Linux distros hierachy

Linux distributions have a hierarchical structure based on their lineage and the package management system they use. Here's an overview of the hierarchy and relationships between Debian, Ubuntu, and other distributions:

1. Linux

• Kernel: The core of all Linux distributions, developed by Linus Torvalds.

• GNU/Linux: Most Linux distributions combine the Linux kernel with GNU tools and utilities.

2. Major Families and Lineages

Linux distributions are grouped based on their origins. The major families include:

Debian-Based Distributions

• Debian:
  
  

  • One of the oldest and most influential distributions.

  • Uses the APT package management system with .deb files.

  • Known for its stability and free software philosophy.

• Ubuntu:
  
  

  • Based on Debian.

  • Developed by Canonical, with a focus on user-friendliness.

  • Offers various flavors like:

    • Ubuntu Desktop: For personal computers.

    • Ubuntu Server: For servers.

    • Kubuntu: Ubuntu with KDE.

    • Xubuntu: Lightweight Ubuntu with XFCE.

  • Derivatives of Ubuntu:

    • Linux Mint: Ubuntu-based with user-friendly tweaks.

    • Pop!_OS: Optimized for developers and gamers by System76.

    • Zorin OS: Focused on providing a Windows-like experience.

Red Hat-Based Distributions

• Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL):
  
  

  • Commercial Linux distribution, focusing on enterprise use.

  • Uses the YUM or DNF package management system with .rpm files.

• Fedora:
  
  

  • Community-driven distribution backed by Red Hat.

  • Focuses on innovation and cutting-edge features.

• CentOS:
  
  

  • Originally a free clone of RHEL, now transitioning to CentOS Stream.

• Rocky Linux / AlmaLinux:
  
  

  • Community-driven replacements for CentOS after its shift to CentOS Stream.

Arch-Based Distributions

• Arch Linux:
  
  

  • Rolling-release distribution for advanced users.

  • Minimal and highly customizable.

  • Uses pacman as its package manager.

• Manjaro:
  
  

  • User-friendly Arch-based distribution with pre-configured desktops.

Gentoo-Based Distributions

• Gentoo:
  
  

  • Source-based distribution, offering extreme customization.

  • Requires packages to be compiled locally.

• Calculate Linux:
  
  

  • Gentoo derivative designed for desktops, servers, and clusters.

Other Notable Families

• Slackware: One of the oldest Linux distributions, known for simplicity.

• SUSE:

  • OpenSUSE: Community-driven distribution.

  • SUSE Linux Enterprise Server (SLES): Enterprise-focused.

• Independent:

  • Void Linux: Built from scratch with its own runit init system.

  • Solus: Designed for desktop use, focusing on simplicity.

3. Hierarchy Summary

Linux Kernel

 ├── Debian

 │    ├── Ubuntu

 │    │    ├── Linux Mint

 │    │    ├── Pop!_OS

 │    │    └── Zorin OS

 │    └── Pure Debian Derivatives

 ├── Red Hat (RHEL)

 │    ├── Fedora

 │    ├── CentOS

 │    ├── Rocky Linux

 │    └── AlmaLinux

 ├── Arch

 │    ├── Manjaro

 │    └── Other Arch Derivatives

 ├── Gentoo

 │    └── Calculate Linux

 ├── Slackware

 │    └── Slackware-Based Distros

 └── Independent (e.g., Void, Solus)

This hierarchy demonstrates how distributions are related based on their package managers, philosophies, and design goals.

These are three different package management tools used in Linux distributions:

apt (Advanced Package Tool)

• Used primarily in Debian-based distributions (Ubuntu, Debian, Linux Mint)

• High-level package manager that handles dependencies automatically

• Common commands:

  • apt update - updates package lists

  • apt upgrade - upgrades installed packages

  • apt install package-name - installs a package

  • apt remove package-name - removes a package

  • apt search keyword - searches for packages

yum (Yellowdog Updater Modified)

• Used in Red Hat-based distributions (RHEL, CentOS, Fedora older versions)

• High-level package manager for RPM packages

• Common commands:

  • yum update - updates all packages

  • yum install package-name - installs a package

  • yum remove package-name - removes a package

  • yum search keyword - searches for packages

• Note: Fedora has largely replaced yum with dnf in newer versions

rpm (Red Hat Package Manager)

• Low-level package manager for RPM package format

• Works directly with .rpm files

• Doesn't handle dependencies automatically (unlike apt and yum)

• Common commands:

  • rpm -i package.rpm - installs a package

  • rpm -e package-name - removes a package

  • rpm -q package-name - queries if package is installed

  • rpm -qa - lists all installed packages

  • rpm -U package.rpm - upgrades a package

The key difference is that apt and yum are high-level tools that automatically resolve dependencies and can download packages from repositories, while rpm is a lower-level tool that works with individual package files and requires manual dependency management.