This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by Ben S.
When I’m programming, I use Linux — always. Its seamless interaction with its terminal and full access to its file system is what I want and need when I’m coding, compiling and running programs. In fact, I rarely use an IDE because I’ve used Linux for so long that I like to work from the terminal.
I first began converting Windows laptops to Linux in 2012 after receiving my first Ubuntu OS on a disk that came with a Linux magazine I bought. Once I understood how easy it was to install Linux, and that the distros were all free, I was hooked. I learned over the years how to find the right distro for the right machine based on its specs. I broke many an OS while learning how deep I could go. But in a half hour I’d have the OS re-installed and running again. Since then, I’ve restored many old laptops with under-powered processors or obsolete Windows versions, giving them new life with a Linux operating system. I currently have 4 spare Linux laptops.
In the realm of computing, virtualization has emerged as a powerful tool, enabling the creation of multiple virtual machines (VMs) or containers like Docker on a single physical machine. There are certainly many advantages to using VMs and containers. They’re especially useful in cloud computing and many software developers use them daily on their own machines as well. But I’m the guy with 4 spare Linux laptops.
Unlike virtual machines or Docker containers, which require a robust physical machine to provide adequate resources, running Linux directly on a physical machine can be achieved with relatively inexpensive hardware. Numerous affordable and efficient PCs are available on online marketplaces like eBay, making it easy to acquire a dedicated Linux workstation without breaking the bank.
Moreover, Linux distributions themselves are freely available, eliminating the additional cost of licensing proprietary operating systems. This cost-effectiveness makes Linux an attractive option for individuals or organizations seeking to establish a dedicated Linux environment without significant financial investment.
A physical machine running Linux provides direct access to the system’s hardware, including the CPU, GPU, and peripheral devices. This direct access enables users to take full advantage of their entire environment.
In contrast, virtual machines and Docker containers may impose limitations on hardware access due to the virtualization layer. This can hinder performance optimization or prevent the use of specialized hardware.
Virtual machines, while valuable in certain scenarios, present their own set of challenges. Installing a VM can be a daunting task for beginners, involving configurations, virtual disk management, and potential compatibility issues. VMs also consume a significant amount of CPU resources and often take time to boot, especially when multiple VMs are running simultaneously. The mouse and keyboard integration between the host OS and VM can be cumbersome, causing frustration during multitasking.
Docker containers are a brilliant solution for many applications. They’re lightweight and efficient, but they can also introduce complexities related to container management, networking, and resource allocation. Additionally, certain Docker-related issues, such as image bloat and security vulnerabilities, can arise if not carefully managed.
Using a physical machine with Linux opens up a world of possibilities for experimentation and exploration. Since the operating system is directly installed on the hardware, users have unrestricted access to the system’s capabilities. This allows for in-depth exploration of system configurations, software installations, and hardware tweaks without the fear of compromising the primary operating system.
This freedom to experiment is particularly valuable for individuals seeking to learn about Linux or develop new software applications. The ability to tinker with the system without fear of permanent damage encourages exploration and fosters a deeper understanding of the operating system’s intricacies.
For me, this is a solution that’s proven itself again and again. Rather than spend hours setting up and configuring a virtual machine on a host machine, I just use one of my Linux boxes. Even the most under-powered of them, one that may struggle with streaming video for example, has no trouble whatsoever running C, Rust, Python or any other language — along with the necessary compilers, libraries, IDE and your favorite text editor.
There’s a simplicity to using a dedicated machine for programming — after all — hardware, software, kernel, bootloader, high-level or low-level operations — it’s all there as physical reality. If you’re in deep and playing around with the registers or bootloader and bork your OS, just get out your Linux USB drive or disk and re-install it. For most distros, it takes under a half hour — it’s fun, and an education in itself. Or put it aside for later and grab another one out of the closet — I have 4 of them.
Ben Santora — September 2024
This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by Ben S.
Ben S. | Sciencx (2024-09-21T22:16:57+00:00) Programming with Linux OS— Virtual or Real Machine?. Retrieved from https://www.scien.cx/2024/09/21/programming-with-linux-os-virtual-or-real-machine/
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