Best Linux Distros for Developers

Choosing the right Linux distro can significantly enhance your development workflow. This page explores the best distros tailored for developers, highlighting features that cater to coding professionals.

What makes a good developers distro?

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Comprehensive Package Repositories

A wide array of up-to-date packages ensures developers have access to the latest tools and libraries.

💻

Customizability

Developers benefit from the ability to customize their environment to suit their specific workflow needs.

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Security Features

Strong security measures are crucial to protect code and sensitive data during development.

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Robust Community Support

Active community support can provide valuable resources and assistance for troubleshooting and development advice.

Recommended distros

Our top picks for developers, ranked by overall experience.

1
Ubuntu Icon

Ubuntu

Best overall experience

Ubuntu offers a stable environment with a vast repository of packages, ideal for developers who need reliability and community support.

  • Extensive package repository
  • Strong community support
  • Regular updates and LTS versions
  • User-friendly UI with GNOME
2
Fedora Icon

Fedora

Cutting-edge technology

Fedora is known for its cutting-edge features and frequent updates, making it perfect for developers who want to work with the latest technologies.

  • Bleeding-edge software
  • Strong focus on open-source
  • Excellent support for containers
  • Wayland by default for modern graphics
3
Arch Linux Icon

Arch Linux

Ultimate customization

Arch Linux offers unparalleled customization, allowing developers to tailor their systems precisely to their needs with its rolling release model.

  • Rolling release for latest software
  • Highly customizable
  • Extensive Arch User Repository (AUR)
  • Minimalist approach
4
Debian Icon

Debian

Stability and reliability

Debian is renowned for its stability, making it a great choice for developers who prioritize a dependable development environment.

  • Stable and reliable
  • Large package repository
  • Strong community support
  • Ideal for servers and desktop use
5
Pop Os Icon

Pop!_OS

Developer-friendly features

Pop!_OS is designed with developers in mind, featuring excellent support for programming and engineering tasks with a focus on productivity.

  • Built-in support for GPUs
  • Focus on developer productivity
  • Customizable tiling window manager
  • Based on Ubuntu for stability
6
Manjaro Icon

Manjaro

User-friendly Arch

Manjaro provides an easy-to-use interface and access to Arch Linux's powerful features, making it suitable for developers who want Arch benefits without the setup hassle.

  • Arch-based with user-friendly setup
  • Access to AUR
  • Rolling release model
  • Variety of desktop environments

Compare developers distros

Not sure which to pick? These comparisons might help.

Developers FAQ

Why choose Linux for development?

Linux offers a powerful, flexible environment with a wide range of development tools and libraries, making it ideal for developers.

Is Ubuntu good for programming?

Yes, Ubuntu is popular among developers due to its stability, large software repository, and extensive community support.

How does Fedora benefit developers?

Fedora provides the latest software and technologies, which is beneficial for developers who want to work with cutting-edge tools.

What makes Arch Linux suitable for developers?

Arch Linux's rolling release model and extensive customization options make it ideal for developers who want full control over their environment.

Can beginners use Manjaro for development?

Yes, Manjaro simplifies Arch Linux, providing a user-friendly setup with access to powerful development tools, making it suitable for beginners.

What are the benefits of using Pop!_OS for development?

Pop!_OS is tailored for developers, offering features like excellent GPU support and a productivity-focused environment, enhancing the development experience.

Related categories

Not sure which to pick?

Compare any two distros side-by-side.