Linux-based operating systems are the most common and ideal for coders and programmers. When I was a developer in the past, one of my biggest concerns was, “Which Linux distro should I explicitly consider?” Compatibility, power, stability, and adaptability are essential when picking a Linux distro for programming or software development. Ubuntu and Debian are the two Best Linux Distro For Programming and have proven to be the most popular. OpenSUSE, Arch Linux, and so on are other great alternatives. Remember the credit-card-sized Raspberry Pi, which you can use to learn to code and build incredible things.
11 Best Linux Distro For Programming In 2023
This article provides a list of the Best Linux Distro For Programming.
Debian GNU/Linux
This version of GNU/Linux, called Debian, needs no introduction. However, it is one of the essential distros not because of its popularity but because many other distros are built on its stable branch.
Debian has many packages and software support available for Debian, contributing to the distro’s popularity among developers. These tools are intended for advanced programmers and system administrators.
If you’re new to Linux and want to learn the basics of programming, you probably shouldn’t start with Debian. Try Ubuntu 20.04, Linux Mint, or Zorin OS if you’re just starting with Linux.
Ubuntu
If you’re going to use Linux for development, you should choose Ubuntu. Thanks to the efforts of the open-source community, it is now one of the most exciting developments in Linux desktop environments.
Linux built this Debian-based distro specifically with server and cloud software in mind. It’s available in several flavors, each with its features and desktop atmosphere, to cater to a wide range of users’ preferences.
Ubuntu reduces the barrier to entry for new programmers. The .deb packages make installing the programs and utilities you use most efficient. Plus, it’s an excellent Linux OS for development because of its Software Center’s abundance of cost-free software. The LTS version offers the stability of a well-tested release and receives maintenance updates for the next five years.
openSUSE
openSUSE is a very reliable OS for developing software, and it can compete favorably with Ubuntu because of its expert and timely development. There are two variants of this Linux distro: Leap and Tumbleweed.
Tumbleweed is a rolling release for those who want the newest software, while openSUSE Leap is a reasonably up-to-date LTS edition that guarantees stability. You can test the most cutting-edge hardware support with Tumbleweed.
Since many tasks can be easily automated using openSUSE’s YaST package management, this is one of its main advantages. This secure Linux distro stands out due to its unique method of delivering software to developers. OpenSUSE’s software gateway website is where I’ve had the most success because it allows me to install anything with a single mouse click. It also has an extensive package database and a friendly user population, which are significant benefits.
Fedora
Fedora is an open-source project that distributes many versions of the latest and most incredible operating system, each tailored to a particular set of needs. Fedora’s best feature is that it is supported by Red Hat Inc., a leader in the Linux ecosystem.
There are many flavors of Fedora, but the Fedora workstation is tailored to programmers. It’s reasonably reliable and has a lot of options for setting up your development environment. The vast majority of hardware can use it straight out of the box, and it has been updated with new functionality, improved security, and squash bugs in its most recent minor release.
Fedora is an excellent choice for those who prefer to work with open source software because it solely ships with open source components. Linus Torvalds himself prefers Fedora to rivals like Debian and Ubuntu. In addition, the Fedora forum is a great place to air your grievances and get prompt attention. Since Fedora has Red Hat’s backing, you may assume it performs reliably during testing and implementation.
Pop!_OS
System76, an American Linux hardware manufacturer, released Pop!_OS, a modified version of Ubuntu, in 2017. The company moved after Ubuntu abandoned its own Unity desktop experience in favor of the more popular GNOME desktop. Now they have their desktop environment called COSMIC, which is based on GNOME but has some extra features.
System76’s Pop!_OS is aimed at the creative community of programmers, hackers, and makers who use gadgets to generate valuable things. A wide variety of languages and development environments work without any additional effort.
Pop!_OS gives developers a new tool to improve their productivity: a tiling window manager controlled entirely by the keyboard. The user interface is enhanced by the availability of advanced window management, keyboard shortcuts, and workspaces.
Arch Linux
If you’re a Linux purist and want full command over your OS, you’ll likely find yourself drawn to Arch Linux. Consider yourself starting from scratch. The Arch Linux distro provides a solid foundation upon which to construct a bespoke OS that has the potential to become a go-to Linux distro for developers.
