Which distro do you prefer?

linux_anand

linux_anand

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Hey folks!
I’m currently using Arch Linux and loving it, but I recently came across NixOS and its unique package management approach. I’m aiming to dive deeper into development and want the best daily-driver environment for coding.

Between Arch Linux and NixOS, which one do you think is better suited for development? I’ve done some research but still can’t decide—each has its own perks! So, here’s what I’m looking for:

  • Arch Linux: I like its simplicity, control, and AUR (amazing for finding almost everything). But setting up and maintaining the system can get tricky.
  • NixOS: The declarative configuration sounds mind-blowing. Rolling back changes with ease seems super helpful, but is it reliable enough for a development-focused daily use?
For someone diving into fields like software development, electronics, and cybersecurity, which distro would you recommend? Arch or NixOS? Let me know what you think!
 


Linux-Mint is easy to learn, responsive and the interface is easy to modify. ;)
 
Inorder of preference
Mint, Debian/Devuan, KDE-neon, MX, Fedora, PCLinuxOS, Others. A great deal has to do with what I want to use it for.
 
linux_anand said:
For someone diving into fields like software development, electronics, and cybersecurity, which distro would you recommend
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NONE, As all distributions of Linux can be used for the purposes you asked, there are however around a dozen Builds specifically aimed at the security [penetration testing] most are Debian based, but if you are glued to Arch then there are Black Arch and Archstrike
 
It doesn't matter which distribution you use when it comes to coding and software development. I've seen quite a few people on Reddit that do software development that use Fedora.

Some people like full control of their system, others don't mind with some sane defaults. Some people prefer stable distributions, others prefer a distribution with a bit newer software and others prefer bleeding edge. Take your pick whatever works for you. I have ran all of those and now days I prefer new software with a sane set of defaults because I just want to work and not have to deal with having to setup and configure every part of my system.
 
I like almost all of them. I definitely prefer debian fro everyday computing. I currently use an ArmCPU-based Debian Variant. I am pleased with it.
 
linux_anand said:
aiming to dive deeper into development and want the best daily-driver environment for coding.
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Debian (full stop)

Major benefit is you'll have access to the biggest package repository which is very useful for development.
Unless of course you'll be building all from scratch which is rarely who does.
 
I run about five distro's right now. Mostly redhat clones for work, and mostly Fedora for home.
 
CaffeineAddict said:
Debian (full stop)

Major benefit is you'll have access to the biggest package repository which is very useful for development.
Unless of course you'll be building all from scratch which is rarely who does.
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I second that!
 
Gentoo is my favorite Linux distribution, I begun using it mainly out of a desire to get to know Linux better, but the sheer amount of control over the system has been nothing short of great.

I have my system set up to use stable release packages for everything other than Kernel and Mesa, which I have set to receive updates as soon as they become available.

I usually leave updates running before I go to sleep and have the PC shut down automatically once updates are completed, so I do not really mind the compilation times.

Before Gentoo, I used to use openSUSE Tumbleweed, it was shockingly stable for being a bleeding edge rolling distribution.

--

I echo the sentiment that any Linux distribution can be used for any purpose, largely all of the utilities found in, say, Kali, can be installed on any other distribution, for example.

Find a distribution that you enjoy working with and adapt it to your needs is what I would recommend!
 
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Personally, I despise any attempt to get distro entangled in politics so NiXOS is out of the question. Aside from this, set your goals and see which distro provides right tools out of the box.
 
I have to concur with many of the above sentiments.

There's such a vast variety of differently-aimed distros across the entire Linux ecosphere that making recommendations is kinda pointless. The whole idea of Linux is that you are able to modify and/or adapt ANY distro to your needs.....as others have stated, installing Kali, for instance, is pretty daft, given that it's designed for advanced "pentesting" by experienced security professionals. If you want to learn this stuff in a more comfortable atmosphere, find a distro whose base, OOTB configuration you're happy about (and can live with!); then add the requisite packages from that distro's repos, annnd.....

.....dive in, experiment, & have fun with your new "toys". That's what many of us here would do.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~​

For me, there's only been ONE for over a decade; 'Puppy' Linux. Yup, folks DO snigger at Puppy users, and view them as some kinda poor relation who haven't got the bottle to run a "real" distro.....but nothing could be further from the truth. Our Pup's unique mode of operation, incredible versatility and extreme ease of backing-up positively encourages experimentation & trying stuff out that many would think twice about. It's for this reason that I never recommend her to noobs and/or those looking for a specific angle; rather, I say to them, "Come to Puppy as and when you feel ready to start thinking out of the box".

The stuff we've got up to with Puppy over the years would blow most folks somewhat limited imaginations..! :D


Mike. ;)
 
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Gee I wonder what it could be?
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