Why Every Developer Should Take an Online Linux Course

As a full-stack developer and professional coder, I‘ve seen firsthand how valuable Linux skills can be in the world of software development. Linux is not only a powerful and flexible operating system, but also a key tool for modern developers working across platforms, deploying to the cloud, and managing infrastructure.

The numbers speak for themselves. Linux has been steadily growing in popularity over the past decade, going from around 1% of the global operating system market share in 2011 to nearly 3% in 2021. But Linux‘s reach is even greater when you look at its usage in servers, cloud computing, and web hosting. According to W3Techs, Linux currently powers 39.2% of all websites, and that share is growing every year.

Year   Linux Market Share
----   ------------------
2011   1.02%
2013   1.48%
2015   1.71% 
2017   2.14%
2019   2.09%
2021   2.69%

Data source: Statista

For developers, learning Linux isn‘t just a "nice-to-have" skill – it‘s increasingly a necessity. Let‘s explore why and how an online Linux course can benefit you as a coder.

Key Linux Concepts and Commands for Developers

While graphical user interfaces are available for Linux, the real power lies in mastering the command line. As a developer, you‘ll frequently use Linux commands to navigate file systems, manage permissions, install software, and configure tools. Here are just a few examples of Linux tasks that are essential for coding workflows:

• Using apt or yum to install and manage packages and development tools
• Configuring environment variables like PATH to set up your coding environment
• Leveraging grep, sed, and awk to search and manipulate files
• Running git commands to manage version control for your code
• Automating tasks and deployments with shell scripts and tools like make
• Troubleshooting issues by examining log files and running diagnostic commands

The more fluent you are with Linux concepts and commands, the more efficiently you can develop, debug, and deploy your applications. An online Linux course can provide a structured way to build these critical skills.

The Advantage of Online Linux Courses

Online learning has revolutionized tech skill development, and Linux is no exception. Platforms like The Linux Foundation, Udemy, and edX offer a wealth of high-quality Linux courses that you can take at your own pace, from anywhere in the world.

One key benefit of learning Linux through an online course is the opportunity to gain hands-on experience. Many courses include interactive terminals, virtual machines, or cloud environments where you can practice Linux commands and immediately see the results. This practical learning approach is far more effective than simply reading a textbook.

Another advantage is the potential to earn a professional certification. The Linux Foundation, in particular, offers several certifications that are widely recognized in the industry, such as the Linux Foundation Certified System Administrator (LFCS).

Certification                 Pass Rate   Top Learner Countries
---------------------------   ---------   ---------------------
Linux Foundation Certified    80%         United States, India, 
System Administrator (LFCS)               Canada, UK, Germany

Data source: The Linux Foundation

Preparing for a certification through an online course can provide motivation, structure, and a valuable credential for your resume. Research from the Linux Foundation shows that certified professionals report a 30-40% increase in job opportunities and salary.

What to Look for in an Introductory Linux Course

If you‘re new to Linux, choosing the right online course is crucial. A high-quality introductory course should provide a solid foundation in Linux concepts and commands, with a focus on practical skills that are relevant to developers.

Look for a course that covers key topics such as:

• Installing and configuring Linux on a virtual machine or cloud platform
• Navigating and managing the Linux file system
• Creating, modifying, and executing files and scripts
• Managing users, groups, and permissions
• Installing and configuring software packages and development tools
• Basic networking concepts and commands
• Troubleshooting and debugging techniques

Hands-on projects are another important element of a strong Linux course. You might work on tasks like:

• Writing a shell script to automate a development workflow
• Deploying a web application on a Linux server
• Configuring a continuous integration pipeline using Linux tools
• Analyzing system logs to diagnose performance issues
• Contributing to an open-source Linux project on GitHub

By completing practical projects, you‘ll reinforce your learning, gain confidence, and build a portfolio of Linux skills to showcase to potential employers.

Recommended Online Linux Courses

Here are a few of the best online Linux courses currently available, based on factors like content quality, hands-on learning, instructor expertise, and learner reviews:

1. The Linux Foundation‘s Introduction to Linux

   • Comprehensive free course covering Linux basics and the command line
   • Includes hands-on exercises and a virtual machine to practice in
   • Prepares learners for the Linux Foundation Certified IT Associate exam
   • 4.7/5 rating from over 1,000 learners

2. Linux Mastery: Master the Linux Command Line in 11.5 Hours (Udemy)

   • Concise, practical course focused on the Linux command line
   • Covers over 150 commands with hands-on exercises
   • Taught by an experienced sysadmin and developer
   • 4.6/5 rating and over 50,000 students enrolled

3. Red Hat Enterprise Linux Technical Overview (Red Hat)

   • Free course introducing key concepts of Red Hat Enterprise Linux
   • Covers essential commands and basic system administration
   • Includes 30+ hours of content and hands-on labs
   • Badge of completion available

4. Linux Foundation Certified System Administrator (LFCS) (Linux Foundation)

   • Comprehensive paid course preparing for the LFCS certification exam
   • In-depth coverage of Linux administration concepts and tasks
   • Includes hands-on labs, practice exams, and a discount on the certification
   • 4.5/5 rating from certified learners

Remember, the "best" Linux course is the one that aligns with your goals, learning style, and budget. Don‘t be afraid to try a few different courses to find the right fit.

