What Is Linux?
Linux is an operating system that’s used in a variety of devices including cell phones, laptops, desktop computers and servers. It’s known for its stability, security and flexibility. It also offers generally interoperable hardware, a large software library and a vibrant community that supports it and regularly updates it. Developed by Linus Torvalds in 1991, linux is free and open-source. Its development process is facilitated by the Internet, allowing developers from all over the world to contribute to it. The kernel alone is written in a mix of C and assembly, with the rest of the system being written in a range of other programming languages. Linux has a number of different versions that are tailored to meet specific types of users and uses. Each of these is referred to as a “distribution.” Distributions vary in their user interface, desktop environment, features and functionality. They are available for download, burned to a disk or USB thumb drive and then installed on a computer. Several of the most popular distributions are listed on Distrowatch, which can help people find a flavor that suits them. The most popular uses for linux are for servers and development environments. Sysadmins like it for its powerful command line tools, uptime reliability and robust security model. Programmers use it for its broad support for open-source programming languages and frameworks, as well as its stability and performance. Linux is also often used in devops workflows and for building containerized applications and backend services. It’s important to note that although Linux is a powerful and flexible OS, it doesn’t come with any built-in applications or programs. The operating system must be complemented with software packages and libraries to provide a complete experience. Many of these software components are developed by members of the linux community and released for free, with licensing terms that ensure their future availability. Large software companies, such as Red Hat and IBM, also offer paid versions of linux with additional features and support. Regardless of the specific features and capabilities of a given distribution, all linux operating systems have a few core elements that make them unique. These include a monolithic kernel that’s preemptive (unlike traditional Unix) and has symmetrical multiprocessor (SMP) support, making it more efficient on hardware with multiple processors. It’s also a modular system, with the kernel and other parts of the operating system able to load and unload code dynamically. This enables the operating system to be optimized for individual tasks, which is a benefit for developers who work with a diverse set of hardware platforms.