Linux
Source: Dev.to
What is Linux?
If you have ever worked with a desktop computer or any type of computing device, you have directly interacted with software that must communicate with its hardware. This software is called an operating system. An operating system manages software and hardware resources like memory, files, and processing power, acting as a bridge between the user and the physical device.
Linux is a family of open‑source operating systems whose primary languages are C and Assembly, built around the Linux kernel. The kernel, created by Linus Torvalds in 1991, has total control over the system’s hardware. When combined with other tools, libraries, and user interfaces, it forms a complete operating system known as a Linux distribution (or “distro”). For example, Ubuntu is a widely used Linux distribution praised for its ease of use and accessibility, making it a good choice for beginners.
Kernel and Distributions
- Kernel – The core program that manages hardware resources.
- Distributions – Collections of the kernel plus additional software, tools, and user interfaces (e.g., Ubuntu, Fedora, openSUSE).
Linux is described as a “Unix‑like” operating system because it follows many of the same design principles as UNIX. While UNIX inspired Linux, the two are distinct; Linux’s open‑source development model has made it one of the most powerful operating systems today.
Relationship to Other Operating Systems
| Category | Operating System | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Desktop / Laptop | Windows – Microsoft’s desktop OS; dominant market share, broad hardware support, extensive software ecosystem. | |
| macOS – Apple’s desktop OS for Macs. | ||
| Mobile / Tablet | Android – Google’s mobile OS, built on the Linux kernel; powers the majority of smartphones and tablets worldwide. | |
| iOS – Apple’s mobile OS for iPhones; tightly integrated with Apple hardware. |
For mobile devices, Android and iOS are the top operating systems. Android’s wide hardware compatibility and customizability make it the most widely used mobile OS, while iOS offers a tightly integrated user experience. For desktop and laptop devices, Windows and macOS dominate the market.
Market Share and Usage
- Linux is a major player in servers, cloud environments, and embedded systems, even though it has a smaller presence on consumer desktops and mobile devices.
- Nearly half of all cloud instances run Linux, and major cloud providers (AWS, Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure) use Linux for their virtual machines and services.
- The Linux operating‑system market was valued at USD 21.97 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 99.69 billion by 2032.
- As of the end of 2024, all of the top 500 supercomputers run Linux, and 64.9 % of government data centers worldwide report Linux adoption.
- Linux’s stability, security, and low maintenance make it ideal for powering web servers, cloud infrastructure, and high‑traffic websites.
Why Learn Linux?
- Command‑line interface – Supports powerful scripting and automation tools.
- Open‑source ecosystem – Provides free development packages and the ability to customize the system extensively.
- Industry relevance – Essential for cloud engineers, DevOps professionals, and developers who build, test, and deploy software in modern workflows.
- Influence – Linux underpins much of the modern internet, from server farms to the Android operating system.
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kernel_(operating_system)
- https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/operating-systems/operating-systems/
- https://subscription.packtpub.com/book/cloud-and-networking/9781837630691/2/ch02lvl1sec04/introducing-the-linux-operating-system/
- https://www.reallinuxuser.com/what-is-a-linux-distribution/
- https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/linux-unix/linux-vs-unix/
- https://gs.statcounter.com/os-market-share/desktop-mobile-tablet/worldwide/#monthly-201201-202601-bar
- https://cloudhandbook.substack.com/p/why-you-must-learn-linux-as-a-cloud
- https://commandlinux.com/statistics/linux-server-market-share/
- https://www.ibm.com/think/topics/linux-kernel