Why learning Linux is a game-changer for people learning to code

Windows 11 came around the end of 2021, as a tech enthusiast I wanted to install and try it asap. But my PC was incompatible with Win11, which made me desperate for alternatives and it was the first time I got to know about Linux. GNU/Linux opened up the world for endless customization, I tweaked every little setting I could find and made my OS truly mine. Little did I know that what started as a fun activity, would profoundly impact my understanding of computers, surpassing any other experience.

And here is how Linux turned out to be a game-changer when I started my bachelor's in Data Science.

1. Deepened my understanding of computer architecture - From the start straight from flashing a live USB to installing certain drivers to creating partitions in my disk, Linux forced me to learn so quite a lot of stuff about my PC. Be it drivers, partitioning the disk, changing the boot settings, understanding package managers, open source software, filesystems, and the terminal.

2. Command-Line Proficiency - Linux opened me to the world of the command line, from updating all your packages with just one command like sudo pacman -Syu or to automate my whole system with bash scripting or just accessing git straight from the command line helped me give access to the whole computer with an opening of just one window.

3. Versatile Development Environment - Linux provided me with a versatile development environment with tools like git, gcc compiler, and python libraries were already installed on my computer. The package managers made it easy for me to create a developer-friendly for working with Java and various python libraries. The infinite customization options and ability to code with just the terminal(vim/neovim) made me a better and more efficient developer.

4. Customization and Flexibility - While also being interested in CS I also had a great interest in design from early on. Linux allowed me to customize my terminal window, and the color scheme of my PC (that too from scratch), modify whatever icon I like, use an endless amount of widgets, and much more. This ability of Linux to modify every bit of my OS was just breathtaking.

5. Open-Source Collaboration- Linux was the reason I got to know about open source. I got engaged in a lot of communities because of Open Source. It allowed me to engage with like-minded individuals, share knowledge, and contribute to open-source projects. This collaborative environment not only enhanced my coding skills but also exposed me to a world that in turn ultimately improved my quality of code. Open source was the reason I am motivated enough to write my first blog.

I just wanted to share my experience and the endless possibilities of Linux.

The best way to learn Linux is by using it, so just go grab a USB drive and flash it with distro of your choice and let the journey begin.

If you have any questions or suggestions, you can message me on Twitter.

I have created a Github repo where I have uploaded my notes for the Linux command line and many other CS topics.

Thanks. Have a nice day, developers.