Tips for Succeeding in Your Linux Course

As an experienced developer who has completed several Linux courses, here are my top tips for making the most of your online learning experience:

1. Block out dedicated study time. Consistency is key when learning a new skill. Treat your Linux course like an important work meeting and carve out focused time for it on your calendar.

2. Dive into hands-on practice. Don‘t just watch videos – actively work along with the demos, and complete all the course exercises and projects. The more you use Linux, the more comfortable you‘ll become.

3. Take notes and build a reference sheet. Keep track of key concepts and commands in a notebook or digital document. Reviewing your notes will help cement your knowledge, and you‘ll appreciate having a quick reference as you start applying Linux in your development work.

4. Participate in the course community. If your course has forums or chat channels, engage with your fellow learners. Ask questions, offer help, and share your projects. Teaching others is one of the best ways to reinforce your own understanding.

5. Apply your skills on the job. Look for opportunities to use Linux in your development projects at work. Configure a Linux development environment, automate a deployment pipeline, or contribute to an open-source project. Real-world practice is key to mastering Linux.

Leveraging Linux in Your Development Career

Once you‘ve gained a solid foundation in Linux through an online course, there are countless ways to apply and expand your skills as a developer. Here are just a few:

• Develop on Linux-based platforms like Red Hat OpenShift, Google Cloud Platform, or AWS EC2. Being able to configure and manage Linux environments is a huge asset for cloud-native development.

• Use Linux-based tools in your development workflow, such as Git for version control, Jenkins for continuous integration, or Ansible for configuration management. Understanding the Linux underpinnings of these tools will make you a more effective user.

• Contribute to open-source projects hosted on platforms like GitHub. Many popular open-source tools and frameworks are Linux-based, and contributing to them is a great way to gain experience and make industry connections.

• Pursue advanced Linux certifications, such as the Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) or Linux Foundation Certified Engineer (LFCE). These credentials demonstrate expert-level Linux skills and can open doors to higher-paying job opportunities.

The career benefits of learning Linux are significant. According to the 2020 Stack Overflow Developer Survey, 53.3% of professional developers use Linux as their primary operating system. Linux skills are highly sought-after by employers, particularly in fields like cloud computing, DevOps, and cybersecurity.

The financial rewards are also noteworthy. Data from Indeed shows that the average salary for a Linux Administrator in the United States is $85,462 per year, with top earners making over $120,000. For developers with Linux skills, salaries can be even higher. PayScale reports an average salary of $93,000 per year for professionals with Linux skills, with the top 10% earning over $130,000.

         Average    Top 10%
         Salary     Salary 
         -------    -------
Linux    $93,000    $130,000+
Admin
Linux    $85,462    $120,000+
Skills

Data sources: PayScale, Indeed

As more companies migrate their infrastructure and applications to the cloud, demand for Linux-savvy developers will only continue to grow. By investing in Linux skills through an online course, you‘ll be well-positioned to take advantage of these exciting career opportunities.

Conclusion

In today‘s fast-paced, cloud-driven development landscape, Linux skills are a major asset for any coder. As a full-stack developer, I can attest to the power and versatility of Linux for everything from local development to deploying and managing large-scale systems.

An online Linux course is one of the most efficient and cost-effective ways to gain practical Linux skills. Platforms like The Linux Foundation, Udemy, and edX offer high-quality courses that blend theoretical concepts with hands-on practice, all in a flexible format that fits your schedule.

By choosing a reputable course, dedicating focused study time, and actively applying your skills through projects and real-world scenarios, you can quickly build a strong foundation in Linux. These skills will serve you well throughout your development career, whether you‘re building cloud-native applications, contributing to open-source projects, or pursuing advanced certifications.

If you‘re serious about expanding your capabilities and advancing your career as a developer, I highly recommend exploring the online Linux courses covered in this guide. With the right course and a commitment to hands-on learning, you‘ll be well on your way to mastering this essential technology – and reaping the professional rewards that come with it.