Choosing the best Linux distributions for programmers is not an easy task. There are so many options available, thanks to the fact that the landscape of GNU / Linux-based operating systems is so passionately diverse. In this article, we will review the most suitable and popular options so that a programmer or programmer can work comfortably, securely and stable in the best possible Linux environment. Let’s go there!

Why Linux Is Ideal For Programming

For pure statistics, most programmers choose Windows or macOS as their operating system to program. It makes a lot of sense, because they are tremendously capable systems with an incredible amount of software available, among other advantages. But do not disregard the large number of programmers who choose Linux-based systems to carry out their work. Let’s take a look at some of their main motives.

Security

The incidence of malware on Linux computers is much lower than on Windows: although Microsoft’s operating system has improved a lot in recent years, there are several reasons why the Linux kernel is considered much more secure.

In addition to handling a totally different philosophy in terms of permissions and program execution, the fact that Linux is an open source project means that hundreds of people try to detect security problems in the code every day . Thus, problems such as rear doors are solved as soon as possible. This explains why practically all the large companies on the planet rely on Linux operating systems for their servers.

In any case, we must not stray from reality either, in the sense that most programmers have security concerns similar to those of a normal user, and not additional, so the use of common sense when navigating is the only one. necessary and effective measure.

The same system used in production (in some cases)

If a programmer develops applications or systems that will run under a Linux OS, then it surely makes sense to stop using Windows or macOS. You will have the ability to natively test your application in an environment similar to where it will actually run, and that can be a huge advantage.

Obviously, everything will depend on each case, since the opposite may be true, or the developer may be satisfied with doing his tests in a virtual machine or in environments such as WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux), for example under Windows Terminal.

Personalization and adaptation to the needs of the programmer

Another advantage of Linux, both in its “theoretical philosophy” and in practice, is the great customization and variety of the system and the different distributions, making it possible for both the desktop environment and the deepest part of the system to work in accordance with the programmer needs.

In other words, a “power user” who takes advantage of all the capabilities that an operating system gives him should be more comfortable with Linux, to the extent that he can much better control any parameter related to the system, execute custom actions, and so on.

Let’s not forget either the incredible superiority of bash, the Linux shell (to be more precise, of Unix), where anyone with knowledge of the subject will admit that it is infinitely better than the Windows shell . This is extremely important, since it is normal for programmers to use the shell on a daily basis, for all kinds of tasks with the operating system, because with adequate knowledge, incredibly advanced and personalized things can be done, without having to install third-party software , based on commands and scripts.

In fact, we are facing perhaps the most important reason why a programmer would switch to Linux. The degree of agility that you get from leaving the graphical interface aside and taking advantage of the command line is incredible, obviously after a long and hard learning, but being a developer is not a game, it is a very specialized profession.

The open source paradise

We have already given enough compelling reasons, but there is still more. As we mentioned, the Linux kernel is open source, and the use of the free software philosophy is more than widespread in any of the best Linux distributions for programmers.

In fact, the development of Windows or macOS is something highly centralized in Microsoft and Apple, while a Linux operating system is rather a union of thousands of pieces developed altruistically by thousands of programmers, following this philosophy of open source. In fact, Linux is the greatest exponent of how this way of doing things can lead to real wonders, and this is one more reason why anyone who dedicates himself to programming decides to adopt a Linux system as a “daily driver” to do his job.

In short, Linux is the fruit of the work of a huge community of programmers. Therefore, it is self-evident that their various distributions are suitable for other colleagues in the profession.

What do we look for to choose the best Linux distributions for programmers?

Now that we have seen the reasons why it makes sense to choose Linux to program, let’s see with what criteria we should choose our distribution or “distro”. There are hundreds of distros available, and deciding is not easy. We will focus on the following:

• Stability. Although it is sometimes a matter of perception, the best Linux distributions for programmers will be the most stable. After all, it is not the same to use the computer to “tinker” than to do serious work, in which the operating system cannot be an impediment.
• Current and future maintenance. It should also provide a proper and predictable flow of new releases, as we are not interested in getting left behind on security features and system enhancements.
• Updated kernels. It is essential that our distro maintains a more or less recent Linux kernel. That is, your periodic releases are not made with old kernels. For example, Debian 10 (released in 2021) had kernel 4.19, from 2018, being even incompatible with some last generation equipment.
• Broad community support. There are tons of cool little distros, but they are beyond the scope of this article. We want distributions that have great support behind them, a good legacy, and a good future outlook. A solid distribution before an experiment.

List of best Linux distributions for programmers

With these criteria in mind, let’s see what we have chosen as the best Linux distros for programmers.

Ubuntu: for those who do not want to complicate their lives

Ubuntu is perhaps the best known Linux distribution in history, and in general one of the most popular and used. This is because it is very user-friendly: easy to install, add applications, useful, stable, secure and with predictable periodic releases, including LTS (Long-term support) versions.

Although Ubuntu surely has a large number of detractors, it is largely due to its success (everyone knows this system, even people who are unfamiliar with Linux). But it is also true that it does not seem ideal for a purist of free software. This system has some non-free software components, it comes with some bloatware (1% of what Windows would bring, but hey) and it has some telemetry (Stallman called it “spyware”).

Actually, as we say, all these concerns are irrelevant to anyone who is not a free software purist. Most of the people we are interested in a reliable, secure system, with acceptable privacy (telemetry is not necessarily spying), easy to use and well maintained in the future. Ubuntu has that and much more, with all the advantages of Linux. So, it is a valid option within the best distributions for developers.

