A Comprehensive Guide to Linux Programming

Linux was introduced in the early ’90s by Linus Torvalds, a Finnish software engineer, and Free Software Foundation (FSF). Since then, Linux has seen incredible growth in the market. The competent and consistent system is what makes Linux popular among competitors like Microsoft, Apple, and Android.

Introduction to Linux Programming

Linux is an open-source operating system that works as a communication channel between hardware and software through Linux programming. Linux programming is the programming language of computers that enables software to control the hardware through commands. Linux programming allows users to develop applications, interfaces, programs, and software. Linux supports various programming languages which include C, C++, CSS, Java, JavaScript, HTML, PHP, Perl, Python, Ruby, and Vala

Features of Linux Programming

Portability

The Linux Kernel and application programs are suitable for all hardware. The software can be easily installed and run on various types of hardware.

Open Platform for Developers

The open platform of Linux allows developers to communicate with each other through a community-based development project to increase the competence of the Linux operating system.

Multiple Users

Linux operating system allows multiple users to access the system properties such as memory, ram, and application program at once.

Multiple Programming System

The operating system enables us to run multiple applications at the same time.

Arrangement of Files

This feature offers a file structure through which user files are arranged.

Shell

The operating system provides a special translator program that can implement commands of the operating system.

Security

Linux provides the developers with a proper security system features such as user verification, encryption of data, and managing access to files.

Live CD/USB

This feature allows users to run CD/USB without the installation of an operating system.

Graphic Based as Windows

Linux offers numerous packages. These packages can be installed to the servers and create a graphic based user interface.

Supports Personalized Keyboards

The popular features and benefits of the Linux operating system have led the market of Linux to increase. Thus, Linux supports various languages and custom national keyboards.

Application Support

Linux offers its users unlimited applications for installation by giving a command to Linux Terminal or shell. These applications can be installed through its software repository. The operating system also supports Windows applications.

Pros and Cons of Linux

With so many features the Linux programming has several advantages and disadvantages. Let’s have a look at the pros and cons of it.

Pros of Linux

1. Free Linux Packages: Linux offers the users with its online packages that can be legally installed for free. As the packages are open-source, users can easily access the source code through which users can create their distro. These distros can be downloaded and shared with various servers and people.
2. Stability: The Linux operating system barely crashes, unlike windows. Even when it crashes, it does not disturb the whole system.
3. High level of Protection against Malware: In comparison to Windows, malware does not attack Linux. The secure nature of Linux enables the user to have a protected operating system. As the number of virus for Linux are few, there are fewer odds of operating system to get damaged with the spyware, trojans, worms, and other viruses.
4. Computer Performance: Malware and virus slow down the performance of a computer. Unlike Windows, Linux does not require a registry; hence, it is not filled with errors of registry causing low computer performance. Windows defragmentation is required daily to improve the performance of the PC. However, Linux does not require defragmentation as it is formatted in different ways, like ext4.
5. Supports Every Type of Computer: Linux can be installed on any computer, even if it is Pentium III or later. The operating system will perform efficiently and let the user complete work in no time.
6. Variety of Distros: Linux offers several packages to the users for free. Users are free to choose any package that suits them best, and even if their needs aren’t fulfilled, they can create their distro.
7. Access to Software: All the distros of Linux come with their software. Users can also download any other software according to their needs. The advantage of this software is that it is tested; hence, are highly compatible with the operating system.

Cons of Linux

1. Incompatible with Windows Programs: The major disadvantage of Linux is that it does not support Microsoft products. However, Linux does provide with the substitute of those products, such as for Internet Explorer users can use Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome.
2. Few Peripheral Hardware Driver: The peripheral hardware scanners and printers are less compatible with Linux than Windows. Since all the packages aren’t compatible with computer hardware, users are required to run all computers to identify the compatible one.
3. Less Friendly: As compared to Windows Linux is less user-friendly. The operating system is somewhat complex to understand; hence, it’s not suitable for beginners.  
4. No Technical Support: There is multiple tech support available for Windows; however, for Linux, there isn’t any tech support available. Users can simply sign up to Enterprise Linux and get help from there in case of getting fixes.
5. Availability of games: Only a few games are available on Linux in contrast to Windows. Therefore, for a gamer, Windows is the better option.
6. Alternative Applications: Even though Linux offers alternative Windows programs still, some of the programs aren’t as fulfilling as the original program, such as Photoshop.

Linux Training with QuickStart

As Linux is complex for beginners, there are several Linux training that QuickStart provides. Below is the list of a few of Linux training available on QuickStart. 

1. Linux Fundamental (L-120)
2. LFS201: Essentials of Linux System Administration
3. LFS211: Linux Networking and Administration
4. LFD232: Cloud Foundry for Developers
5. LFS258: Kubernetes Fundamentals
6. LFS242: Cloud Native Logging with Fluentd
7. CompTIA Linux+
8. LFD401: Developing Applications for Linux
9. LFS101: Introduction to Linux
10. LFS241: Monitoring Systems and Services with Prometheus

We hope you’ve gained some insights about Linux. If you need more information on learning Linux, feel free to contact our QuickStart experts.