Best Linux Distros for Programming in 2025

[ChrisNeal]

Hi

As a developer looking to fully migrate to Linux, I’m interested in knowing which distributions are currently favored for programming. What distros do you find offer the best tools, libraries, and environment stability for developers? Any particular favorites for web development or app creation in 2025?

Thanks!

 

[dos2unix]

I myself am not really a developer per se. But I work work a large team of them. Java, Python, C, Rust, Go, Perl, JavaScript/HTML, you name it they probably do it. To be honest, I've found the same tools jdk's, dev libraries, IDE's, pretty much available for all the popular distro's. I wouldn't say one has any real advantage over another.

Having said that, there are some distro's that run newer kernels, newer development libraries, and newer version of python, java, perl, C, go, etc... So that may affect your decision.

 

[JasKinasis]

Speaking as a professional developer, it really doesn’t matter. All of the tools and libraries you need are available on every single Linux distribution. Except perhaps some of the more bespoke, minimalist distributions, which may have a more limited sub-set of tools and libraries available.

If you want to be using the very latest, bleeding-edge versions of everything, then perhaps try something like Arch, Fedora or Debian derived distributions like Mint or one the *buntu’s which use newer software/libraries.

But again, you could use virtually any Linux distribution. They all have the tools available.

Personally, I’ve been using Debian for many years. Debian generally uses slightly older versions of software and libraries. But the advantage of that is guaranteed stability and ease of maintenance. I’m still running Debian 11 ATM, which is getting pretty long in the tooth. I just cannot be arsed with upgrading at the moment. Debian 11 is still supported for a while longer. But I’ll have to bite the bullet and upgrade to 12 at some point soon.

 

[APTI]

I am a former (if there is a such thing) windows developer and have moved to linux years ago. It does not matter what distro you use as long as it is well supported. I use Fedora which is one of the most well supported distros. What I like about fedora is the standard install comes with gnome-boxes which is qemu or kvm. This is a great virtual machine setup and allows me to have a windows install that I can still do some programming on when windows is needed and don't even have to switch keyboards.

If you are used to visual studio then you may want to check out gambas. it is a great IDE for making linux programs and installations.