Linux vs. windows 7 for programming?

Question

I was wondering what the differences between windows 7 and the latest version of Linux are and which would be better for programming.

Answer 1

Unless you are doing systems programming, the differences are minor. I would say use Linux, but then I am biased. Really, just use whatever you have. There should be plenty of development tools available for basic programming.

Answer 2

Linux is a kernel, not an OS. For an OS you have to look at a distribution like Ubuntu or Fedora. There are a lot of differences between Linux and Windows, more than one can go into here. Linux fans will tell you it's better, but Windows runs more commercial software. Neither one has any advantage as far as programming, unless you're programming specifically for Windows or Linux.

Answer 3

In a nutshell I'd have to say windows for gaming applications and Linux for everything else. You will have a hard time creating profitable games to sell to the Linux crowd because it is so diverse. Just go to distrowatch.com and you can see how many flavours of Linux are out there.



The difference between developing on Linux and Windows is going to be measurable in two categories: expertise and money. Both environments offer integrated development environments, but Linux is geared toward users with a technical bend and will take a bit more time to fully master. You'll have to learn Linux to use it to its fullest capacity, but if you do you'll find that you are not lacking for tools or examples from others who are working on the same type projects you are. If you go with windows you'll find that you have to pay client licenses for many of the tools you'll use so the expense can mount up.



I've personally chosen to go with Linux after starting out in college with windows. After looking at spending thousands of dollars on client licenses for the windows based tools I would need I found that I could use open source tools and the Linux environment to do everything without spending any money. I've posted a blog article on my experience thus far. The link is included in the source section.



Best of luck to you which ever type platform you choose.



- Joel

Answer 4

I would say linux because it is open source and designed for mods by coders and non profit organizations(free)

windows is more of a system to work with rather than modify.