Is programming easier in linux

Linux Programming Made Easy – A Complete Guide With Resources For Beginners

Updated June 18, 2021

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Linux is an operating system, platform, ecosystem, and culture. While the continued dominance of Windows and Mac OS for desktop computing causes the uninitiated consumer to assume that Linux is a sort of fringe option for extreme geeks and those who don’t want to pay for an operating system, the truth of the matter is that Linux is the most used and most important operating system on the planet. It powers the web, it powers our infrastructure, it powers the largest supercomputers in the world.

Developing for Linux can be a bit of a challenge, but it can also be extremely rewarding. This short guide will provide you with an introduction to the information and resources you need to get started with Linux programming. It covers four areas of Linux development: contributing to the kernel, building new modules, developing applications for Linux, and Shell scripting.

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Linux kernel development

The Linux kernel is, perhaps, the most ambitious software development project on the planet. New stable releases come out approximately every three months, and each release involves thousands of developers working in dozens of countries.

Getting involved with kernel development is, paradoxically, both easier than it seems like it should be, and also ridiculously difficult. It is easier than it seems like it should be, because there is no hiring process, no interview, no bureaucracy. Anyone who knows what they are doing is welcome to develop for the core, and submit patches. On the other hand, it is also extremely difficult because the kernel is extremely complicated. Moreover, the kernel development community, while quite welcoming in some ways, does not tolerate amateur shenanigans very well. While it helps to have thick skin, nothing really substitutes for actually knowing what you are doing. Developing the core is pretty serious business, involving pretty serious computer science. If you are just getting started with operating system development, this is not really the place to start.

What You Need to Know

Development Skills

Programming of the Linux kernel is done in C. Not C++, not Objective-C, not C#. So the first thing that you need to do is learn the C programming language extremely well.

You also need to have a deep understanding of operating system theory, particularly as it relates to the Linux system. More on that in the next section.

  • The C Programming Language: the definitive guide to the language. Also available as a free PDF.
  • Operating System Concepts: a thorough introduction to the theory and practice of operating system development.

Understanding Linux

Naturally, you need to understand Linux both as a user and as a developer. This includes having a fairly deep understanding of how the Linux kernel is structured, and how the various sub projects fit together.

Process and Culture

Finally, you need to understand how the Linux development process actually works. This includes getting a feel for the community as a whole, for its culture, and how the various members of the development community relate to each other. Also, it means understanding distributed version control, and the development release cycle.

  • How to Participate in the Linux Community: required reading. Start here.
  • Three Ways for Beginners to Contribute to the Linux Kernel: a short, friendly guide to getting involved.
  • Official Things:
    • The Linux Kernel Archives
    • The Linux Kernel Mailing List
    • The Kernel Bug Tracker
  • Being a Moron on linux-kernel: a guide on how not to behave on the Linux Kernel (or any other) mailing list. (Our recommendation: lurk for at least six-months before posting anything.)

Developing Kernel Modules

Before jumping into core development on the Linux kernel, a good way to increase your knowledge and expertise with Linux programming is to work on a kernel module. These are independently developed pieces of software that work with the kernel in order to function as a complete operating system. Kernel modules include things like device drivers for various hardware peripheries, as well as file managers and other low level operating system features.

The barriers to entry for working on a kernel module are, generally speaking, much lower than they are for working on the Linux kernel. There are hundreds of modules, developed by many different teams and individuals, so there is not one set of gatekeepers setting the tone for development. Moreover, the stakes are a bit lower with module development.

What You Need to Know

Kernel modules, like the kernel itself, are usually written in C. (There is some fringe debate about developing kernel modules in C++, and there are some off-the-wall ways of accomplishing this, but it is certainly not the normal way nor is it recommended.)

Obviously, if you are writing a device driver for a piece of hardware, you will need to know quite a bit about the type of hardware, and the firmware embedded on it. You also need a decent understanding of the Linux-based kernel, and the way that it interacts with kernel modules. Finally, if you are contributing to an existing kernel module, you will need to learn about their procedures and development cycle.

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Also see the list of resources above in the Kernel Development section.

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Developing Applications For the Linux Operating System

Once we get up out of the weeds of operating system development, and start talking about developing actual applications for the Linux operating system, the job gets a little easier and we have a lot more options about how to proceed. Compilers and interpreters for just about every programming language are available for the Linux platform, often more than one for a particular language.

What You Need to Know

If you are used to developing for Windows or Mac OS, the biggest shock when developing for Linux is probably the wide variety of Linux environments. There are dozens of Linux distros, and every Linux user has the ability to change quite a lot about how their particular environment works. This means, among other things, that you have to pay attention to dependency management a lot more than you might otherwise need to.

