Arch Linux vs Void Linux

Overview

Arch Linux

Stacks563

Followers555

Votes108

Void Linux

Stacks24

Followers29

Votes12

Arch Linux vs Void Linux: What are the differences?

Introduction: Arch Linux and Void Linux are both popular Linux distributions known for their simplicity, performance, and lightweight design. While they share some similarities, there are several key differences between the two that set them apart from each other.

Package Managers: The package management systems in Arch Linux and Void Linux are one of the major differences between the two distributions. Arch Linux uses the Pacman package manager, which relies on binary packages and the Arch User Repository (AUR) for additional software. On the other hand, Void Linux utilizes the XBPS package manager, which is source-based and focuses on providing a simple yet powerful package management experience.
Init Systems: Another significant difference lies in the init systems used. Arch Linux defaults to systemd, a modern init system that handles the management of services, devices, and other aspects of the operating system. Void Linux, on the other hand, primarily utilizes runit as its init system. Runit is a simple and lightweight init system that offers excellent performance and ease of use.
Rolling Release vs. Fixed Release: Arch Linux follows a rolling release model, which means that updates are continuously released, and users receive the latest software versions as they become available. Void Linux, on the other hand, follows a fixed release model with periodic stable releases. This means that Void Linux users receive updates in batches rather than continuously.
Documentation and Community: Arch Linux is famous for its extensive and well-maintained documentation, known as the Arch Wiki. The Arch Wiki provides detailed instructions, tips, and troubleshooting guides, making it an invaluable resource for users. Void Linux, although it has a growing community and decent documentation, doesn't have the same level of comprehensive documentation as Arch Linux.
System Resources and Performance: Both Arch Linux and Void Linux are lightweight distributions that focus on minimalism. However, Void Linux is reputed for being exceptionally lightweight, using fewer system resources, and offering better overall performance compared to Arch Linux. This makes Void Linux a preferred choice for older hardware or systems with limited resources.
Package Availability: While both distributions offer a wide range of software packages, Arch Linux's package repository, combined with the AUR, provides a vast selection of software for users to choose from. The AUR allows users to access and install packages maintained by the community, further expanding the software availability. Void Linux, although it has an extensive package repository, may have a smaller selection of third-party software due to its focus on simplicity and stability.

In summary, Arch Linux and Void Linux differ in terms of their package managers, init systems, release models, documentation and community support, system resource usage and performance, and package availability. These differences make each distribution unique, catering to different user preferences and requirements.

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Advice on Arch Linux, Void Linux

Simon

Developer Advocate at k6 / Load Impact

Mar 7, 2020

Decided

At the moment of the decision, my desktop was the primary place I did work. Due to this, I can't have it blow up on me while I work. While Arch is interesting and powerful, Ubuntu offers (at least for me) a lot more stability and lets me focus on other things than maintaining my own OS installation.

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Detailed Comparison

Arch Linux	Void Linux
A lightweight and flexible Linux distribution that tries to Keep It Simple.	It is a general purpose operating system, based on the monolithic Linux® kernel. Its package system allows you to quickly install, update and remove software; software is provided in binary packages or can be built directly from sources with the help of the XBPS source packages collection.
-	Independent distribution, developed entirely by volunteers; Install once, update daily. Your system will always be up-to-date; runit as the init system and service supervisor; First distribution to switch to LibreSSL by default, replacing OpenSSL
Statistics
Stacks 563	Stacks 24
Followers 555	Followers 29
Votes 108	Votes 12
Pros & Cons
Pros 17 Large Community 15 Package Manager 13 Customizable 12 Rolling Release 11 Bleeding Edge Cons 4 Systemd only 3 Only X86_64 architecture is offically supported 1 Unstable 1 Comparatively fewer offically supported packages 1 System maintenance	Pros 4 Lightweight 3 Musl supporting 2 Stable 2 No systemd 1 Wayland friendly

What are some alternatives to Arch Linux, Void Linux?

