In the past, companies were able to easily overlook the need for Linux. It’s true that some developers opt for this operating system due to its reliability and security, but this is usually only the case when a stable environment is required for their work.
In the past, Windows was the dominant operating system for developers. However, in recent years, there has been a noticeable decline in its market share. Currently, the developer market share looks like this:
- A majority (61%) of computers use Windows.
- Linux – 47%
- macOS – 44%
However, this merely touches upon the many motivations for why your engineers should be knowledgeable about Linux. The open-source platform is increasingly being utilised for commercial purposes, rather than solely for personal gain.
It is important to consider the wider implications here, rather than just focusing on a single application. Although your developers may be comfortable using Windows, macOS or ChromeOS, in today’s competitive landscape, having an understanding of Linux is essential for them to be successful.
All right, let’s dissect this thing.
Packaging Is the First Step
Containers are the focus of our discussion due to the increasing adoption of containerization by large organizations. This trend is driven by the potential benefits of improved responsiveness, sustainability and scalability that containers can provide. Furthermore, they are a cost-effective and versatile solution, compared to monolithic deployments which cannot offer the same level of flexibility and scalability.
It is clear that a lack of knowledge of Linux amongst your engineers could make the implementation of containerization a difficult process. As the majority of container images are based on Linux distributions, a good understanding of this operating system is essential.
It is essential for engineers to be knowledgeable of the Linux filesystem structure in order to be productive when using the starting images. A comprehensive understanding of the Linux command line is also required.
After that, It’s off to Kubernetes.
As organizations grow and begin to require multi-container deployments, the need for a container orchestrator becomes clear. Kubernetes is the most popular choice, offering the ability to manage and automate large-scale deployments, as well as individual containers. It should be noted, however, that a good understanding of Linux is needed in order to effectively utilise Kubernetes.
Kubernetes is mainly used on Linux and is typically installed and operated by users. It is not as straightforward to use on macOS and Windows, however, it can be installed on these operating systems if desired. Therefore, if your company wishes to significantly boost container deployment, Kubernetes is likely to be part of your future.
The Cloud Is Coming Up Next
Linux is the predominant operating system in the cloud, with Red Hat reporting that it powers 54% of cloud-based applications. Ubuntu Linux has the highest deployment share, with 31.9% of cloud-based systems running it, while only 2.14% of systems are running Windows, making it sixth in terms of deployment. Clearly, this has an important impact.
Given that Linux holds a significant share of the cloud market, it is essential for developers to have an understanding of the open-source operating system if your business plans to utilise public, private, or hybrid clouds.
Why Not Talk About the Data Center?
There has been a marked rise in the number of servers using Linux within the on-premises data centre of our organisation. This can be attributed to its versatility and adaptability.
The cost-effectiveness of Linux makes it an attractive option for businesses looking to increase their profitability. Any company interested in maximising growth should consider Linux as a viable operating system for their data centre. Furthermore, its status as the basis of numerous development stacks makes deploying Linux in the data centre an obvious choice.
There Are Many Different Languages Available for Computer Programming.
Linux is capable of running a wide array of programming languages, with pre-installed versions available for those specifically designed for use with Linux. This enables these languages to reach their full potential on the platform. Many well-known programming languages, such as Python, PHP, Java and JavaScript, are compatible with Linux and most popular frameworks run smoothly on the platform.
Benefits General Education
Studying Linux provides a comprehensive understanding of how operating systems work, offering an opportunity to explore the inner workings of a computer. Engineers can benefit from having an excellent basic knowledge of the system, as the kernel’s source code (and most of the other layers of the OS) can be downloaded.
In the End, Linux Wins
Linux is increasingly becoming a fundamental part of cloud, containers, virtual machines, the Internet of Things, and edge computing. Therefore, it is essential for businesses to consider Linux as part of their expansion plans into new areas of technology in order to ensure success. When recruiting software engineers, it is important to prioritize those with a strong understanding of the Linux operating system.
Conclusion
Linux may not be a common feature on everyone’s desktop, but it is essential for powering many of your company’s delivery pipelines and cloud services. Refusing to adopt an open-source operating system could impede your business’s ability to compete on a large scale and in an economically efficient way going forward.