You need to look no further if you’re a fan of rolling Linux distros (here are some differences between fixed and moving releases). Arch Linux’s repository is perpetually up-to-date and state-of-the-art. You need to upgrade your packages to the newest versions whenever a new version is released (usually early in the month).
There is always someone to help out in the community. It’s a great operating system for developers and power users.
Solus OS
At this moment, Solus has arrived. This has been emphasized multiple times in our previous works. As it uses the Budgie desktop environment, it is one of the most aesthetically beautiful distros and one of the Best Linux Distro For Programming.
One potential difficulty in switching from Ubuntu is the “eopkg” package management system. Though learning eopkg isn’t very difficult, more time is needed to grasp its concepts fully.
Manjaro Linux
Users that find Arch’s installation process difficult often opt for Manjaro. Like Ubuntu and Linux Mint, it has a straightforward graphical user interface installer that simplifies the setup process.
Distrowatch ranks it as the number two most popular distro, which says a lot about it. It combines the features of Arch Linux, making it a good option for Arch Linux newcomers. In addition, you can pick your chosen desktop environment from GNOME, KDE, and XFCE, as all three are included in the Manjaro distro.
The Manjaro development team has been putting in a lot of effort, as each new release improves upon the previous one.
Elementary OS
Why is the Linux distro with the best visual appeal included here? elementaryOS is a visually appealing Linux system based on Ubuntu, one of the Best Linux Distro For Programming. If you’re looking for an operating system that combines a Mac-like style with the joy of programming, try elementaryOS.
In the course of my studies for a computer science degree, elementaryOS was one of the first Linux distros I experimented with. I was so sick of Windows slowing down on the last computer that I was relieved to find something similar, and I ended up loving it.
Kali Linux
Ethical hackers often use Kali Linux from Offensive Security to test the security of vulnerable systems and networks. But it’s also a great companion for developers looking for a Linux distro to work on their projects.
Many valuable programs are already included. However, it’s important to stress that it’s not a tool for Linux newbies. If you are familiar with Linux and programming, you should have no trouble using it. Kali Linux also helps you learn new skills that can boost your resume.
The most recent version can be downloaded and installed or dual-booted with another operating system.
Raspbian
First, I’ll get to the meat of the matter. Nothing else compares to the Raspberry Pi in terms of coolness. I’ll never forget the priceless looks on the faces of my non-geek friends when I first showed them what I had bought: “Wait, that’s a computer? Surely you’re making this up, right? These little computers are all the rage in classrooms because they are perfect for teaching students the basics of computer programming and Linux.
This little computer’s official Raspbian/Raspberry Pi operating system is loaded with various programming tools, connector pins, and other practical interfaces. This makes it the best Linux distro for students interested in developing software for embedded systems.
It includes helpful programs like BlueJ, Geany, Greenfoot, Mathematica, Python, Node-RED, and Scratch. If you’re curious about Raspberry Pi, you should read our vast collection of tutorials.
Why Is Linux Great For Programmers And Developers?
To begin, there is no such thing as a “Best Linux Distro For Programming.” You can use any GNU/Linux distro to write code, provided you know how to set up the necessary development tools. When everything is used together, it feels like an ecosystem and gives a seamless experience because most web frameworks, tools, and code editors are open-source, just like Linux.
Why does Windows have such a large user base if Linux is so great? The widespread misconception that Windows does not function properly out of the box persists today. The Linux gaming article delves into other motivations, such as gaming.
No software licenses are required to get started; instead, you may grab any open-source tool for nothing, tweak its code to fit your specific needs, and even host your modified version of it on GitHub.
Users can customize the terminal, try out different text editors, and set up their own desktop environment. Additionally, if the language is not OS-specific, it should work with Linux. Not least, people who are knowledgeable about Linux are in high demand. A career boost is in store if you start learning Linux now.
Verdict
Finally, these are the top Linux distros for developers and programmers. We have included the most frequent variants, although there are others. These percentages barely register.
Please let us know if you’ve used a distro that you should include here.