The Best Linux Distros for Developers in 2024
In the fast-paced world of coding and programming, having the right Linux distribution can make all the difference. Linux has long been the go-to choice for developers due to its stability, security, and flexibility. In this article, we explore the top Linux distros tailored specifically for developers in 2024.
Best Arch-based: Manjaro
Manjaro stands out as the best Arch-based distro for developers. With its user-friendly approach and intuitive custom tools, Manjaro simplifies the installation and administration process of an Arch-based system. It offers multiple editions with different desktop environments, catering to various developer preferences.
Best All-Rounder: Ubuntu
Ubuntu remains a popular choice for developers of all levels. Known for its stable Long Term Support (LTS) releases, Ubuntu provides a reliable development environment. The distro hosts a wide range of development and programming tools in its repositories, making it a versatile option for programmers.
Best for Older PCs: Puppy Linux
Puppy Linux shines as the best distro for developers using older machines. Its lightweight nature allows it to run entirely in RAM, ensuring fast and responsive performance. Despite its small size, Puppy Linux offers a robust set of apps and utilities, making it ideal for development on older hardware.
Best for Stability: Solus
Solus emerges as a top choice for developers seeking stability. With its curated rolling release model, Solus provides a reliable platform for development tasks. The distro supports a variety of editors, IDEs, and programming languages, offering a tailored experience for developers.
Best for Gentoo Users: Sabayon Linux
Sabayon Linux caters to Gentoo enthusiasts by offering a user-friendly distro based on Gentoo’s powerful framework. With multiple editions and graphical tools, Sabayon simplifies the Gentoo experience for developers. It provides a solid foundation for building custom development environments.
Best Evergreen: Debian
Debian stands out as the best evergreen distro for Linux developers. Built for stability, Debian’s extensive software selection and large repositories make it a reliable choice for programming tasks. Whether for production systems or tinkering, Debian offers a solid platform for developers.
Best for Enterprise: CentOS Stream
CentOS Stream excels as a free, enterprise-grade distro tailored for developers. As a rolling release distro aligned with Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), CentOS Stream delivers the latest technologies while ensuring system stability. It serves as an ideal platform for enterprise development projects.
Best for Programming: Fedora Workstation
Fedora Workstation caters to developers with its developer-centric approach. Supported by a vibrant community, Fedora offers a range of tools and documentation to support various development projects. With its focus on ease of use and extensive toolset, Fedora is a top choice for programmers.
Best for Choice: openSUSE
openSUSE provides developers with a versatile platform offering both regular and rolling releases. With its powerful configuration tool, YaST, openSUSE allows developers to customize their installations according to their needs. Whether for programming or system administration, openSUSE offers a stable and flexible environment.
Best for Raspberry Pi: Raspberry Pi OS
Raspberry Pi OS caters to developers looking to harness the power of Raspberry Pi for coding and learning. With a desktop environment tailored for programming, Raspberry Pi OS provides an accessible platform for new coders. From Python programming to Minecraft Pi, the distro offers a range of tools for educational and practical coding projects.
In conclusion, the best Linux distros for developers in 2024 offer a diverse range of features and tools to support coding and programming tasks. Whether you prioritize stability, customization, or ease of use, there’s a Linux distro tailored to meet your development needs.
