5 Best Linux Tools for Software Developers

For software developers, Linux serves as an essential component to achieve growth. The help of the proper tools enhances opportunities and boosts productivity and time efficiency. 

Now, let’s explore how developers of all experience levels benefit from the selection of the best tools available for Linux.

Let’s get into it!

Why Linux is Popular in Software Development

If you are wondering what makes Linux so popular with developers, the reason is not so far-fetched. Aside from being the dominant open-source operating system on the planet (it powers Android), Linux offers 3 key advantages that make it not only a developers-favorite but also hard to ignore in most software development projects.

• Durability;
• Security;
• High performance.

Side notes: Unlike closed-source Windows or iOS, Linux gives developers a strong foundation that’s easy to customize. 

Let’s explore the advantages.

Reliability

Linux is a reliable platform used to maintain numerous servers. It’s unique for its ability to support complex, high-demanding operations. To meet scaling challenges, dozens of big digital infrastructure providers, including Meta and Google, have invested heavily in Linux.

In some cases, the long-term support versions of Linux can be specifically effective in minimizing potential downtime and ensuring a predictable development cycle.

Security

Security is another important advantage. Linux is updated regularly to stay on top of security issues. Moreover, the fundamental framework, with its permissions and user roles, makes it rather secure from unauthorized access.

From a developer’s perspective, this system is ideal, especially if the primary concern is the potential for data exposure during processing. For example,  SELinux and AppArmor– two major Linux security modules – offer powerful access control tools for promptly solving problems related to data exposure.

Performance

Linux often outperforms competitors in terms of speed and resource management. Particularly, it demonstrates an ability to handle system resources efficiently despite their traditional usage patterns. Most developers appreciate this quality. For example, for high-load projects or for limited resources, Linux is a perfect solution. 

5 Best Linux Tools for Software Developers

Linux has many available tools to make a software developer’s work easier and more optimized. However, not all fulfill the most important needs of developers, such as code editing, version control, debugging, and performance monitoring at the same time. According to personal experience and external reviews, the following five tools check the list of developers’ vital workflows.

1. Eclipse

Eclipse is one of the most popular functional Integrated Development Environments (IDEs), with dozens of native technology and open-source projects for developers to tap from.

It is suitable for developing applications in over 15 programming languages as well. However,  developers use it more for Java applications.

More importantly, Eclipse IDE is compatible with the Linux environment for various functions. First, it offers a rich feature for authoring, execution/test, and debugging.

Second, its line of open-source ecosystems accommodates customization to suit varied project needs.  Variability management, activity modeling, and varied programming language deployment are just a few of what makes Eclipse deliver on extensibility.

2. Git

Git provides the foundation for effective version control. With its branching system , developers can simultaneously work on separate features. This particular approach could boost code quality and ease integration.

Using Git’s combination methods also simplifies conflict resolution and arranges development workflows. For Linux developers, integrating Git with bash scripts can automate routine tasks. This, in turn, will make your workflow productive and error-free.

3. Docker

With containers, developers can use Docker to deploy applications across different environments consistently. For one, the layering and image caching mechanisms of  Docker can greatly reduce build times and speed up deployments. To optimize resource usage, for instance, developers can create Dockerfiles with reusable layers.

Also, with Docker Compose, you can design and launch applications that require several Docker containers and optimize the development of complex applications that demand multiple services to synchronize. It couldn’t be easier!

4. Jenkins

Jenkins automates and makes CI/CD processes more efficient through its suite of plug-ins known as Jenkins Pipelines. Through these plug-ins, it’s easy to define building, testing, and deployment processes in code. This helps to advance repeatability and version control so that if something goes wrong, developers can go back to a previous version.

Integration with tools like Git, Docker, and Kubernetes can further speed up deployment and minimize downtime.

5. GDB (GNU Debugger)

Developers’ got-to platforms for debugging complex applications are plenty, but GDB (GNU Debugger) is quite distinct because:

• It performs detailed debugging tasks;
• It automates testing via scripting.
• It provides real-time inspection of programs.

To maximize the benefits of GDB, we recommend implementing the reverse debugging feature of GDB. It will help in detecting elusive bugs.

And with tools like the GDB Dashboard, you can further boost the usability of GDB. That means getting a more visual and intuitive debugging experience.

How to Integrate Tools Into Development Workflow

Integration of tools into your development workflow increases efficiency and guarantees a smooth transition from development to deployment.

Below are the strategies for an integrated workflow:

Evaluate Compatibility

Evaluating compatibility among tools in your development stack means making sure all parts fit perfectly for optimal performance. Implement integration features offered by your primary tools; for instance, many modern IDEs have plugins for Git, which allows you to manage version control directly within the IDE.

Additionally, check API support between tools like Jenkins and Docker. Then, automate the build and deployment process. Doing this will reduce the risk of human error and ensure that the development to deployment pipeline is as smooth and effective as possible.

For projects involving distributed teams, especially when considering nearshore software development models, evaluating tool compatibility and integration becomes even more crucial.

Focus on Customization

Customization enables you to integrate tools to your project’s specific needs.  For instance, you can adapt your IDE with custom shortcuts for frequent actions to accelerate development time.

Another tip we would like to give is to customize your version control commit messages and hooks in Git, which will automate tasks like code linting and running tests before a commit is finalized.

Also, Docker containers can be customized to match the exact environment your application requires, which will guarantee consistency across all stages of development and deployment.

Emphasize Automation

Automation in software development, like elsewhere, complements manual oversight and quickens delivery.  Jenkins and GitHub should be your allies for automation in different phases.

To do this, set up automated deployment pipelines that push code through staging to production environments. This should be available after “successful” test runs to ensure that only thoroughly vetted code makes it to your users.

Conclusion

The path to unleashing creativity and pioneering innovation in software development projects has only been made easier through Linux tools– the best of them.

This article has covered many tools that advance Linux’s capabilities and, of course, improve developers’ productivity at different levels.

We strongly suggest incorporating these tools to upgrade your Linux environment into a flexible workspace that meets your needs.