12 Best Linux Distros Suitable For Programmers

 You can do a lot with any Linux distribution. Because Linux distributions are open-source, functional, and packed with useful tools. Linux maintains compatibility with almost all programming languages, so it's the perfect platform for you to start coding. Here are some of the best Linux distros for programmers.

1.Ubuntu

Ubuntu Distro For Programmers

Ubuntu is one of the most popular Linux distributions. This distro is popular with every type of Linux user, from beginners to professionals. For developers and programmers, Ubuntu LTS (Long Term Support) provides added stability.

Like Debian, Ubuntu uses the DEB package manager, while newer versions of Ubuntu also include Snap packages so installing new software is a simple and easy process.

Ubuntu is also a very popular platform for Linux beginners. It's also particularly useful for programmers, as Snap packages provide an easier way to package and distribute new software, while also providing a large software repository of suitable software for developers to use on their own. Not only that you can also take advantage of the very active community forum for any support issues.

2. Pop! _OS

Pop! _OS Distro For Programmers

From Linux, PC manufacturer System76 comes Pop! _OS, a Linux operating system designed for developers and programmers. This distro is based around Ubuntu and uses the GNOME desktop environment, so it should be a familiar Linux experience for most users.

It is one of the best Linux OSs for programmers, thanks to its extensive use of keyboard shortcuts, customized software selection, and the inclusion of specialist repositories such as TensorFlow (for scientific programmers).

Pop! _OS is a good choice for users of System76 hardware or for those who simply enjoy quality and beauty. That's why Pop! _OS ranks as one of the best Linux distributions on the market overall, not just for programming.

3. Debian

Debian Distro For Programmers

Debian is the grandfather of hundreds of Linux distributions, which means that not only is it a familiar distro for programmers, it also has a huge amount of support around it.

The very popular Ubuntu is based on Debian. The stable release of Debian offers strong performance for production environments, while the testing branch features features up-to-date software and packages. Debian has a thriving community supporting the distro, making it a beginner-friendly choice.

4. CentOS

CentOS Distro For Programmers

Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) is a Linux operating system developed by technology giant Red Hat. CentOS is a RHEL alternative, taking all the best parts of RHEL and packing it in a free “community” release. Most of the commercial RHEL software runs easily on CentOS by using YUM's package management.

CentOS also offers an impressive software repository, as well as Red Hat Software Collections (RHSCL) for dynamic languages and an open-source database. It offers an ideal environment for programmers focused on enterprise development and programming in general.

CentOS is also one of the best free Linux distributions for servers, making it a good platform for web development and testing.

5. Fedora

Fedora Distro For Programmers

Like CentOS, Fedora is a version of another RHEL community edition. This Red Hat distro is perfect for programmers looking for bleeding edge software releases, as it tends to have the most recent packages, and the system provides automatic updates.

With Fedora, there's a six month release cycle, and upgrades (usually). Linux creator Linus Torvalds chose Fedora over other big distros like Ubuntu or Debian. If it's good enough for Linus, it's probably good enough for you too.

6. Kali Linux

Kali Linux Distro For Programmers

Another Debian-based Linux operating system, Kali Linux has excellent security applications. Since Kali targets penetration testing, it is packed with security testing tools. You will find the John the Ripper password cracker, Aircrack-ng pen testing suite, and the OWASP ZAP web app security scanner installed by default.

That is what makes Kali Linux the top choice for programmers, developers and security researchers, especially if you are a web developer. It's also a great OS for low-spec devices, Kali Linux can also run well on devices like the Raspberry Pi. Due to the popular programming resources for the Pi, Kali OS makes a great Raspbian alternative.

7.ArchLinux

Arch Linux Distro For Programmers

For a lightweight but powerful OS, try Arch Linux. It is one of the best Linux OS for developers with an adaptable and customizable foundation that puts the user in complete control.

Since it is a minimalist distro, Arch comes with the basics like the Linux kernel and the package manager, Pacman. Arch didn't come with a graphical user interface (GUI) at first.

Considering its complex installation, Arch is recommended for advanced Linux users. It's the perfect Linux distro for programmers, but only if you're willing to slog through your distro's ultimately satisfying yet admittedly long process. It's a great choice for programmers looking to customize their Linux installation from the start.

8. Manjaro

Manjaro Distro For Programmers

Manjaro Linux is a distribution based on Arch Linux. Arch is also built to be more recent than Debian with repositories that make advanced software available. Manjaro is perfect for programmers and developers because of its speed, reliability and efficiency.

Compared to Debian, one major difference between Arch-based operating systems is the tilt. Debian, in an effort to make things easier for users, installs a lot of “recommended” packages when you try to install any package from their repository.

With Arch Linux, when you install a package, you get that and some dependencies resolved by the package manager, Pacman.

9. Gentoo

Gentoo Distro For Programmers

Like Arch, Gentoo provides the means to take complete control of your Linux installation from scratch. Only the package manager and Linux kernel are provided. Almost every element of an OS installation is left up to its users including compiling the source code for the distro.

Since you are forced to compile Gentoo, you get a Linux distro tailored to your needs, from custom hardware setups to specific software repositories. This option can benefit programmers with specific software or hardware requirements.

10. NuTyX

NuTyX Distro For Programmers

NuTyX is a very flexible (albeit less well known) alternative Linux distro for developers to try out. This distro gives complete control to the user, adopting Linux from scratch.

Like Arch, NuTyX ships with a package manager and kernel and lets its users create a customized experience, from choosing a desktop environment to applications and more.

Programmers looking for customization will find what they are looking for in NuTyX, as long as they are equipped with the patience to complete the lengthy installation process.

11. OpenSUSE

OpenSUSE Distro For Programmers

While Ubuntu and Debian derivatives tend to predominate, OpenSUSE is a good alternative. There are LTS releases (as are other major distros), as well as Tumbleweed, bleeding-edge iterations.

OpenSUSE produces an enterprise environment with an excellent package manager in YaST. It is stable and provides multiple installers on its website, including options for hypervisor installation and various desktop environments.

OpenSUSE also offers fixed and rolling options, a wide choice of desktop environments, and intuitive application installation making it one of the best Linux distros for programmers.

12. elementary OS

elementary OS Distro For Programmers

While Linux operating systems including Ubuntu are very user-friendly, elementary OS takes ease of use to a whole new level.

This beginner-friendly Linux OS has a clear vision with its own desktop environment in Pantheon, which is very similar to macOS. Because of its simplicity, elementary OS is a strong choice for programmers new to Linux, especially if they're coming from an Apple environment.

On first boot, you'll find all the usual apps you'd expect, including an email app, a photo app, and a music app. Software for developers is easy to install using the software center or with the proper package manager in a terminal window.

Conclusion

So those are the 12 best Linux distros for programmers. Linux distros provide an excellent environment for programming and development. Thanks to a wide selection of tools and support for programming languages, Linux distros are great for developers. There are many options, whether you are just learning to code or you are a programmer in a production environment. Beginners may wish to install Ubuntu or Debian, while advanced users may prefer Arch or Gentoo.

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That's all for the 12 Best Linux Distros Suitable for Programmers. Look forward to other interesting articles and don't forget to share this article with your friends. Thank you…

Resa Risyan

Just an ordinary person who wants to share a little knowledge, hopefully the knowledge I provide can be useful for all of us. Keep in mind! Useful knowledge is an investment in the afterlife.