I am getting into the programming world, why is linux so important for programmers?

From what I understand most servers are run on a linux based system due to ease of use.

Bottom line: It’s open source and most importantly it is NOT Microsoft.

You see, there is a reason that geeks often refer to Microsoft as “The Evil Empire”. For decades they have made a conscious effort to essentially take over and lock down the entire software industry (and to a large extent succeeded).

It’s not difficult to ‘learn’ ubuntu!

Flexibility is really the most important thing about Linux. Microsoft imposes all sorts of artificial limitations on us.

It’s the whole Free/Open movement (Linux is Free & Open Source), which is about pure transparency, facilitated flexibility, constant modification and free development of ideas.

You could be a complete lazy sell-out developer like me. I work in a Microsoft shop (.NET/C# and SQL Server). No Linux required.

Note: Real “programmers” would spit on me right from their soap box if they could.

@tom_g – So… how much does Microsoft bilk you out of charge you each year for the “privilege” of being a part of the “developer network” these days? (In leu of spit… ;) )

@YoBob – To be honest, I have no idea. I let the suits take care of that stuff. My parent company is actually developing software for Microsoft, so I’m assuming they have some deal worked out.

@tom_g – (In best Darth Vader voice) You are privileged to serve the empire…