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Why You Should Start Learning on Linux
Linux-based OS (operating system) is one of the most widely used operating systems in the world. As an open sourced system, you'll find it deployed in a variety of applications, powering back end servers, and fortifying databases, and web architecture. But why is this operating system so commonly used on the one hand, but not typically the first choice for beginning developers and programmers?
Linux-based operating system: It's a short phrase that's tied to a long history of strong opinions. It's commonly used to support servers worldwide. But when it comes to learning coding, and becoming a developer, it's also an invaluable place to begin. In addition, there are key benefits for learning on Linux versus another operating system.
Linux OS is Open source
Linux is an open sourced system. It comes with a familiar GUI (graphical user interface) and software you commonly use. There are also different versions: You can learn Linux on Ubuntu, for instance. Because it is open source, the code is open to the public, free, and enables you the ability to contribute to it. Linux-based OS supports supercomputers and every scale of application. It also enables the following:
- Robust scalability
- Flexible modifications
- Customization with open source system
HP Dev One comes out of the box with System76's Pop!_OS Linux-based distribution. To be sure, open source software and systems are intrinsically quality-assured. They are created by a broad community of experts to support optimal performance. This in turn ensures business bottom-lines don't override quality, integrity, and functionality.
Additionally, because of a high level of transparency, open source Linux-based systems are considered more secure.
HP Dev One is the mobile workstation for developers. Secure, reliable Linux-based Pop!_OS combined with premium, powerful hardware enables you to create your first website and application on a user-friendly OS.
Linux-based OS Software: Easy to Install
When you're learning to code, accessing software is easier with Linux. What's more, many Linux-based OS distributions are designed with a bundle of software applications and include a package manager, or repository. Linux-based OS distributions make it easy to install software with a variety of software in both your system's standard repository and via a remote server.
Linux Has An Array of Developer Tools
One important benefit of learning on Linux-based OS is that it is free. When learning how to code, it's a budget-friendly route for accessing software, and building your first projects. With a Linux-based OS you can easily access Docker and Docker Hub, (IDE) development environments, and version control.
In addition, it can integrate with older tools and apps to extend the longevity of applications and tools you're accustomed to using. However, that's not ideal for the long term. that's not always ideal if your focus is on learning to develop for larger projects that require updated software and tools. With a Linux-based OS you can easily access Docker and Docker Hub, (IDE) development environments, and version control.
Holds the Market Share for Supercomputers
Let's take a look at what Linux-based OS does better than its counterparts. According to Statista, Windows has about 70% of the server market share, and Linux has about 13%. But this is not the most direct indicator for why Linux remains so ubiquitous in programming. While Windows may have a market share of the world's servers, Linux holds the top spot for supercomputers, supporting the top 500 computers, and over 90% of the world's supercomputers.
Why is this? Supercomputers have a mind-boggling amount of processing power, storage, and RAM requirements. The United States, specifically, has the most supercomputers.
Careers using Linux tend to reside on server-side, and web architecture support, but not always-you'll find jobs that require Linux-based OS knowledge and experience for everything from mobile servers, to software applications, and AI.
In general, web architecture developers and Linux system administrator roles that work with large servers, and in the enterprise pay well and are in stable demand. If working on large networks sounds interesting, gaining proficiency on a Linux-based OS like Pop!_OS is a smart foundation.
Linux is Highly Versatile
Stack Overflow says that almost 26% of developers work on Linux. Learning and developing on Linux is a pathway to greater flexibility in programming. Linux-based OS enables you the ability to develop almost anything, from almost anywhere. With Linux, you can revive an old system to begin coding on it, and it's highly customizable so you can easily install most software you want to use.
Fields That Require Linux OS
The job market for Linux developers is diverse. Learning on Linux-based OS opens the door to many paths in IT and development, including:
- Systems Engineer
- Systems Administrator
- Java Developer
- Python Developer
- Software Engineer
- Network Engineer
Learn More about how HP Dev One supports your developer career.
What's more, Linux-based OS supports 85% of smartphones, and 49% of the top 1,000 computers ship with Linux OS. Finally, Linux-based OS supports AI development and data training for deep learning projects.
While you might be more comfortable on a system you're more familiar with, learning on Linux-based OS is a pathway to sharpening your skills, and to different opportunities.