The Basics of Linux
As an open source operating system, linux has a global collaborative community of professional and hobbyist programmers that provide security updates, live patching, new features and diverse distributions for different user needs. Its architecture, including the kernel, system libraries, shell and hardware layer, ensures efficient functionality. Linux has a broad range of uses, from powering small data-gathering edge devices to advanced cloud-native applications that drive the world’s largest companies.
Whether you are using it to run a home computer or to manage a corporate server, Linux is an exceptionally stable and secure platform that is free from the scourge of ransomware and other malware. In fact, it’s not uncommon for a server to go years without needing rebooted if the software is updated regularly. Its versatility also allows for rapid deployment of customized solutions on a variety of hardware platforms.
The heart of the Linux operating system is its kernel, which provides a common base for various components of the operating system and all devices connected to it. The kernel manages the resources of a computer, such as its memory and the CPU. In addition, it handles input from devices such as keyboards and mouses.
The Linux kernel can be enhanced by a series of modules called drivers, which enable applications to use specific hardware devices. Linux has many drivers available, making it compatible with a wide range of devices.
In addition to drivers, the Linux operating system includes system libraries, which contain pre-written code that saves application developers time by providing a standardized method of interacting with the kernel. This reduces overhead and improves performance.
Another core element of Linux is the command line interface, or CLI. Users access the operating system from a CLI prompt, and can perform tasks such as managing files, manipulating graphics, text editing and running a command line session. Almost all Linux distributions include CLI tools for configuring, programming and performing low-level tasks.
Most Linux distributions also offer a selection of graphical desktop environments, which determine the way in which graphical elements such as windows and pull-down menus are presented to users. Some, such as GNOME and Elementary OS’s Pantheon, focus on modern user interfaces with customizable themes, while others (such as openSUSE) adopt a traditional look.
Most Linux distributions come with a selection of free, open source programs for completing different tasks. These programs range from word processors and spreadsheets to web browsers, photo editors and media players. It is also possible to build a Linux development environment, enabling developers to create and test software for desktop and server systems. The most popular programming languages used on Linux are Python, Perl and Java, but there is also support for more advanced languages like PHP, Ruby and Guile Scheme. In addition, most Linux distributions support a number of scripting and text processing languages. These include the traditional Unix scripting language awk and sed, as well as the general purpose Lisp interpreter GNU Emacs.
