Is Raspberry Pi the best solution to start learning linux?

jaisonsharma

I always try to learn a couple new things every year, and this year I decided on linux/basic coding. I am currently learning python, now it is time to dive into the linux community. I've never installed an os on a computer before. But I'd like to start playing around with the linux os and start poking around some of the open source software everyone is working on.

What would be my best intro option for a pc to use? is raspberry pi my safest bet if I'm just learning? What computer afterwards do you recommend.

Sorry if I'm completely ignorant to how everything works

onomatopoeia99

A Pi is a cheap and easy way to start. If it all goes horribly wrong you can just wipe the SD card with your normal computer and copy the base OS image back on and start again.


They come with tools for learning programming and there is a load of information out there on the internet. (edit - Raspian linux has programmin tools, not the Pi itself, my initial reply didn't make that clear)


I wouldn't worry too much about what to get after until you've reached the limit of the Pi's capabilities and have a clear idea how it is restricting you.

jim1999

If you already have a computer, then running a virtual machine (e.g. through VirtualBox) would be my suggestion.

If the experience is terrible (it depends on your computer) then a Pi might be a good idea, but I would start with virtualisation.

System

Virtual machine. A Pi runs a customised version of Linux and because of its low power can be one hell of a chore to sit there waiting whilst it compiles something.

Pis are more useful for learning how to build and control physical things with computers than learning programming.

Frozen_up_north

Raspberry Pi(es) are very capable, I use one for a dedicated application and another as a general purpose Linux computer. They are pretty fast and low cost, don’t forget to add the cost of a case and power supply.

mksysb

another good thing with the pi, is that when you have finished playing with it you can turn it into a useful device. Mine is used as a git server, and a print server. Lots of other uses for it if you search the internet. If you like linux (and I'm sure you will), it's easy to make any windows laptop or desktop, dual boot

onomatopoeia99

Tarambor wrote: »

Virtual machine. A Pi runs a customised version of Linux and because of its low power can be one hell of a chore to sit there waiting whilst it compiles something.

Have you actually used one?


The only things likely tobe compiled are the programs the person learning programming writes, if they choose to learn a compiled rather than interpreted language. Raspian is a debian based distribution that has a full package management system with pre-built packages for anything a learner is likely to need. They aren't going to be cracking out gcc to rebuild the kernel from source.

jpwjpw

If you have Windows 10, it's REALLY easy to add Ubuntu Linux. Just install this app from Microsoft and it'll do it all for you:

https://tutorials.ubuntu.com/tutorial/tutorial-ubuntu-on-windows

debitcardmayhem

jpwjpw wrote: »

If you have Windows 10, it's REALLY easy to add Ubuntu Linux. Just install this app from Microsoft and it'll do it all for you:

https://tutorials.ubuntu.com/tutorial/tutorial-ubuntu-on-windows

Plus that and it’s not just ubuntu either