A Brief History of Linux

Introduction

In popular usage, “Linux” often refers to a group of operating system distributions built around the Linux kernel. In the strictest sense, though, Linux refers only to the presence of the kernel itself. To build out a full operating system, Linux distributions often include tooling and libraries from the GNU project and other sources. More developers have been using Linux recently to build and run mobile applications; it has also played a key role in the development of affordable devices such as Chromebooks, which run operating systems on the kernel. Within cloud computing and server environments in general, Linux is a popular choice for some practical reasons:

• Its distributions remain current and supported by communities of other developers.
• It can run on a wide range of hardware and will install alongside pre-existing systems (a helpful trait in local development environments).
• It supports centralized software installation from pre-existing repositories.
• Its resource requirements are low.
• It is often top of mind when developers are building application ecosystems and tooling for servers, leading to high levels of compatibility.
• It sustains necessary modifications to operating system behaviors.

Linux also traces its origins to the free and open-source software movement, and as a consequence some developers choose it for a combination of ethical and practical reasons:

• For some developers, using Linux represents a commitment to accessibility and freedom of expression.
• The Linux community is also a draw for some developers: when they have questions, they can consult the resources produced by this community or reach out directly to one of many active maintainers.

To understand Linux’s role within the developer community (and beyond), this article will outline a brief history of Linux by way of Unix, and discuss some popular Linux distributions.