Linux is an open-source project designed to operate as a kernel. A kernel provides a layer of abstraction between the operating system and the computer hardware. It allows the operating system to interact with the hardware components through drivers(kernel modules). Its main functions are system memory management, software program management, hardware management, and file system management. Everyone calls Linux an operating system because it's kind of the starting point of everything, the whole open-source operating system idea. Some of the most popular Linux distributions are Debian, Ubuntu, Mint, Arch, and Kali.

You should switch to Linux because today, Linux is super powerful, and you can do whatever you want with it. The main benefits of using a Linux distribution instead of macOS or Windows are, first of all, the independence; whatever project you are working on, you can use a Linux distribution to make it independent. Imagine you are working on a robot, but its brain is using a Windows system, and is constantly sending data somewhere, doesn't allow you to alter the system however you want, giving blue screens on its own, and makes you dependent on it. Second, the enhanced learning experience. Learning computer science on Linux is a much more valuable experience because it doesn't include lots of distractions, dozens of unnecessary applications that may or may not affect your project's ability to work. You can choose between stability and cutting-edge software availability, and manage your experience. Unlike macOS and Windows, Linux doesn't have to include so many services or applications you don't want to use, which makes it easier to manage the packages and services installed in your system. Finally, nowadays, it's offering an even better gaming and everyday user experience.