An operating system is software that is developed to manage and control digital devices such as computers, smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, web servers, and more. The OS eliminates the need to learn a programming language to interface with the computer.
The graphical user interface acts as a bridge between the computer hardware and the users. Any application, be it a browser, a game, or a word processing program, requires an optimal environment to execute and implement their respective tasks.
Different professionals expect a varied kind of functioning from the operating system they are using. In this article, we will discuss features that make any operating system the best OS for programmers.
Features of Operating System for Programmers
Any operating system is suitable for programmers, given that you have a good understanding of how to use it efficiently. Though the list of OS features is growing due to rapid transformation in computing technology, there are attributes that make the base of any program. So, let’s explore these features in detail.
Security Management
The security of the device and the data stored within is something that can make or break any OS. Operating systems must protect the confidential information and volumes of data that the computer stores. This includes the overall security of data by implementing authorization and other protocols meant to nosedive internal and external threats.
The operating system for programmers must be designed in a manner that it can rectify errors without any difficulty. It must provide strong firewall protection from elements that can pose any functional or performance threat to the computer. So, if you are wondering what’s the best OS for programmers, checking security management standards can help.
Storage and Memory Management
Other than ensuring a secure environment to save files, another potential feature that makes any OS robust for coders is storage optimization and memory management capabilities.
Being a programmer, you will be downloading and working on resource-hogging apps. If the system resources are not distributed optimally, the program may not work as expected.
In that case, you will only be able to multitask if all the apps receive ample resources to function appropriately. So, the OS you select must be capable of allocating resources efficiently to meet the requirements of the running processes. The storage device needs proper optimization so that the OS won’t face difficulty in processing demanding tasks.
Loading and Execution
The OS must interpret commands effectively to meet the growing demands of programming professionals. It must load to the system consistently.
Not just that; other than proper loading and execution, the operating system must allow for simple downgrades. If you are wondering how to delete or reinstall macOS, for example, there are 3 ways to downgrade it.
From the loading to the execution phase, the OS must be able to process each operation seamlessly. Any kind of performance slowdown can prove to be a major setback for running applications, particularly coding apps and databases. So, the OS you pick for your programming laptop must allow for faster execution of commands.
Process & Disk Management
The OS must handle program execution without time delays or overlap instances. It must give access to multiple data synchronization features so that you can switch seamlessly to alternate platforms. All the processes must communicate effortlessly with the hardware and vice-versa to get the expected output.
As far as disk management is concerned, the operating system must have a pre-defined, sophisticated file system and file drivers. A proper file system is also needed to retrieve, share, name, store, and protect files from virus or malware attacks. More to it, the OS you pick must also handle all input and output operations.
Device Management
Many significant operations and components, such as devices and printers, are controlled by the operating system. As a programmer, you must be using multiple devices and controllers for the execution of code. The OS must ensure optimal workflow when managing devices and peripherals.
A couple of years down the line, your requirements regarding any particular task may rise, so the OS you select must be scalable enough to support the amplifying needs of your profession. Before you invest in purchasing the licensed version of an operating system, make sure it’s highly scalable to meet the growing needs of your profession.
Which OS is the Best for Programmers?
As far as the programming is concerned, both Windows and macOS are considered to provide the best functionality, compatibility, and support for coding apps. However, considering the customization features, the Linux operating system possesses the capability to meet the demands of coding professionals.
Since Linux is an open-source program, users can tweak its features to make it suitable to their current needs. Not just that, there are more than 300 active distributions that programmers can use based on their coding preferences. So, if you are a programmer, try the latest Linux distributions developed for personal and commercial purposes.
