We all know very well that Linux is almost certainly the favorite operating system of programmers and developers, as it is easy to use if you have enough experience. And not only that as it includes tons of software specialized in software development, and all those are for free. Hence, today in this article we will show you a list of 10 best Linux distros for programming and developers.
Top 13 Best Linux Distros For Programming and Developers
Linux is almost certainly the favorite operating system of programmers and developers, as it is easy to use if you have enough experience. And not only that as it includes tons of software specialized in software development, and all those are for free. For this and other reasons, there are some Linux distros which are really good for programming.
This success is what has led the tech giant Microsoft to try to “absorb” Linux including several of its distributions in the Windows store. However, most users prefer a clean installation instead of Windows 10 or a virtual machine.
There are many reasons why Linux is the best operating system to program. As we have told already that it is free, it gives points when looking for a job, almost all languages work well in it and there is much more variety. Even you can practically build your own customized OS if you want it.
We should thank all the programmers and developers who use Linux distros, as due to them we have open source programs that provide functionalities that are within reach of few and are useful for millions of people. It is precisely the community one of the strong points of this operating system.
Also Read: Top Best Hacking Tools Of 2019 For Windows, Linux and Mac OS X
So, without wasting much time let’s explore all the best Linux distros for programming and developers:-
Debian
It is one of the most veteran distributions. The main advantage of Debian is that it has many programs available, in addition to easy-to-install and manage .deb packages. If that is not enough, a search in the tech giant Google is enough to arrive at the solution of any problem that may arise, something that happens because it is one of the most stable distributions.
On the other hand, although Debian is one of the best distros to program and develop, it is not recommended if you are new to this operating system. Many operations required to be performed from the terminal and not in a graphic way, so if you just arrived, then it is better to go with other options given below.
Click here to download and install Debian.
openSUSE
This distribution has been displaced in recent years at the user level by others more competitive in this segment such as Manjaro or Linux Mint. However, openSUSE is still one of the favorite options for developing software.
Like Debian, it has been on the international scene for many years. It also has thousands of applications in general and hundreds for the development sector. Like all the others, it’s totally free, although there are many people who spend their time in solving doubts, which is a plus point of this operating system.
The good thing about the latest versions of openSUSE is that they get constant updates, it means with the constant updates it keeps all its programs updated. It is ideal if you want to be up to date with software developments for Linux.
Click here to download and install.
Fedora
We now arrive at one of the best Linux distros for programmers, and not only that even this OS is also the favorite of the creator of Linux, of course, Linus Torvalds himself, who prefers it over Debian.
To begin with, the cycle of updates is six months. This keeps the operating system up-to-date and up to date with all the news, of course, with virtually all Open Source elements. If you are an open source lover, you will undoubtedly want to give Fedora Linux a try.
Unlike the previous two, with Fedora, we are facing a modern and avant-garde distribution. In fact, some of the features it incorporates arrive soon after to other distros such as Ubuntu.
It has three downloadable versions from its website: Server, Workstation and Atomic. The latter is specially designed to work with Kubernetes.
Click here to download and install.
CentOS
If you want a stable distribution, that works well, with a lot of software and perfect to develop all kinds of orders, the CentOS is your choice. It has long-term support, and for the long-term, we refer to the support of 10 years. It is the one and only OS that has more time of support in this world.
Broadly speaking, it is a free version of Red Hat Linux compiled by independent developers. It has access to the repositories of this company, so it has at least the same software as Fedora. They both are two similar options, so the best thing is to download CentOS and try it together with Fedora to choose which one suits you the most.
The development of this Linux distro for programmers and developers is a good example of how the community can collaborate to achieve the good of all, little by little and in the long term.
Click here to download and install.
Arch Linux
Finally, there is nothing more to mention that perhaps the Linux distro for programmers and developers with a higher level of specialization. From the beginning, you might have realized it that it is a modular distribution. So, it is you who must go choosing which parts you want to install with it and customize the pack completely for the use that you are going to give it.
It also follows the rolling release model, so you do not have to worry about the packages, they will not be obsolete. Another advantage of Arch Linux over other distros for programmers is that the community is composed almost exclusively by them.
Arch Linux gets automatically updated – if you configure it that way – every month without having to reinstall it. Software repositories are full of programs that will help you write in any language without any problems. Hence, it is a delight for advanced users.
Click here to download and install.
Raspbian
I could not miss this version. It is the Linux distribution that is included by default with Raspberry Pi. It is the perfect operating system for those who want to start in development and learn.
In addition, the Raspberry Pi website has many guides to use different programming tools, such as starting with Python. Hence, should give this Linux distro a try.
Click here to download and install.
Manjaro
A promising distribution that promises to bring the full potential of Arch Linux to the least experienced user. For that, it offers an operating system already mounted and based on Arch, with a simple installer like the one we can find in other distributions such as Ubuntu. It has official versions with the XFCE and KDE desktop environments.
Click here to download and install.
Gentoo
Gentoo allows users to download and compile their source code manually as needed. This allows users to choose exactly which versions of the software packages can be installed.
It is, therefore, another of the distributions of Linux indicated for developers. Hence, most of the users simply choose this operating system as their favorite one.
Click here to download and install.
Ubuntu
One of the most used distributions thanks to its great ease of use. Based on Debian, it is loved and hated in equal parts by its exclusive Unity desktop environment, with which it aims to become a versatile distribution that can be used both on computers and mobile phones and tablets.
Click here to download and install.
Linux Mint
Based on Ubuntu, it is one of the most recommended for all those who play Linux for the first time. Its desktop environment, Cinnamon, has many similarities with Windows and is also one of the most customizable distros available on the internet.
Click here to download and install.
Pop!_OS
Pop!_OS is another great Linux distro that a programmer can use. The great thing about Pop!_OS is that it sports a great look and lots of features that the programmer needs. It’s also one of the stable GNOME 3 Distro that you can use today. So, Pop!_OS is another best Linux distro that every programmer would love to use.
Click here to download and install.
NuTyX
Well, if you are looking for a Linux distro that’s highly flexible and offers lots of features, then NuTyX might be the best pick for you. Guess what? NuTyX offers complete control to the users. It arrives with a package manager and kernel which can be used to create a fully customized experience. So, NuTyX is definitely the best Linux distro for Programmers 2019 that you can use today.
Click here to download and install.
elementary OS
elementary OS is one of the fastest, open and privacy-respecting replacement for Windows and macOS. It’s one of the new Linux OS that’s pretty user-friendly. The great thing about elementary OS is that it has its own GUI and apps that are super easy to learn. Due to its simplicity, elementary OS is one of the preferred Linux distros for programming. So, elementary OS is another best Linux distro that programmers would love to use.
Click here to download and install.
Also Read: Top 5+ Best Linux Distros for Windows Users
In short, these are 10 interesting and best Linux distro for programming and developers. There are multiple options, as we have mentioned, depending on the type of users and for what we need to use the operating system. Of course, in all cases, security is something important. So, what do you think about this list? Simply share all your views and thoughts in the comment section below.
