A Complete Guide On Open Source Linux Software Development

There are several important steps, factors, and elements to know about the world of Linux software development. Linux can be thought of an operating system (OS), ecosystem, build environment, platform, and culture. It supports our tech infrastructure, stock exchanges, business servers, and some of the world’s largest supercomputers.

In fact, the entire Android OS is built on Linux kernels. One of the most interesting facts about Linux is that the actual OS is open source. Even if it can be frustrating and time-consuming at first, learning to develop applications with Linux is certainly a rewarding process. Learning these skills, you can take advantage of one of the most secure, dependable, stable, and scalable operating systems.

Also Read: Most useful Linux Commands that you should know

To get started now, read on to learn everything you need to know about Linux software development. 

Accepted Programming Languages

If you are interested in Linux software development, you first must know what coding languages you can use. Fortunately, the open source Linux OS has great support for a wide variety of programming frameworks.

In fact, many Linux programmers use Python, Perl, Java, JavaScript, Ruby, or Vala. It also supports general purpose coding languages like C++, C, HTML, and PHP. If you do encounter issues with your preferred framework, you may be able to get the needed packages from Linux distro repositories.

Certainly, get familiar with the accepted programming languages for open source Linux software development. 

Supported Development Tools

In addition, determine what development tools, programming resources, and supporting technologies are supported on Linux-based open source applications. Linux software developers use a wide variety of different solutions for security, efficiency, productivity, and quality.

For example, you can use the JFrog DevOps Platform to meet cloud nimble requirements, enable full flexibility, and maintain a consistent security posture. These solutions provide you with a powerful, binaries-driven formula that empowers DevOps success. With this functionality, you can leverage operating consistency across on-prem, hybrid, and cloud environments.

Of course, this gives you the ability to distribute across a range of best-in-class services. Indeed, assess the supported development tools as you learn about the Linux open source software development world. 

Kernel Coding Requirements

New developers should also understand the process involved for coding and developing Linux-based kernels. Historically, the kernel has followed a traditional, standardized, and widely-accepted coding style. If code is not aligned with standards, it will be nearly impossible to add to the kernel.

After all, the massive kernel codebase requires uniformity to operate properly. That being said, there is no margin for poorly-formatted, unreadable open source code. If you are concerned about quality, there are a variety of Linux-specific code checking tools. These are necessary – especially since nobody can write bug-free code the first time.

Absolutely, know the programming requirements when coding Linux kernels. 

Preferred Development Models

It also helps to get a clearer understanding of Linux developers’ preferred build models. Most commonly, teams develop with proactive, collaboration-focused models like DevOps. These strategies facilitate cross-departmental collaboration between development and operations teams. With this approach, you facilitate rapid issue resolution, empower greater scalability, and support stable operating environments.

If this model doesn’t suit your needs, consider waterfall, agile, or rapid application development (RAD) instead. Or, spiral and iterative development is extremely popular as well. Definitely, consider the top development models across the Linux programming industry. 

Linux Security Functionality

You should also get a better understanding of security functionality for Linux development. Since it is open source, Linux is likely the most secure operating system available. Anyone can review OS security to ensure that no vulnerabilities, bugs, or backdoors exist. Because of this, they have the least exploitable security flaws compared to nearly any other operating system type.

If you are still not satisfied, there are several other tips to enhance Linux security. For example, different development users should from be walled off from each other. Plus, they should be identified with secure, recognizable access credentials. Surely, get to know more about Linux open source security functionality, needs, and requirements. 

There are several important elements, items, and factors to understand about Linux software development. First off, get to know more about what languages you can use to build applications on Linux. Next, understand what programming resources, development tools, and supporting technologies you can use across your Linux build pipeline.

You should also be familiar with different security functionality and protocols. More, determine the universal coding standards, process, and requirements for Linux-based kernels. Proactive developers must additionally understand the most widely-used programming methodologies throughout the industry.

Follow the points highlighted above to learn everything you need to know about Linux software development.