Another difference, particularly as compared to a Windows system is that many Linux users prefer to compile their applications from source code. This happens on Mac OS as well but with less frequency. In the Linux world, a large number of users will always prefer to compile applications from source, rather than using an installer package. This might affect how you think about development and distribution of your software.

Most Linux-centric development takes place in C, C++, Perl, or Python. Learning those languages well, and diving into the resources mentioned above (Kernel and Modules) and below (scripting) will help a lot.

  • C Programming in Linux: a thorough introduction and tutorial about programming Linux applications in the C language.
  • Linux Developer Training: paid courses on Linux development, from the Linux Foundation.

Scripting in Linux

Perhaps the “lowest-level” of programming in Linux is shell scripting. However, this is no less “programming” than anything else. Shell scripting in Linux is a great way to automate routine tasks and accomplish more work in less time. Additionally, digging into advanced shell scripting will give you a deeper knowledge and understanding of the Linux operating system. Shell scripting is really what separates novice Linux consumers from advanced Linux users.

What You Need to Know

While there are other options, the most common scripting language is Bash. Even if you plan to move on to more advanced scripting languages, getting a handle on Bash will start you off on the right foot for all types of operating system scripting. Most people who really get into scripting as a way to boost productivity, use either Python or Perl for most of their work. Once you have hit a wall with what you can easily accomplish in Bash, you will probably want to move onto one of those languages.

Bash Resources

Python Resources

  • Learn Python the Hard Way: one of the most popular introductions to Python development.
  • Automate the Boring Stuff with Python: Practical Programming for Total Beginners: a great introduction to scripting (as opposed to “development”) in Python. Also available for free online as a video course.

Perl Resources

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General Linux Resources

Linux.org: a central forum for all things Linux.

The Linux Documentation Project: a giant library of Linux guides on all of the subjects above, plus a bunch of other things. This is one of the most important places to go for in-depth Linux information.

Summary

That was a wild ride! From Linux kernel programming all the way down to shell scripting. There are endless ways to program the Linux operating system. With this guide, you should be well on your way.

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Here Is Why Linux Is a Good Choice of OS for Software Developers

Linux might just be the best operating system for software development.

Is there a perfect operating system (OS) for software development? According to some, Linux might just be as close as you can get.

Let’s take a quick look at what Linux has to offer and suggest some great Linux distributions (distros) that you might want to check out for yourself.

What is Linux?

Since you’re actually reading this article, chances are you already have an idea of what Linux is. But for the uninitiated, Linux is a type of an operating system just like Windows, iOS, macOS, etc.

It is a very popular OS. In fact, the Android operating system is built on top of the Linux kernel, so you could say that the Linux kernel is the foundation on which Android is built. But Linux also powers many other internet and business servers, including numerous stock exchanges around the world. It has been around since the mid-1990s, give or take. Linux is literally everywhere today.

It is widely considered one of the most reliable, stable, and secure operating systems too. In fact, many software developers choose Linux as their preferred OS for their projects. It is important, however, to point out that the term «Linux» only really applies to the core kernel of the OS.

One of the most important aspects of Linux is the fact that it is open source. This means that the code used to create it is free and available to the public to view, edit, and even contribute to its development (if you are skilled enough).

Linux is similar to other operating systems you might be used to, like Windows and macOS, etc. It comes with a graphical interface, and even has versions of common software you are probably accustomed to like word processors, photo editors, video editors, etc.

But as the core pieces of it are generally open-source, Linux differs from other operating systems. There are also many distros of Linux available that include different software options.

What this means in practice, is that the operating system, unlike many of its competitors, is incredibly customizable. Many different aspects of it, not just applications, can be swapped out and experimented with to suit your specific needs and tastes.

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Linux users can also choose core components, for example, which system displays graphics and whatnot.

It is important to note, however, that the term «Linux» is a little misleading. Technically speaking, any Linux operating system consists of a combination of the GNU software with a Linux kernel. The former is actually a standalone operating system that was originally designed to be a replacement for Unix.

«GNU is an acronym for «GNU’s Not UNIX!». It is a replacement for UNIX and contains no UNIX based code. Also, this operating system contains an extensive collection of software.» — pediaa.com.

For the remainder of the article, we will refer to GNU/Linux as simply Linux for brevity. You should also be made aware that the use of either of these acronyms alone is something of a controversial subject.

Is Linux good for developers?

As we have already touched upon above, Linux is widely considered one of the best operating systems around. This is especially true for software programmers.

