Developers all across start coding on their basic computers and traditional operating systems such as Windows and macOS. But as they progress farther into the development scenario, they will require an operating system that boosts their productivity, provides more room for changes and customizations, and allows them to call the shots on the utilization of resources.
So, if you’ve just begun learning about Linux, you might have come across the term “Unix”. The word alone sounds similar to Linux, but what does it mean? Dive deeper into this blog to learn all about Unix, Linux, and the difference between them.
Table of Contents
What is Unix?
Unix is an operating system that was developed in the 1960s and was invented by Ken Thompson of AT&T Bell Labs. The operating system has been written in a strong and popular procedural language – C. The use of C as the language for this operating system assured that any prospective alterations can be made suitably, the system will be accepted far and wide and extend valuable portability.
The Unix operating system is primarily a command-line operating system, meaning the operations executed are performed by the command line. Nevertheless, graphical user interfaces have also been built that make the use of the platform simpler for novices as well.
This operating system sees its practice in businesses, projects, and colleges in general. While it does not accomplish the popularity battle for students, it certainly does not imply that it can’t be utilized by students.
Features of the Unix operating system?
- It grants a multi-user, multi-tasking ability for its users.
- It is used in huge businesses and enterprises due to its capability to be set up as the central controlling unit for the business and/or the enterprise.
- The Unix operating system has been generalized because of its application in the industrial world and universities.
What is Linux?
Linux is an open-source operating system developed by Linus Torvalds as a side project in 1991. It being open-source, offers a chance for users to customize and alter it depending on their requirements. Therefore, a vast number of businesses and developers have designed their own variants of this operating system using the Linux Kernel which is used both for internal goals as well as unconstrained use for developers globally. Check out some of the basic Linux commands you can use to perform various tasks.
Some famous Linux-based operating systems are – Ubuntu, Elementary OS, Zorin OS, etc.
Features of the Linux operating system?
- Supports multitasking.
- It can be worked with other operating systems as well.
- The security of the Linux operating system is admired across the globe.
Now that you have an idea of what these two operating systems are, let’s look at the differences between the two.
Difference between Unix and Linux
| The source code of Linux is openly available to its users. | The source code of Unix is not open to the public. |
| Linux primarily utilizes Graphical User Interface with an elective Command Line Interface. | Unix essentially uses Command Line Interface. |
| Linux OS is compact and can be executed on various hard drives. | Unix is not compact. |
| Linux is very adaptable and can be installed on most home-based PCs. | Unix has a firm requirement for hardware. Therefore, it cannot be installed on every other device. |
| Linux is used in home-based PCs, mobile phones, etc. | Unix is used in mainframes, server systems, and high-end computers. |
| Various versions of Linux are Ubuntu, Solaris, Debian, Redhat, OpenSuse, etc. | Other versions of Unix are Solaris, SunOS, ULTRIX, SCO UNIX, HP/UX, and AIX. |
| Installation of Linux is inexpensive and doesn’t require much precise and high-end hardware. | Installation of Unix is relatively expensive as it requires more explicit hardware connections. |
| Linux is developed by an active Linux Community universally. | Unix is developed by AT&T Developers. |
Key Takeaways
In the battle of Unix vs Linux, it is hard to pick a champion. Viewing from a learner’s point of view, it is comparatively tougher to learn than Linux. Viewing from a company’s perspective, It is a more suitable option to use than Linux. Considering from a novice developer’s viewpoint, Linux is a better pick than Unix.
And therefore, to choose the ultimate champ between Unix vs Linux, you have to analyze the use case and then proceed on to selecting whichever is best for you.
