"I want to become a programmer, but which operating system should I use?"
This is a common question when starting to learn programming. I asked myself the same question and believe that choosing the right ecosystem is important and shouldn't be overlooked at the beginning of your programming journey.
In this post, I'll discuss the main types of operating systems used by programmers and their key features.
To find the best operating system for learning programming, we need to consider several factors, including system performance and functionality.
Criteria for Choosing an Operating System for Programming
Performance, RAM size, the type of software you plan to develop—whether it’s games or web applications—and of course, your personal preferences as a programmer.
We'll focus on the three most popular systems since they are widely used by programmers: Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Each system has its strengths and weaknesses, and while any can be used for programming, some are better suited for specific tasks. However, to avoid complicating the learning process, I recommend starting with what you already have. That being said, some systems are better suited for game development, while others are less optimal. Let me outline the general features of each system in the context of programming and developer work.
Is Windows the Best for Learning Programming?
Windows is the most well-known and widely used operating system.
Advantages of Windows:
- Familiarity: In countries like ours, nearly everyone has interacted with Windows, whether at home, school, or work.
- Intuitive interface: Its graphical interface is user-friendly, especially helpful in the early stages of learning.
- Affordability: Windows 10 is usually pre-installed on computers, so you don’t need to make an additional investment. While Linux is free, for many beginners, using what’s already available makes the most sense.
- Developer tools: One of the most popular code editors, Visual Studio Code, was created by Microsoft. It’s free, highly customizable with many extensions, and works on macOS and Linux, but it originates from the Windows ecosystem.
- Easy updates: Windows simplifies system updates, and for developers constantly tweaking and upgrading their systems, this is a convenient feature.
Disadvantages of Windows:
- Driver configurations: While customizability is a strength, managing drivers can lead to major system crashes.
- Forced updates: Windows is notorious for pushing updates aggressively, which can be annoying. While some can be postponed, others may be necessary to prevent system malfunctions.
- Speed limitations: Compared to macOS and Linux, Windows can be slower when running scripts, switching between tasks, or compiling code.
Is Linux a Better Choice?
Advantages of Linux:
- Open-source: Linux is free, open-source software. You don’t need to pay for a license—just download and get started.
- Reliability: Linux is stable, and updates won’t typically break your system.
- High performance: Linux is known for being lightweight and fast, which makes it a great choice for running scripts and development. Many experienced developers prefer Linux for this reason, but beginners might find it challenging.
- Security: Linux excels in network security, making it ideal for server management.
- Easy module installation: Installing complex modules and packages is straightforward on Linux.
Disadvantages of Linux:
- Occasional bugs: Being free software, Linux can have unresolved bugs that go unaddressed compared to Windows or macOS.
- Compatibility issues: Occasionally, hardware or peripherals like keyboards may not work properly on Linux.
- Limited software: If you’ve been using Windows, you won’t find certain programs like Microsoft Word or Paint on Linux. While it has text editors, they may not compare to what you're used to.
- Limited technical support: Unlike Windows or macOS, Linux doesn’t have paid support channels, so users rely on community forums for help.
Advantages of macOS:
- Easy installation: Installing packages and development tools on macOS is straightforward and smooth.
- Advanced features: macOS is known for its advanced and highly intuitive user interface.
- Multitasking efficiency: Mac is designed for multitasking, making it easy to switch between tasks.
- iOS development: If you plan to develop iOS apps, macOS is the best choice. Its ecosystem allows seamless synchronization with iCloud and other Apple services.
- Customer support: Apple provides robust customer support with multiple options for resolving issues.
Disadvantages of macOS:
- High cost: Macs are expensive compared to other systems.
- No upgrades: You can’t upgrade your RAM or storage after purchase.
Operating Systems Based on IT Fields
Generalist Programmers
For generalists, personal preference is often the deciding factor. Developers commonly use macOS, Windows, and Linux for software development.
Many developers even dual-boot or maintain two systems—Linux/macOS for development and Windows for personal use or gaming. Linux is often preferred for professional purposes.
Frontend Developers
Frontend and web developers create websites and web apps that run in browsers like Google Chrome and Firefox.
Linux, macOS, and Windows are all suitable for frontend development, and there’s no strict rule here. Personally, I use Windows for daily work but also have a virtual Linux machine since many servers run on Linux, making it essential for learning backend development.
Backend Developers
Backend developers handle servers, services, databases, and more. Since many backend solutions run on Linux, backend developers must be comfortable with the Linux environment.
Thus, Linux is the preferred choice for backend developers, particularly for managing servers and command-line tasks. However, preferences can vary, and developers may choose based on personal comfort.
Mobile App Developers
In mobile development, you’ll either work on Android or iOS apps.
For Android development, you can use Linux, macOS, or Windows since Android SDK works across all three, supporting languages like Java and Kotlin.
However, iOS development requires macOS. While there are ways to develop iOS apps on non-Mac systems, it's often cumbersome and not recommended.
Conclusion
Your choice of operating system depends largely on your development needs and personal comfort. For most learners, sticking with the system you already have will avoid unnecessary complications. However, as you specialize—whether in frontend, backend, or mobile development—certain systems may offer advantages in performance and ease of use.
Let me know in the comments which operating system you use for learning and if it presents any challenges!
