Linux has become widely used by many developers these days mainly because it is an open-source operating system that can be installed in any different devices like laptops, tablets, netbooks, mobile devices and a lot more.
I used to work with Windows back when I was in College and my classmates and Professors told me that we should start installing Linux as our OS because it works like magic and you’ll “really be called a developer” if you used it. I was really hesitant to use it because I was scared of the shift since I was so new to programming. But making the switch was definitely a good choice.
Right after I graduated in College, I got my first job and knowing how to use Linux was one of the factors that helped me land my job. I’ve been working with Linux for almost a year now and I’ve come to realize that it’s the ideal OS for me as a developer. Here are a few things I’ve learned:
REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD USE LINUX
Linux is Free
Why waste your money when you can have something for free? Downloading and installing Linux as your operating system won’t cost you any penny, unlike some other Operating Systems. That’s why it’s great news for those newbie developers that are just getting into coding. Linux is also a great help to students who still can’t afford to buy licensed Operating Systems or those who just enjoy programming as their hobby.
Linux expertise is a Desirable Skill
Learning how to program using Linux is a marketable skill. By now, the demand for people who know how to use Linux is by far increasing. Knowing how to program and having knowledge on how to use Linux is a plus for employers and some companies.
Linux is very stable and less prone to malware and viruses.
According to some, Linux is simply one OS that is not prone to error or is robust enough to deal with the said error. Most users choose Windows as their OS, so it means there are probably more malware and viruses out there designed to target Windows rather than Linux.
Linux is an Open Source Operating System
Linux is an open-source software where anyone can contribute code to help enhance the user’s experience in Linux. Also, anyone can add features, reduce security risks, and fix bugs.
So whenever a virus or a huge bug goes public, millions of people from all over the world try their best to help patch it up. Once a user finds a way to fix the issue they can send their updated code directly to the official Linux employees and they can add it to the next update.
Linux has different flavors
Linux is a customizable Operating System. There are so many different distributions or “flavors” of Linux that there’s bound to be one you fall in love with. There are not many flavors of Windows, so if you don’t like it you better be prepared to spend a fair bit of time getting it the way you want.
Here is the list of Linux Flavors:
Ubuntu – The most user-friendly version for Linux newbies
Fedora – is designed as a secure, general-purpose operating system.
Linux Mint – is an elegant, easy to use, up to date and comfortable GNU/Linux desktop distribution.
Puppy Linux – suitable for old hardware or low specification machines.
Arch Linux – a lightweight and flexible Linux® distribution that tries to Keep It Simple.
Debian – An operating system is the set of basic programs and utilities that make your computer run.
Elementary – A fast and open replacement for Windows and macOS
Will you Switch to Linux?
Ultimately the decision is up to you, of course. In terms of my experiences coming from a Windows background, I found that switching to Linux was beneficial for my career as a developer. The freedom and reliability of this OS are what make it the one for me.
