In today’s new revolution in science and technology, we are surrounded by electronic gadgets all the time. Our day starts with the smartphones, emails, and notifications we receive to plan our day. But have you ever wondered about the technology behind all these electrical gadgets that are a part of our lives now?
So, let’s understand the concept of an operating system that helps all gadgets work as mini computers and improve our days by providing us assistance in routine tasks.
Table of contents:
- Introduction to Linux
- Who are the developers
- Why can developers count on Linux
- Components of Linux
- Real-life applications for Linux developers
- Similarities between Linux and Unix
- Useful commeands of Linux
- Conclusion
Introduction:
Smartphones, televisions, cars, home appliances, desktops, database servers, etc., use operating systems in which a set of instructions are filled or loaded to work according to the requirements in a programmed procedure. We are familiar with many operating systems like Android, ios, Windows etc., and Linux is also a part of this family of operating systems. We rarely hear about this Linux operating system, but we use it every day and every minute as soon as we use an electronic gadget. It is being widely used globally with perfection and is considered the king of operating systems in the world of digital technology.
Linux –
It works as an interface between the computer’s hardware and the user. It helps the software to work efficiently without any disruptions. It is accessible on the internet so any developer can modify it according to the requirements. It is a multi-operating system. It is used to manage all the hardware resources.
The Linux operating system is very similar to the Unix operating system in many different ways. But Unix cannot be accessed as a free source. One has to pay to use it.
The reason for the usage of the Linux operating system by a large no. of people around the globe is that “it provides hi-end security features to keep users’ files in encrypted mode”.
Who are the developers?
Developers plan, build, test, and maintain software systems and applications. They develop software that satisfies end customers’ needs by using a variety of programming languages and technologies.
Developers may work in various industries, including technology, finance, healthcare and education. They may work independently or as a part of a team, and they may work for a company or as freelancers.
Why can developers count on or rely on Linux Operating System
Open source: Linux is open source, meaning the source code is freely available for anyone to modify and distribute. This allows developers to easily access the code, make changes, and contribute to the operating system’s development.
Large storehouse of software: Linux has a large storehouse of open-source software and tools developers can use. This includes a wide range of programming languages, libraries, frameworks, and tools for debugging, testing, and deployment.
Customizability: Linux allows users to customize their operating system to meet their specific needs. Developers can install and configure the software and tools they need and modify the operating system to fit their workflow.
Security: Linux is known for its security features, which makes it a good choice for developers working on sensitive projects. It has several built-in security features and is less likely to malfunction and other types of attacks than other operating systems.
Stability: Linux is a stable operating system, which means it is less likely to crash and other issues than other operating systems. This can be especially important for developers who rely on their computers.
Community support: Linux has a large and active community of users and developers, which means that a wealth of resources and support is available for those who use the operating system. Developers can access online forums, documentation, and other resources to get help with their projects.
It is a highly accessible tool as an operating system. If you are a developer looking for something to rely on, this is your sign to go for the Linux operating system and enjoy meeting the needs of your company, startup or client.
Components of the Linux Operating system
- Kernel: The kernel is the central part of the operating system that controls how the hardware and software of the computer interact. It manages system resources, such as memory, processors, and I/O devices.
- System libraries: System libraries are collections of routines that provide functionality used by multiple programs. They include functions for tasks such as input/output, memory allocation, and string manipulation.
- System Utilities: System utilities are programs that perform specific tasks related to the maintenance and configuration of the operating system. Examples include programs for managing file systems, controlling system processes, and monitoring system performance.
- Shell: It is known as the command line interface, allowing users to interact with the operating system. It provides a way for users to enter commands and run programs.
- Graphical user interface (GUI): A GUI is a graphical interface that allows users to interact with the operating system and its applications using icons, menus, and other visual elements.
- System libraries and utilities for programming: Linux includes a wide range of libraries and utilities for programming, including libraries for data structures, algorithms, and networking, as well as compilers, debuggers, and other tools.
- Applications: Applications are programs that perform specific user tasks, such as word processing, web browsing, and media playback. Linux includes a wide range of applications, both open-source and proprietary, that are available for installation.
Real-life applications of Linux for the Developers
- Web servers: Linux is a popular choice for operating web servers because of its stability, security, and performance. It is used by many of the world’s largest websites, including Google, Facebook, and Amazon.
- Cloud computing: Linux is widely used in cloud computing environments as the host operating system for virtual machines and the operating system of choice for many cloud-based applications.
- Embedded systems: Linux is often used in embedded systems, such as routers, smart TVs, and industrial automation systems. It is well-designed for these applications because of its minor footprint feature and ability to be customized for specific hardware and requirements.
- Desktop computing: Many developers use Linux as their primary operating system for desktop computing, either as a standalone operating system or in combination with another operating system (such as Windows or macOS) using tools like virtualization or dual booting.
- Mobile devices: Linux is the operating system for some mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets. It is also used in developing mobile apps, providing a wide range of tools and libraries for mobile development.
- Scientific computing: Linux is used in many scientific computing environments, including supercomputing centres, where it is used to run simulations and perform data analysis. It is well-designed for these applications because of its stability, performance, and ability to run on high-performance hardware.
Similarities between Linux Operating System and Unix operating System
- Both Linux and Unix are multi-user operating systems which can support multiple users accessing the system simultaneously.
- Both operating systems use a command-line interface (CLI), which allows users to enter commands and run programs using text-based commands.
- Both Linux and Unix have a hierarchical file system, which means that files and directories are organized in a tree-like structure with a root directory at the top.
- Both operating systems include various utilities and tools for file management, system administration, and programming.
- Both Linux and Unix have a large and active community of users and developers who contribute to the development of the operating systems and create a wealth of documentation and resources.
- There are also some differences between the two operating systems, such as the specific kernel and system libraries used, the licensing and distribution models, and the particular features and capabilities of the operating systems.
Some useful commands in Linux Operating System
- ‘ls’: This command lists the files and directories in a directory. It has several options that can be used to customize the output, such as -l to display the files in a long format and -a to show hidden files.
- ‘cd’: This command changes the current working directory. It takes a directory path as an argument and allows the user to navigate the file system.
- ‘cp’: It takes the source file and destination as arguments and can be used to copy files within a single directory or to a different directory.
- ‘mv’: This command moves or renames files and directories. It takes the source file and destination as arguments and can transfer files within a single guide or to a different one.
- ‘rm’: It takes a file or directory path as an argument and can be used to delete multiple files or directories simultaneously. Using this command, it is essential to use caution, as deleted files cannot be quickly recovered.
Conclusion
This brief article provides authentic and honest information about the best and almost perfect ruling over the world Linux Operating System. And by the end of the article, we can say that it is an entirely reliable and accessible tool for developers worldwide to produce happy customers and successful startups with its exceptional abilities as it is easily an available customizable operating system.
Author Bio: Suman Munigonda is a technical content creator who works for Tekslate. He is passionate about technology and possesses an interest in writing content that relates to the latest technologies like AI, Devops, Machine Learning, and Data Science. In his free time, he likes playing cricket.
