Linux is one of the many flavors of Linux and among the most popular, at least in the United States. Linux is a collection of open source operating systems based around the Linux kernel, which is an independent, multi-platform operating system first released in September 1991. Linux is commonly packaged as a distribution with other software packages. The Linux community consists of individuals, corporations, and free software enthusiasts that contribute to the development of Linux and provide support.
Linux is not only used for its function as a computer operating system, but it has become popular as a preferred environment for developing software. Many open source operating systems, such as Red Hat, Fedora, and Mandriva, are based on the Linux foundation. For companies who want to use Linux as their main platform for corporate computing, they usually choose the more established open source operating system, such as Fedora. However, if you need to develop a Linux-based software product, you should consider using the more user-friendly and Linux-free Ubuntu.
One of the most popular aspects of the Linux desktop environment is the command line. The command line offers extensive control over the computer operating system. If you need to create, edit, or manage files, you can do all of these from the command line. Additionally, Linux supports a wide variety of graphical interface tools, including the X Window System, that makes it easy to perform common tasks.
Another great advantage of using the command line is that you can debug software applications much easier than with other operating systems. Many software developers prefer to write programs in their own programming language, such as C or Java, rather than adapting a Java application for Linux. However, most Linux distributions have the Ant command line environment that allows developers to conveniently debug and trace problematic software applications. Also, if you need to track and debug the inner workings of your computer operating system, the command line is just the tool for the job.
If you are a web developer, one of the more important aspects of the Linux command line is the shell. The bash shell provides a simple interface for web developers. It is capable of running basic and advanced commands and has the ability to work as a login shell in Windows environments. Because it is an open source software, many third party developers have produced various different shells based on the bash, such as PHP and Apache.
The third most important aspect of the Linux operating system is the kernel, which provides the core technology that drives the Linux operating system. The kernel controls virtually every aspect of the computer, including hardware, networking, graphic, and software components. The kernel was developed as an open source operating system for Linux by developers who wanted to develop a single, versatile kernel that would run efficiently on many different platforms. The result is a kernel that is not only highly efficient but also highly configurable, making it easier for programmers to write new programs for the linux kernel.
