Top 5 Linux Distributions Every Developer Should Know

Since I started using Linux, it has been my preferred OS for over five years, beginning with Ubuntu 12.04 LTS.

Linux is now ubiquitous—from computers to cars to mobile devices—and powers most of the Internet; all 500 of the world’s top supercomputers run Linux.

Although Linux desktops are less popular, they have become increasingly favored by developers and engineers in recent years.

1. Ubuntu

Ubuntu is a Debian‑based Linux distribution composed mainly of free and open‑source software. It is officially released in three editions: Desktop, Server, and Internet of Things, each of which can run on physical hardware or in a virtual machine.

2. Fedora

Fedora is a Linux distribution developed by the Fedora community and sponsored primarily by Red Hat, a subsidiary of IBM, with additional corporate support.

3. Debian

Debian (also known as Debian GNU/Linux) is a free, open‑source Linux distribution maintained by the community‑driven Debian Project, founded by Ian Murdock on August 16 1993.

4. Linux Mint

Linux Mint is a community‑driven distribution based on Ubuntu, which itself is based on Debian. It bundles a wide range of free and open‑source applications and provides out‑of‑the‑box multimedia support for users who prefer proprietary codecs.

5. Arch Linux

Arch Linux targets x86‑64 computers and follows the KISS principle; its main characteristics are simplicity, modernity, practicality, user‑centric design, and versatility.

There are thousands of Linux distributions, and these five are the most commonly used by developers. Beginners are advised to avoid Arch Linux due to its more complex installation; for a deeper understanding of Linux, the LFS project is recommended.