Why is Linux better for programming than Windows? Linux vs Windows
Tags: linux, opensource, security, programming
Published: 2022-05-26 17:35:50

Hello everyone! Today I want to write about Linux.

**First of all, I want to say that I use Arch Linux for over 5 months and I know what I write.**

[Arch Linux](https://archlinux.org/)


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**Open Source** 

However, in contrast, Linux is completely an open source project. You can have a look at the source code of a Linux OS, which is a plus.

To me, this is the most important feature of using GNU/Linux.

You do not have to worry that you can be hacked.

And you can participate in the development of Linux.

[Linux source code](https://github.com/torvalds/linux)

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**Secure**

Let’s face it; Windows OS is vulnerable to different types of attacks (or hacks). However, Linux is not as vulnerable as Windows. It sure isn’t invulnerable, but it is a lot more secure. Although, there’s no rocket science in it.

It is just the way Linux works that makes it a secure operating system. Overall, the process of package management, the concept of repositories, and a couple more features makes it possible for Linux to be more secure than Windows.

When you have Windows installed, you need to download/purchase an Antivirus program to keep your computer safe from hackers and malware. However, Linux does not require the use of such Anti-Virus programs. Of course, a couple of software tools still exist to help you keep your system free from threats, but it is often unnecessary when you have a Linux system.

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**Updates, install, etc.**

So, on Linux, you don't need to reboot your PC after updates, installation, etc. Every program after installation will work well!


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**Programming**

Linux supports almost all of the major programming languages (Python, C/C++, Java, Perl, Ruby, etc.). Moreover, it offers a vast range of applications useful for programming purposes.

The Linux terminal is superior to use over Window’s command line for developers. You would find many libraries developed natively for Linux. Also, a lot of programmers point out that the package manager on Linux helps them get things done easily.

Interestingly, the ability of bash scripting is also one of the most compelling reasons why programmers prefer using Linux OS.

Linux also brings in native support for SSH, which would help you manage your servers quickly. You could include things like apt commands which further makes Linux one of the most popular choices of the programmers.

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**Customization**

You can customize Linux OS **without** plugins.

One major advantage of using Linux instead of Windows is customization. If you like tweaking your system’s looks, Linux is just perfect for you.

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**Free to Use**

Linux is accessible to the public for free! However, that is not the case with Windows!

You will not have to pay 100-250 USD to get your hands on a genuine copy of a Linux distro (such as Arch, Debian, Manjaro). So, it is entirely free.

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**Privacy**

If you have ever used Windows 10, you could only head into the privacy settings to know that everything is enabled by default. Even if you opt out to send Microsoft information about your data, it is still being collected. Of course, Microsoft will not bother revealing it officially with a press statement, but it surely does. So, you would need a set of tools to disable the spying modules of Windows.

In contrast, Linux would be the perfect solution for a privacy buff. First of all, Linux distributions do not collect much data (or none). Moreover, you will not be needing additional tools to protect your privacy.

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**Linux can revive older computers**

As the operating systems evolve, so do their hardware requirements increase exponentially. For instance, if you purchase a genuine copy of Windows 10, you will have to meet the minimum hardware requirements to run it successfully, and you cannot run it on just about any low-end system.

Nevertheless, with Linux, you could even utilize one of your oldest computer systems to achieve a task. However, that does not mean that every Linux distribution would work with 256 MB of RAM coupled with an outdated processor. However, there are options which you can install on such low-end systems as well (such as Puppy Linux). 

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**Useful links**

[Linux Source Code](https://github.com/torvalds/linux)

[r/unixporn](https://www.reddit.com/r/unixporn/)

[Make application for Linux](https://makealinux.app/#/)

[Linux Docs, etc](https://www.cyberciti.biz/faq/)

[ProtonDB](https://www.protondb.com/)

[WireGuard VPN](https://www.wireguard.com/)

[KDE Plasma](https://kde.org/)

[GNOME](https://www.gnome.org/)

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My "Welcome" script for Linux Terminal - [click](https://github.com/naddurkostia/welcome-shell)