Your choice of the operating system, as we described in a previous article, will ultimately depend on your personal taste, software development environmental needs, etc.

However, there is a vast swathe of programmers who swear by the benefits of Linux over its competitors. This is for various reasons, but arguments tend to praise its open-sourced nature and its overall user-friendly ecosystem.

Some of the main reasons programmers love Linux are as follows.

1. You can’t get any cheaper than free

Linux, being open-source, is free to download and install on your computer. This makes it great for software developers, whether they are a hobbyist, student, aspiring programmer, or a professional.

Since you don’t have any financial upfront costs, the only cost to you is gaining an understanding of it. Of course, this excludes the cost of getting your hands on a Linux-compatible computer (which is fairly common).

Most of the software for it is also open-source, which is a nice bonus.

2. Linux is easy as pie to install (usually)

If you have never built a computer from scratch, chances are you have never had to install an operating system yourself. Thankfully, installing Linux is relatively straightforward — you don’t need to be a seasoned IT professional (though that helps).

It isn’t that much different from installing a software program in Windows. Another benefit is that you can also keep any existing operating system, like Windows, by using a dual-boot option.

Though, some Linux distros can require a bit more technical knowledge. Consider yourself warned.

3. If you love to customize stuff, Linux is for you

Linux is an ideal operating system for those who love to tinker and customize. Being open-source, pretty much every element of it can be played around with, from the GUI to the core kernel.

You will have near-absolute freedom to play around with different options and you won’t have to worry about any legal ramifications. In fact, you normally aren’t required to agree to any user license agreement.

4. Linux has great support for most programming languages

Whether you need to write in C, C++, CSS, Java, JavaScript, HTML, PHP, Perl, Python, Ruby, or Vala, Linux supports them all. While you may come across some issues at times, in most cases you should have a smooth ride.

Generally speaking, if a programming language isn’t limited to a specific operating system, like Visual Basic for Windows, it should work on Linux. But do a proper research first to make sure.

If you do run into support issues, you can usually get your hands on the required packages from Linux’s distribution repositories.

5. Linux has a ton of apps to choose from

Linux has a lot of great supported apps that are handy for many programmers. While you could just write your code using a simple text file, Linux has some very useful, and time-saving, text editors to make your life a lot easier.

By default, you get apps like Gedit and Kate. These are usually all you need, but you can also get your hands on Emacs, nano, and Vim, which can be used inside of a terminal. Not to mention Atom, of course.

You can also take the nuclear option and go with a full-blown integrated development environment (IDE) with Linux as well.

6. May we introduce to your programmer lord and savior, Bash scripting?

If you need to program something a bit more specific and don’t need to care about the language, you can «Bash script» using Linux’s commands. A Bash script is a plain text file which contains a series of commands. Linux comes with these commands as standard, but you can also install others if needed. These are incredibly efficient, not to mention powerful, and many Linux-loving programmers prefer to practice their trade in the terminal.

«With a Bash script, you can put commands together to create more complex combinations. For example, someone managing a mailing list can create a script that merges lists of subscribers, removes duplicates, and formats it so that other programs can read it.» — makeuseof.com.

7. Learning to use Linux can land you a great job

Linux is a great option if you simply live and breathe programming. But most of us need to pay the bills, too.

This is where learning to use Linux can actually improve your employability in the market. Experience in using Linux is a very desirable skill for many high-paying positions.

Whether your prospective job will require you to manage a company’s server, or develop their cloud-based services, potential employers are crying out for people who know the ins and outs of Linux.

Even if you have no real ambition to become a Linux-legend, having some basic functional knowledge of it will give you a competitive edge as a programmer.

What have you got to lose?

Is Linux hard to learn?

Like anything in life, just how easy, or difficult something is for that matter, is determined by your personal experience, dedication, and willingness to learn. After all, how long did it take you to get used to Windows, macOS/iOS, Android, etc?

The operating system is actually fairly simple to learn. But this comes with a caveat — it helps if you have some experience with technology as well as learning syntax and basic commands of an operating system.

One of the best ways to get to grips with Linux is to develop some projects using it. This will help accelerate your grasp of Linux.

As previously discussed, learning the syntax is key. You will also need to develop a knowledge of the basic commands.

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Simply put, start using it and practice, practice, practice. If you are a newbie to Linux, here are some of the basic steps you need to master the OS.

Is Linux necessary for programming?

In short no, but it is very popular among programmers for various reasons. Unless, of course, you want to join, say, RedHat or be a developer using Linux — in which case it is a must.