Furthermore, it is one of the operating systems in which most attempts have been made to give a good ” out of the box ” experience, without the user making changes to the system, so it is one of the most convenient desktop systems to install and use. The Snap package manager stands out , which allows you to install applications very easily, and which has the Ubuntu Software store full .

Let’s not forget either that Canonical, the company behind Ubuntu, gets along with Microsoft. Thus, Ubuntu 21.04 has native integration with Microsoft Active Directory, optimized support for Microsoft SQL Server, etc . Again, a free software purist will take his head, which is understandable and consistent, but does not invalidate Ubuntu as a great option for the 99%.

Don’t forget the Ubuntu variants (Kubuntu, Xubuntu, Lubuntu…)

Remember also that Ubuntu has several variants, which differ in the desktop environment that they include by default. Xubuntu stands out enormously, which uses the XFCE environment, perfect for light and very usable computers, or even Lubuntu (LXDE) or Ubuntu Mate (Mate). You don’t have to have a low-performance PC to install these variants – many people prefer the simplicity of their desktop environments.

Be careful, because we mentioned Kubuntu (the variant that KDE includes), but the KDE Neon distribution would really be more interesting , since it is based on Ubuntu and is supported by the KDE community itself.

Remember also that you can install the desktop environment you want in your Linux distribution, precisely for something we talk about customizable and varied systems. But this is a more comfortable way to have the environment you want by default.

Arch Linux: your PC will be more yours than ever

Arch Linux is one of the most interesting Linux distributions out there: we sum it up as “your PC will be more yours than ever” because you have more responsibility for system installation and maintenance than with almost any other distro.

In fact, Arch Linux does not have a serial installer, but it will be a complex task that you will have to do yourself. This may seem like nonsense and a reason to avoid its use, but no, not at all. There are two main reasons why this is beneficial:

• You have full control over what the operating system you install will bring. All the packages, components and functionalities that you want it to support. Clearly, with great power comes great responsibility, but advanced Linux users have no problem with it.
• It is a tough but effective way to learn as much as possible about Linux. If you want a system ready to run stably as fast as possible, Arch is not for you. But if you are a curious and patient person with a desire to learn, it really is a path that you should take.

In short, Arch Linux is a headache for a programmer focused on getting his job done without paying too much attention to the operating system, but it’s perfect for advanced or aspiring Linux users.

Manjaro: Arch Linux in easy mode

Manjaro is one of the best Arch-based distros, along with others like EndeavorOS. In this case, what we have is a distro that includes all the good things about Arch (such as its package manager) but providing the facilities of a “normal” distro. For example, the installation is quick and easy, and we can achieve it directly with the desktop environment we want (Xfce, KDE or GNOME).

It can probably be considered the easy gateway to Arch, for example if you are a “curious and patient user” (as we discussed earlier), only you are in a rush to have a functional system from minute 1.

Fedora: a comfortable guarantee of stability

Fedora is a distribution that is generally considered one of the most stable, secure and reliable that exists, thanks to the support of the Red Hat company , IBM. Precisely, Fedora was created to receive the wealth of the community, and use it in the paid distribution Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL).

Specifically, the version that interests us is Fedora Workstation, with the desktop environment we want (the most used with this distribution is GNOME ). From the minute one we will be surprised by the ease of installation of the system and the applications, since its package manager (dnf, based on rpm) is very comfortable, and for more it has Flatpak by default.

Flatpak is basically one of the easiest ways to install software in Ubuntu, with the Flathub “application store” we can do it with a button and the maximum speed, although it is opposed by Snap, the creators of Ubuntu.

Final words and conclusion on the best Linux distributions for programmers

As we have seen, there are a thousand reasons why millions of programmers use a Linux distro as their daily operating system. Security, stability, reliability, and customization are just some of these reasons. It also highlights the philosophy that characterizes these distributions, oriented to open source , compared to the proprietary macOS and Windows.

Let’s not forget the possibilities that Linux offers for “power users” either. With a little training, you can take advantage of the command line of any Linux-based system in an impressive way. This empowers users like programmers, improves their productivity and their knowledge – all advantages.

So for those already convinced of the power of Linux, as well as for developers who want to “try”, we have put together this article with the best possible distros. In our view, we should choose well-known and well-supported distributions that provide stability, security, and reliability. With that in mind, we have chosen:

• Ubuntu . One of the best-known distributions, with great ease of installation and use. It is very well thought out to offer a comfortable experience without complicating your life. Its biggest problem is that it is unsuitable for ” free software purists .”
• Arch Linux . In this case we are talking about the opposite, with a distribution where the user has all the control, but also all the responsibility: the installation of this system is manual, which is perfect for advanced users and to learn a lot about Linux. But it is not useful for those who seek immediacy.
• Manjaro . It is based on Arch Linux, and it is a very good gateway to that world: it is like riding a “bicycle with wheels”, perfect for those who want to learn about Arch but need a functional system from minute 1.
• Fedora . Backed by Red Hat, this is one of the most stable systems out there. It is also very easy to use, and it makes sense more and more people are choosing it over Ubuntu.

Obviously there are many more Linux distros. The list of good operating systems for programmers would be huge. Even so, in our opinion these are the 4 most relevant.

We hope you enjoyed our article on the best Linux distributions for programmers! Do you already use Linux as your “daily driver”, or do you not detach yourself from Windows or macOS? Do you prefer other distributions to the 4 that we have mentioned?