I use Arch Linux BTW

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I have been using Arch Linux for a few years now and it's been awesome since I last changed from ..... ( I don't remember my last distro)... I have tried almost every linux distro, Debian, Ubuntu, Manjaro you name it. I had been seeing a lot of Linux enthusiasts using Arch and I thought of trying it too. I had just started using awesomewm as my Window Manager and they go hand in hand perfectly, so I gave it a shot. I know the first word that pops into your mind when mentioning Arch, and that's its "DIFFICULT".  Let me tell you "IT'S NOT", I mean not exactly...but those who are comfortable with Manjaro, it's perfect for them
Arch Linux - Wikipedia
ArchLinux logo

Intro

So the easiest path for opting Arch Linux (like I did) is to go through every linux distro (Distro Hopping) and see which fits best for you. Let me now move over to the qualities which makes Arch Linux the best. 

Features 

The best feature that's worth mentioning is the policy of building Arch just the way you like it. At first, you boot into the distro and you open directly to a terminal, from where you have to install the base packages of arch to your system, and other steps like generating your locale and other important bit of the operating system. Once you're done with that, next comes the fun part of installing any packages you require for personal use since (wait for it) base packages installs zero third party softwares (that's right!). It's like a kid in a candy store or more like a kid in a candy factory! You install your choice of Desktop Environment (or just Window Manager if you prefer it), whole bunch of softwares and the one thing that really made me opt Arch is the access to Arch User Repository. It's a repository just like the standard repository but containing all the community built / ported linux softwares, which is absolutely great. This is totally awesome when it comes to github projects, because you save the hazzle of cloning it and building it since they're available directly from the AUR, saving you a bit of time. 

ArchWiki is another great resource for the Arch Linux distro, which like the name suggests contains wiki pages for everything Arch like Desktop Environments, Window Managers, Softwares, tutorials, ...... the list goes on. I must warn you that the distro is ROLLING RELEASE which is opposite to LTS, which means update frequencies are more including kernel updates. But I actually use the LTS kernel modules and take the benefit of rolling release updates for the software, and that's why I think everyone should try this impressive distro. I list some highlighting features of the distribution:

  1. Rolling Release Model: Arch Linux follows a rolling release model, which means that instead of releasing major versions at set intervals, it continuously updates its packages to provide the latest software versions.

  2. Pacman Package Manager: Arch Linux uses the Pacman package manager for package installation, removal, and updates. Pacman is powerful, efficient, and designed to resolve dependencies automatically.

  3. Arch User Repository (AUR): The AUR is a community-driven repository that contains user-contributed PKGBUILD scripts, allowing users to easily install packages not available in the official repositories.

  4. Minimalistic Base Installation: Arch Linux provides a minimal base installation that allows users to build their own customized system from the ground up. This approach allows for greater control and eliminates unnecessary software.

  5. Customizable Configuration: Arch Linux encourages users to configure their systems according to their specific needs and preferences. It provides extensive documentation and relies on manual configuration files rather than automated tools.

  6. Lightweight and Performance-Oriented: Arch Linux is designed to be lightweight and optimized for performance. It avoids unnecessary bloat and overhead, making it suitable for both desktop and server environments.

  7. Active Community and Documentation: Arch Linux has a vibrant and active community of users and developers who contribute to its development, provide support, and maintain extensive documentation, including the Arch Wiki.

  8. Bleeding-Edge Software: Arch Linux often offers the latest versions of software packages, allowing users to access new features and improvements shortly after they are released upstream.

  9. Systemd Initialization System: Arch Linux uses systemd as its init system, providing features such as parallel startup processes, service management, and logging.

  10. Accessibility and Transparency: Arch Linux emphasizes simplicity, transparency, and accessibility. It adheres to the KISS (Keep It Simple, Stupid) principle, favoring simplicity and straightforwardness in design and implementation.










 

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