Ubuntu

Ubuntu is an ancient African word meaning ‘humanity to others’. It also means ‘I am what I am because of who we all are’. The Ubuntu operating system brings the spirit of Ubuntu to the world of computers.

Debian

Debian systems currently use the Linux kernel or the FreeBSD kernel. Linux is a piece of software started by Linus Torvalds and supported by thousands of programmers worldwide. FreeBSD is an operating system including a kernel and other software.

Fedora

Fedora is a Linux-based operating system that provides users with access to the latest free and open source software, in a stable, secure and easy to manage form. Fedora is the largest of many free software creations of the Fedora Project. Because of its predominance, the word "Fedora" is often used interchangeably to mean both the Fedora Project and the Fedora operating system.

Linux Mint

The purpose of Linux Mint is to produce a modern, elegant and comfortable operating system which is both powerful and easy to use.

CentOS

The CentOS Project is a community-driven free software effort focused on delivering a robust open source ecosystem. For users, we offer a consistent manageable platform that suits a wide variety of deployments. For open source communities, we offer a solid, predictable base to build upon, along with extensive resources to build, test, release, and maintain their code.

Linux

A clone of the operating system Unix, written from scratch by Linus Torvalds with assistance from a loosely-knit team of hackers across the Net. It aims towards POSIX and Single UNIX Specification compliance.

CoreOS

It is designed for security, consistency, and reliability. Instead of installing packages via yum or apt, it uses Linux containers to manage your services at a higher level of abstraction. A single service's code and all dependencies are packaged within a container that can be run on one or many machines.

Gentoo Linux

It is a free operating system based on either Linux or FreeBSD that can be automatically optimized and customized for just about any application or need.

Alpine Linux

Alpine Linux is a security-oriented, lightweight Linux distribution based on musl libc and busybox.

Manjaro

It is an accessible, friendly, open-source Linux distribution and community. Based on Arch Linux, it provides all the benefits of cutting-edge software combined with a focus on getting started quickly, automated tools to require less manual intervention, and help readily available when needed.

Related Comparisons

Arch Linux vs Void Linux: What are the differences?

Package Managers: The package management systems in Arch Linux and Void Linux are one of the major differences between the two distributions. Arch Linux uses the Pacman package manager, which relies on binary packages and the Arch User Repository (AUR) for additional software. On the other hand, Void Linux utilizes the XBPS package manager, which is source-based and focuses on providing a simple yet powerful package management experience.
Init Systems: Another significant difference lies in the init systems used. Arch Linux defaults to systemd, a modern init system that handles the management of services, devices, and other aspects of the operating system. Void Linux, on the other hand, primarily utilizes runit as its init system. Runit is a simple and lightweight init system that offers excellent performance and ease of use.
Rolling Release vs. Fixed Release: Arch Linux follows a rolling release model, which means that updates are continuously released, and users receive the latest software versions as they become available. Void Linux, on the other hand, follows a fixed release model with periodic stable releases. This means that Void Linux users receive updates in batches rather than continuously.
Documentation and Community: Arch Linux is famous for its extensive and well-maintained documentation, known as the Arch Wiki. The Arch Wiki provides detailed instructions, tips, and troubleshooting guides, making it an invaluable resource for users. Void Linux, although it has a growing community and decent documentation, doesn't have the same level of comprehensive documentation as Arch Linux.
System Resources and Performance: Both Arch Linux and Void Linux are lightweight distributions that focus on minimalism. However, Void Linux is reputed for being exceptionally lightweight, using fewer system resources, and offering better overall performance compared to Arch Linux. This makes Void Linux a preferred choice for older hardware or systems with limited resources.
Package Availability: While both distributions offer a wide range of software packages, Arch Linux's package repository, combined with the AUR, provides a vast selection of software for users to choose from. The AUR allows users to access and install packages maintained by the community, further expanding the software availability. Void Linux, although it has an extensive package repository, may have a smaller selection of third-party software due to its focus on simplicity and stability.

Arch Linux vs Void Linux

Overview