Modern technologies develop in the blink of an eye, and every fresh computer science student eventually learns to solve issues with new operating systems (OS). Even if it is said that famous operating systems like Windows or iOS are similar, their editions in 2020 are not the same as what they used to be ten years ago. There has been enough time to figure out all the pros and cons of each OS. Therefore, it is time to speak about the reasons computer science students prefer GNU/Linux to any other OS.
Everyone wants to get closer professionally to software and information technologies, experiment with operating systems, and select the one that best fits their needs. The Linux kernel is a component of the General Public License (GNU) and Linux systems created in 1991, and in 2020 its popularity among tech students only continues to grow. Let’s leave behind all prejudices and consider the GNU/Linux-based OS with the top eight benefits it provides for computer science learners and experienced programmers.
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- It is free
This means the Linux user doesn’t have to pay anything to get a reasonable operating system that is more protected than Windows. Most of the applications and programs that run on Linux are also available for free. It’s open-source, and the source code for the operating systems and most of the applications that run on it are available without fees, so everyone can modify it to their needs.
- Interoperable
The central part of it is the GNU/Linux kernel that runs on more different kinds of hardware than any other firmware or OS. If you want to use a command-line on different non-Linux based systems, use bash integration with its terminal to work in a similar environment. The Linux kernel provides a common platform for software and supports various hardware architectures. Linux can run on any hardware type: from tiny laptops with micro-controllers to powerful supercomputers.
- Developer friendly
Linux is a powerful tool for developers due to its free access to such helpful sources as profilers, IDEs, debuggers, compilers, etc. Linux kernel helps with learning to program and create other operating systems over it, such as Ubuntu, Android, Fedora, ParrotSecOS, Kali Linux, SteamOS, Arch LinuxGet, and others.
It comes with everything you need to compile both C and C++ programs out of the box, regardless of distribution. Even if Linux requires different tools, such as a text editor and a compiler, many languages are supported.
- Community belonging
If you are new to developing on Linux, you can join the community and ask about different solutions on such languages as Java, PHP, React, or Python. For example, every student can get professional answers at one of the open community sources like https://assignmentshark.com/ to get Python homework help for a better understanding of developing on Linux. When you need support on programming, you can request open code files, compile, and run.
- Highly secured
Even if Linux users can modify the software versions, it is more secure than Windows, as developers of viruses find it harder to hack the more personalized OS. Software code visibility lets anyone from the Linux community easily detect bugs and fix them better than Windows for its users, who are mostly not familiar with programming and can’t get into the shell of the code source. All data in a Linux-based OS is encrypted and has access control with such authentication privacy features like login and password protection.
- Customized
Every student likes to personalize the digital working area, especially if it concerns coding or programming. As Linux allows access to the source code, you can create your own package to customize the desktop look. Just select the GUI you like and build a hands-on interface for your needs.
- Speedy
You can work, search, run, install, build, debug, code, and use many different applications simultaneously, and your PC will not get bogged down. Speed is what most programmers appreciate about Linux. It helps keep you multitasking and doesn’t overwhelm your computer by using extra sources.
- Easy to operate
Linux is a kit of technical components that simplify a student’s life when learning them. Start with the manual (man) and figure out everything from navigating the file system (pwd, whereis, locate, ls, cd) to redirection operations (>, >>, <, &>, |). It is also easy to learn Linux with helpful online tutorials.
To Wrap Up
Computer science students have a great opportunity to quench their curiosity with the GNU/Linux system. If the source is open and free, it is a crime to avoid learning it. Even if you compare the Linux OS with other famous tools, you definitely will not regret to know how it works. Who knows, maybe it is a first step to creating your own operating system
