDebianArch LinuxopenSUSEManjaroPop!_OS
Base DistributionDebianRed HatDebianIndependentSUSEArch LinuxUbuntu
Package ManagementAPT (Debian Package Management)DNF (Dandified YUM)APTPacmanZypperPacmanAPT
Release CycleFixed (LTS every 2 years)Regular (Approximately 6 months)Stable (Conservative)Rolling ReleaseRegular (Every 8 months)Rolling ReleaseRegular (Every 6 months)
Desktop EnvironmentDefault is GNOME, but supports othersDefault is GNOME, but supports othersCan be customizedUser choiceKDE Plasma, GNOME, Xfce, othersXFCE, KDE, GNOME, othersGNOME
Community SupportLarge and active communityActive communityStable and mature communityActive and passionate communityActive communityActive communityActive community
Target AudienceGeneral users, servers, cloudDevelopers, general users, serversStable systems, serversEnthusiasts, experienced usersGeneral users, enterpriseEnthusiasts, general usersGeneral users, developers
Security FocusStrong security featuresSecurity focus, SELinuxEmphasis on stabilityDIY approach with strong documentationSecurity features and AppArmorEmphasizes stability and simplicitySecurity-focused with encryption
Init Systemsystemdsystemdsystemdsystemdsystemdsystemdsystemd
Package Formatdebrpmdebtar.gz (source), AUR (binary)rpmpacmandeb
Ease of UseUser-friendly, suitable for beginnersUser-friendly with a learning curveModerate, more hands-on experienceRequires more technical knowledgeUser-friendly, suitable for beginnersUser-friendly, suitable for beginnersUser-friendly, suitable for beginners
DocumentationExtensive and well-maintained documentationComprehensive documentationDetailed and extensive documentationWiki-based, strong community documentationComprehensive documentationWell-documented with Arch Wiki integrationComprehensive documentation

I prefer Fedora

For me, Fedora stands out among Linux distributions because of its balanced ease of use and powerful development tools. There are many Linux distributions available, but I prefer Fedora for its commitment to user experience, abundance of documentation, and seamless integration of development tools. In my opinion, even if you are a beginner still you should prefer Fedora.

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Written by

Adarsh Kumar Debata
Adarsh Kumar Debata

A software developer with a focus on backend technologies. Learning skills, on the way to level up.