As a programmer, you need a reliable and stable operating system that handles all your development needs. While Windows and macOS are both popular choices, Linux is also an excellent option for programmers. Whether you’re looking for a lightweight OS, something with a great package manager, or a distro with a strong community, there’s sure to be something on this list that’s perfect for you.
1. Linux Mint
Linux Mint is Ubuntu-based and includes additional software that the average user will expect, such as media codecs, DVD playback, Adobe Flash Player, Java runtime environment, printer, and scanner drivers. It also adds a custom desktop (Cinnamon) and menus, several unique configuration tools, and a web app manager for installing web apps.
2. Kali Linux
If you’re looking for a Linux distribution with tools designed for programmers, look no further than Kali Linux. This Debian-based distribution comes with over 600 pre-installed security and penetration testing tools, making it a favorite among ethical hackers and security researchers. Kali Linux is also an excellent choice for anyone who wants to learn about ethical hacking and penetration testing. The comprehensive toolset and large community make it easy to get started and find help when needed.
3. Ubuntu
Ubuntu is a widespread Linux distribution for programmers. Ubuntu also has a large online community, which can help you get started with programming on Linux.
4. SteamOS
SteamOS is a Debian-based Linux distribution designed for gaming and entertainment. It comes with a pre-installed Steam client, which gives you access to thousands of games and other media content. You can also use SteamOS to stream games from your PC to your TV.
5. Elementary OS
Elementary OS is an excellent Linux distribution for programmers. It is based on Ubuntu and has a simple, clean interface that is easy to use. The operating system comes with various software programs commonly used by programmers, such as the GCC compiler and the GNU Debugger. In addition, Elementary OS includes many apps.
6. Debian
Debian is an excellent choice for programmers for some reasons:
- It has a perfect package management system that makes installing and updating software easy.
- It’s stable and well-supported, so you can always be confident that your system is up to date.
- Debian is a free software project, so you can be sure that your rights as a user are respected.
If you’re looking for a Linux distribution that will give you everything you need to get started with programming, Debian is a great choice.
7. Manjaro
It is one of the most popular distributions for programmers and developers, providing a stable and reliable platform with a wide range of software repositories. Manjaro also supports various programming languages and tools, making it an ideal choice for development workflows.
8. CentOS
There are many reasons to love CentOS as a programmer. For one, it’s a stable and reliable operating system based on Red Hat Enterprise Linux. That means you can access the same software on a significant enterprise Linux server. But because CentOS is open source, you can download and use it for free. Another significant advantage of CentOS for programmers is that it’s easy to set up a development environment on this platform. If you need to install multiple software versions or different programming languages, CentOS makes it simple with its Software Collections feature. It allows you to run different versions of software side-by-side without conflicts. Finally, programmers will appreciate that a large and active community backs CentOS. If you need help with anything, chances are good that someone in the community has already written a tutorial or how-to guide. And if not, they’ll be happy to help you.
9. Tails
There are many different Linux distributions, each with its benefits and drawbacks. While a few are particularly good for programmers, one of the best is tails. Tails is a Debian-based distribution with several security features. It includes disk encryption, anonymous Internet browsing, and email client isolation. In addition to its security features, Tails also comes with various pre-installed applications geared toward programmers and developers. These include the likes of the GNU Compiler Collection, Vim, and GIMP. If you’re looking for a Linux distribution that will give you a high level of security and privacy and all the tools you need to get your work done, then Tails is worth considering.
10. Ubermix
Ubermix is a Linux distribution. It is based on Ubuntu and uses the LXDE desktop environment. Ubermix comes with a wide range of pre-installed applications, including development tools, office applications, and educational software. The distribution can be run from a USB flash drive or an SD card, making it ideal for classroom use.
Conclusion
Many different Linux distributions are available, and it can take time to choose the right one for your needs. If you’re a programmer, these 10 Linux distributions are some of the best options. They offer great package managers, support for popular programming languages, and plenty of other features that make them ideal for programmers. So, if you’re looking for an excellent Linux distribution for programming, check out these ten options.