For everybody else, there are some distinct advantages of Linux over other OSs. We have covered some of them above, but other advantages of Linux over competitor operating systems are as follows:

  • Linux tends to come with most of the compilers and interpreters you’ll need to get the job done. Other operating systems, like Windows, usually do not.
  • If Linux doesn’t have the compilers you need, you can usually get them from the OS’s command line. Example commands include «yum install » or » apt-get install».

Source: Daan Berg/Flickr

  • Linux tends to contain the best suite of low-level tools like sed, grep, awk piping, and so on. Tools like these are used by programmers to create things like command-line tools, etc.
  • Many programmers who prefer Linux over other operating systems love its versatility, power, security, and speed.
  • Linux has a massive community to help you out if you get stuck for any reason. They are, usually, very patient with novices, but prepare yourself for some light-hearted banter.
  • The operating system also comes with a handy, built-in package manager.
  • The ability to customize Linux with any of its different distros is great for tailoring the OS to your needs.
  • Error messages on other operating systems, like Windows or macOS, for example, tend to be less than helpful. On Linux, you can usually find the solution from someone else who has solved it. If not, just ask the community support staff.
  • One great thing about Linux is that you can often automate many repetitive tasks using simple lines of code. For example, say you are learning C and want to create a new file, you can run some simple code to automatically create a file with the same syntax you use regularly.

Which Linux distro is best for software development?

If you are now sold on using Linux as a software developer, your next question might be which distribution is the most useful for your needs? As it turns out, there are quite a few options that will really set you up for a faster, smoother, more secure, and happier Linux-powered programming future.

But please bear in mind any choice of this kind is ultimately subjective by its very nature. That being said, you should look for the most secure, stable distros that offer a thriving support community, too.

By doing so, you will benefit from regular updates and loads of resources, such as official forums or wikis, as well as third-party resources like subreddits. Here are s ome of the most highly rated Linux distros.

1. Debian comes highly rated

The Debian distro is not only one of the most popular distributions around but it also forms the mother operating system for many other Linux distros. The reason for its popularity is the fact that it comes with a large number of packages aimed at stability and security.

For beginners in the world of Linux, it has an absolute ton of tutorials and other support on the net to solve many of the common issues you’ll run into.

One important thing to remember with Debian is that if you want to use Linux to learn the nuances of coding, it might not be the best option for you. Better options include Ubuntu 20.04, Linux Mint, or Zorin.

2. Ubuntu is very good too

If you are into web development, Python, etc, then Ubuntu is probably one of the best Linux distros for you. Thanks to the support from the likes of Canonical and the open-source community, Ubuntu has also grown to become one of the shining lights of the Linux ecosystem.

A Debian derivative, Ubuntu is widely used in cloud and server applications today. This distro also comes in a variety of forms with different desktop environments and other features to suit most tastes.

Its huge user support community and polished user experience, not to mention regular Long-term Support (LTS) releases make this a great choice for software developers. It also supports the highly-rated .deb package management system.

3. CentOS is great for Red Hat development

Red Hat Enterprise Linux’s (RHEL) free community edition CentOS is a great alternative to the premier RHEL. A lot of it is the same as the paid-for version of Linux by Red Hat with one crucial difference: it is free.

It is a highly stable Linux distro and also comes with the Developer Toolset, which offers a range of essential tools for most software developers. CentOS’s Xen Virtualisation Platform also offers a way to compartmentalize your projects and run applications safely inside a virtual machine.

4. Pop!_OS is awesome for programmers

Pop!_OS is yet another great Linux distro. The difference with this one is that it was designed from the ground up to be programmer and maker-oriented.

It is based on Ubuntu and also features the very popular GNOME desktop environment that you will learn to love too. It comes with a ton of useful functions like handy keyboard shortcuts, a robust app store, and access to repositories such as TensorFlow (an open source machine learning platform).

Its great window management system and seamless switching between the integrated and dedicated graphics offer what many think is an unparalleled programming experience.

5. Fedora is favored by the creator of Linux’s kernel, Linus Torvald

And finally, on our shortlist of top Linux distros is Fedora. Similar in a sense to CentOS, it packs many of RHEL’s features and is even one of the preferred distros of Linus Torvald.

It comes with cutting edge features and is very popular among software developers around the world. This is because of its stability, u p-to-date feature set, and awesome developer portal.

Fedora is also a neat alternative to Red Hat Enterprise Linux and comes with a multi-language IDE in Eclipse which can be used for things like PHP, Java, C, C++, and many more.

And that’s a wrap.

Are you sold on switching to Linux for your software development needs? If so, enjoy the adventure you are about to depart on. If not, feel free to let us know why.

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