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ZDNET's key takeaways
- The right Linux distro depends on your tools, workflow, and target platform.
- Some Linux distributions prioritize stability, while others focus on flexibility.
- Enterprise and DIY developers benefit from different development ecosystems.
For the longest time, Linux was considered to be geared specifically for developers and computer scientists. Modern distributions are far more general purpose now -- but that doesn't mean there aren't certain distros that are also ideal platforms for developers.
What makes a distribution right for developers? Although I consider app compatibility, stability, and flexibility to be essential attributes for most any Linux distribution, developers also need the right tools for their jobs -- such as compilers, libraries, and emulators -- as well as access to custom repositories and support for specialized hardware.
Also: My 11 favorite Linux distributions of all time, ranked
For those looking to shift their development to the open-source operating system, here's my list of distributions that should be right up your alley.
1. Pop!_OS
Pop!_OS is built specifically for STEM and creative professionals who use their computers as a means to discover and create. The Pop!_OS desktop -- which has transitioned to the Rust-based COSMIC Desktop -- has been streamlined for efficient workflow and organization.
On top of that, you can customize your workflow, configuring it to be navigated primarily via the keyboard, which makes for a highly efficient interface. And with on-demand tiling, you can quickly switch between having the desktop manage window placement or doing it manually.
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Another reason I place Pop!_OS on this list is that it comes pre-installed on System76 hardware, which helps make it run like an absolute beast for compiling your applications and testing. Pop!_OS also has access to apps for machine learning, engineering, media production, bioinformatics, and more.
You can download and install Pop!_OS for free.
2. Debian
Although I was tempted to place Ubuntu on this list, I opted to go with what many consider the "mother of all Ubuntu distributions." The reason for this title is because so many distributions are based on Debian. If you plan on developing for an Ubuntu-based distribution, why not use the original?
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Debian is also one of the oldest Linux distributions on the market and is often considered the most stable operating system available. On top of that, Debian boasts the largest number of repositories for open-source software, ensuring that it will have the tools you need to get the job done. You'd be hard-pressed to find a more reliable desktop OS for development, with as much documentation as you'll find in Debian.
Debian can be downloaded and installed for free.
3. Fedora Workstation
Fedora Workstation is a developer-favorite distribution -- and for good reason. First off, it's very fast. T
he developers of Fedora have created a desktop distribution that performs as though it's a lightweight OS -- but without having to lean on a bare-bones UI. On top of that, you'll find the Developer Guide includes a wealth of developer-friendly documentation on topics ranging from development environments, code style, frameworks and tools, databases, and much more. You'll also find the Fedora Developer Portal, where you can share your knowledge and learn from others.
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There are also several Fedora spins that include different desktop environments, such as Plasma Desktop, Xfce, Cinnamon, Mate-Compiz, i3, LXQT, LXDE, SOAS, Sway, Budgie, and, of course, the default GNOME. No matter what desktop environment you want to develop for, Fedora has you covered.
You can download and install Fedora Workstation for free.
4. Arch Linux
Arch Linux is on this list for one specific reason. When you install Arch, you have total control over what's installed, which means you can build an OS specifically suited to your needs. Because of the way Arch Linux is installed, which is not easy, you'll come away with a better understanding of how Linux works. You also get the latest kernel and other software via a rolling-release model, so all of your software is cutting-edge.
And then there's AUR -- Arch User Repository -- which is a community-driven software repository that includes nearly 100,000 packages for you to install. With AUR, and the PKGBUILD functionality, you can compile a package from source using makepkg and install it with pacman, the package manager.
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The AUR is an important and central piece of the Arch Linux distribution but does require you to have a solid foundational understanding of how Arch works. You can also choose to use the BTRFS file system, which includes the ability to easily roll back if you run into problems.
Arch Linux can be downloaded and installed for free.
5. Raspberry Pi OS
The Raspberry Pi is an important ecosystem because it's ideal for DIY developers wanting to create special apps and tools for specific purposes. For those wanting to develop gadgets, IoT devices, and other inventive things, Raspberry Pi OS is a great option. This is the official distribution, created by the Raspberry Pi manufacturer, built specifically for Raspberry Pi devices, and used for over 90 percent of Raspberry Pi projects.
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The OS was first released in 2012 and uses the PIXEL Desktop, based on LXDE, and the Wayland graphics server. For anyone wanting to develop for Raspberry Pi devices, this is the OS to use.
Raspberry Pi OS can be downloaded and installed for free.
6. Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL)
If you were to search for which distributions are best for development, my guess is that you won't find RHEL in many lists. Part of the reason for this is that it does contain proprietary software, and Red Hat does keep a tight lock on some things.
However, if you were to also search for which distribution is used most widely across the enterprise business space, RHEL is almost always at the top of those lists. Because of this, any developer who's looking to gain a foothold with larger organizations would do well to develop with RHEL.
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Even better, you can also apply for the no-cost Red Hat developer license, which gets you access to RHEL and other tools to make your job easier.
At the same time, if you don't like the idea of developing with a distribution "owned" by IBM, you could always try...
7. Rocky Linux
Rocky Linux is a 1:1 rebuild of RHEL, which also happens to be open-source. Because of that, you can download an ISO of Rocky Linux and develop on it for free. One thing to keep in mind is that there is Rocky Linux from CIQ, which is a commercially backed enterprise Linux distribution backed by CIQ, and Rocky Linux, which is a community distribution designed to meet enterprise needs.
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Rocky Linux is a great option for developers who want to create enterprise-ready applications and services. You can start off with the community version and then, when or if needed, migrate to the commercially backed option.
Either way you go, you'll be working with a distribution that is serious about enterprise computing. Given that Rocky Linux is rebuilt directly from RHEL sources, you can be certain you'll enjoy a stable experience with limitless possibilities.
8. Ubuntu
I'll end this with what has, for years, been one of the top Linux distributions on the market. Although Ubuntu doesn't specifically target developers, it's a great choice for a few reasons. First, it's very widely used around the world. Second, there are hundreds of distributions based on Ubuntu, so if you create an app that works well on Ubuntu, it's sure to work on plenty of other distributions.
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Third, Ubuntu has a massive community of developers and users, so there's always support to be found. Fourth, Ubuntu's repositories contain all of the tools and apps you need to hit the ground running. Even getting up to speed with developing from the command line is simple. Make sure to install the build-essential package.
If you do opt to select Ubuntu as your distribution of choice, you should also consider developing your app as a Snap package, which will make it installable on any Linux distribution that supports Canonical's universal package manager.
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