5 Best OS for Developers in 2024
Are you searching for the best OS for web development?
Whether you're coding for web, mobile, or desktop applications, choosing OS can significantly impact your workflow.
As a developer, you must consider that your chosen OS supports the tools required for your development projects.
In this article, you'll explore the best OS for software development and their features, performance, and compatibility with popular development tools.
Let's get started.
What is an Operating System (OS), and why is it important for developers?
An operating system is the most important software that serves as the foundation for other software applications.
It manages computer resources such as:
- Memory allocation
- Processor
- User interface
- Storage devices
- File management
- Security and access control
- Communication between hardware and software
Importance of choosing the right OS for developers
The operating system choice can significantly impact the developer's development process and coding experience.
Here's a list of reasons why it's important to choose the right OS for programming:
- The performance and stability of OS affect compilation time, execution speed, and overall development workflow.
- Every OS has specific package managers and software repositories that provide various tools and dependencies.
- Each OS has unique UI guidelines and accessibility features to consider when designing software applications.
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Best OS for Developers You Should Know:
Here are some popular operating systems widely used for software development:
Windows OS
Windows Operating System, developed by Microsoft Corporation, is one of the most popular operating systems known for its user-friendly graphical user interface (GUI).
It offers extensive features for file management, networking, security, and support for a wide range of hardware devices.
According to Statista, Windows is the most used operating system in the world, with more than 64% of market share.
Why do users love it?
- Windows supports multi-threading and parallel execution so that developers can create responsive and scalable applications with modern multi-core processors.
- Windows supports popular IDEs like Visual Studio Code.
- It is suitable for developing desktop, mobile, web, and cloud applications.
- It has various built-in accessibility features to support users with different needs.
- Windows is compatible with a vast array of software and hardware.
- It has strong support for PC gaming and is compatible with many games.
- Windows has a large and active developer community where you can find documentation, tutorials, and online resources.
- It allows users to customize their experience in numerous ways.
MacOS
MacOS (originally known as Mac OS X) is another popular operating system developed by Apple Inc. exclusively for its Macintosh computers.
It is one of the best OS for programming due to its stability, security features, and integration with Apple's hardware and software products ecosystem.
Why do users love it?
- MacOS has advanced features for better performance, such as memory management, fast processors, and solid-state drives (SSDs).
- It is built on Unix, which provides developers with a powerful command-line interface (CLI) and access to Unix tools for programming tasks such as scripting, version control, and server administration.
- While macOS is primarily known for iOS and macOS development, it provides tools and resources for developing applications compatible with different web browsers.
- Apple's Xcode is an (IDE) for macOS, iOS, and watchOS applications. It provides various tools for creating, testing, and debugging apps.
- It has an active community and support team for macOS developers, offering technical documentation, guides, and tutorials.
- macOS is praised for its stability and efficiency, with fewer crashes and system errors than other operating systems.
Linux OS
Linux is a Unix-like operating system that serves as the core component of various Linux distributions (also called "distros"), complete operating systems built around the Linux kernel.
Linux OS is open source and freely available for anyone to view, modify, and distribute, which makes it one of the best operating systems for programming.
According to the latest research, 47% of professional developers use Linux operating systems.
Why do users love it?
- Linux is quick, lightweight, and highly efficient regarding resource allocation so that programmers can run it on a wide range of hardware systems.
- It offers performance advantages such as faster compilation time, smoother development experience, and improved scalability for web applications.
- Linux is also one of the most stable OS for hosting web servers.
- It supports multitasking and parallel processing.
- Linux has advanced security features such as user permissions, file system encryption, and firewalls to protect against security threats.
- It has a large community of developers, tech enthusiasts, and contributors who provide tutorials and resources for Linux users.
Ubuntu
Ubuntu operating system is one of the most widely used Linux distributions, known for its user-friendly interface, stability, and extensive tools for development.
Why do users love it?
- Ubuntu Software Center allows users to install and manage IDEs and software packages easily.
- It provides access to thousands of free and open-source applications and development tools.
- Ubuntu Server includes advanced system administration tools and cloud and server deployment packages.
Debian
Debian operating system is a stable and versatile Linux distribution that is the core foundation for many other OS like Ubuntu and Linux Mint.
Why do users love it?
- Debian OS has many software packages with tools that provide better stability.
- It is highly flexible so developers can customize their development environments to their preferences.
- Debian has a testing process for every new update, making it a dependable Linux distribution for developers.
- Its security features make it reliable and bug-free.
Some other Linux-based operating systems for software development include:
- CentOS
- Arch Linux
- OpenSUSE
- Fedora
- Linux Mint
- Kali Linux for cybersecurity professionals.
Final Words
Choosing the best operating system for development depends on your preferences, requirements, and familiarity with different platforms.
Each operating system has its strengths and weaknesses.
When choosing an OS for your coding journey, you should consider factors such as development environment, software dependencies, community support, and your comfort level.