Today’s job market is one of the most competitive and requires one of the most sought after skills: programming. When you’re a new coder, or even an experienced one, using the right operating system (OS) can make a huge difference to your productivity and what your learning curve can be like.
Lots start with Windows, but for programming side Linux wins. Six reasons why you should consider Linux as a development platform.
1. A Wide Range of Programming tools.
OS Linux has a large number of programming tools which are usually more advanced and more versatile than that in other OS.
Key tools include:
- Compilers: It supports as many programming languages as GCC and Clang do.
- Debuggers: Things like GDB does for effective troubleshooting of code.
- Editors: From Vim to Visual Studio Code, some basic options to some advanced IDEs.
These tools are updated and optimized for developers by Linux.
2. Industry Preference for Linux
Linux is preferred by the professional world for its stability and its scalability. Linux is the dominant server and cloud infrastructure so it makes sense to enable your staff with the ability to use it.
Benefits include:
- Job opportunities for Linux savant developers are due to grow.
- Actual experience doing hands on work with the platform in real world applications.
- If you are planning to become a tech worker, you must probably learn Linux.
3. It will give you easier access to community support.
One thing that Linux really has going for it is a very active and well knowledgeable community. Stack Overflow in particular is a great example of where the most advanced users in their fields are actually helping beginners.
- Better Problem Solving: The most solutions & tutorials are for Linux users.
- Comprehensive Guidance: The problems on Linux are not limited to syntax; the developers often receive assistance with things like debugging and configuring system level features.
4. Extensive Documentation
Reading through a myriad of Linux based tools, frameworks, and APIs it is easier to read through detailed documentation, more often than not significantly more detailed than Windows or macOS counter parts.
Why this matters:
- Learn about and implement new technologies easily by using Linux oriented Documentation.
- Due to that fact Linux has tons of open sources and guides and examples are very detailed.
5. Open Source Flexibility
Windows is closed source and Linux is open source. This distinction provides unique advantages:
- Access to Source Code: Learn from, study, and modify the code of Linux and its extended programs.
- Customizability: You can tailor your programming environment for what you need.
- Community Contributions: Updates and tools from a huge network of developers for you to benefit from.
6. How to run Linux without installing it
If switching completely to Linux feels overwhelming, you can still use it alongside Windows:
- Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL): Allows you to run a full Linux distribution on top of Windows.
Virtual Machines: Install Linux without changing your primary OS. - This method provides a smooth transition from Windows and you experience Linux programming benefits without great commitment.
Final Thoughts
Linux has enough flexibility, powerful tools and a strong community to make it the best OS for programmers. From learning the basics to working on professional projects, Linux always has your back when you need some help.
Do you want to begin your Linux journey? Check out the endless capabilities of it, and become a fully skilled programmer!