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Debian vs openSUSE: What are the differences?
Key Differences between Debian and openSUSE
Debian and openSUSE are two popular Linux distributions that offer different features and functionalities to users. Here are the key differences between them:
1. Release Model: Debian follows a "Stable" release model, which means that it focuses on stability and security over new features. It has a longer release cycle and undergoes rigorous testing before each release. On the other hand, openSUSE follows a "Rolling Release" model, providing regular updates with the latest features and software versions.
2. Package Management: Debian primarily uses the Advanced Package Tool (APT) for package management. It uses the .deb package format and supports the use of repositories for easy installation and updates. openSUSE, on the other hand, uses the Zypper package manager and supports the .rpm package format. It also provides a user-friendly graphical package management tool called YaST.
3. Community and Development: Debian has a large and diverse community with a strong focus on free and open-source software. It is known for its democratic decision-making process and community-driven development. openSUSE, on the other hand, has a more corporate backing with contributions from both the community and SUSE, a commercial company. It follows a more structured development process with releases managed by SUSE.
4. Configuration and Administration: Debian favors a minimalistic approach to configuration and administration, providing users with more control and flexibility. It uses primarily text-based configuration files that are easy to manipulate and understand. openSUSE, on the other hand, provides a more comprehensive and user-friendly configuration tool called YaST (Yet another Setup Tool) which allows users to easily manage system settings through a graphical interface.
5. System Stability vs Latest Software: Debian places a strong emphasis on system stability and security. It focuses on providing well-tested and thoroughly vetted software packages to ensure a reliable and secure operating system. openSUSE, on the other hand, strives to provide the latest software and technology to users. It aims to offer cutting-edge features and software versions, even if it means sacrificing some level of stability.
6. Default Desktop Environment: Debian offers a wide range of desktop environments to choose from, including GNOME, KDE, Xfce, LXDE, and more. It provides a lightweight default desktop environment called Xfce, which offers a balance between performance and functionality. openSUSE, on the other hand, predominantly uses the KDE Plasma desktop environment as its default choice. This decision reflects their focus on providing a modern and feature-rich desktop experience.
In summary, Debian excels in stability, minimalistic configuration, and a community-driven approach, while openSUSE focuses on providing cutting-edge features, an easy-to-use configuration tool, and a corporate-backed development process.
Coming from a Debian-based Linux background, using the Ubuntu base image for my Docker containers was a natural choice. However, the overhead, even on the impressively-slimmed Hub images, was hard to justify. Seeking to create images that were "just right" in size, without unused packages or dependencies, I made the switch to Alpine.
Alpine's modified BusyBox has a surprising amount of functionality, and the package repository contains plenty of muslc-safe versions of commonly-used packages. It's been a valuable exercise in doing more with less, and, as Alpine is keen to point out, an image with fewer packages makes for a more sustainable environment with a smaller attack surface.
My only regret is that Alpine's documentation leaves a lot to be desired.
Pros of Debian
- Massively supported54
- Stable50
- Reliable21
- Aptitude9
- Customizable8
- It is free8
- Turnkey linux use it8
- Works on all architectures6
Pros of openSUSE
- Stable4
- Lightweight for server3
- Snapshot2
- Rolling release2
- Reliable2
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Cons of Debian
- Old versions of software10
- Can be difficult to set up on vanilla Debian2
Cons of openSUSE
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What is Debian?
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