I have used Arch for >13 years (btw) and use the terminal every single session. I also work with Linux servers daily, so I tried the other families with DEs (Debian/Ubuntu, RHEL/CentOS/AlmaLinux/Fedora).

I’m comfortable (and prefer) doing everything with CLI tools. For me, it’s a bit difficult to convert my Windows friends, as they all see me as some kind of hackerman.

What’s the landscape like nowadays, in terms of terminal requirements?

Bonus question: Which distribution is the most user-friendly while still updated packages? Does anything provide a similar experience to Arch’s amazing AUR?

  • msleaveamix@jlai.lu
    2·
    2 days ago

    I heard the Debian 13 “software store” gives the user the choice between dpkg repo or flatpak for some major software (ig firefox, libreoffice) and that it was pretty lightweight and efficient.

    Personaly as a software developer I always use the shell and mostly CLIs and TUIs, and I use Arch/Artix btw. Sometimes I try Flatpaks (for gaming purposes) but I’m always struggling with updates and huge need in storage. For a newbie advice, on Arch, I’d say : use AppImages for the software that isn’t available on Arch repositories, it’s by far the easiest thing to maintain during time and is surely the lightest.

    In term of distribution, for a full GUI experience I’d go for Debian, or Mint Debian edition, but sadly for some hardware you still need workarounds that need the terminal use in after the OS install / updates.