Best Linux Distro for Programming: Fedora, Ubuntu, or Something Else?

In terms of software availability, you shouldn't face much difference across distros. If you like Mint, you can stick with it. But if you're looking for something new, Fedora is a solid choice. Just a heads-up, avoid Ubuntu if possible; its package manager can be confusing and cause issues with installs.

As someone who's starting my Linux journey with a focus on AI and machine learning, I'm leaning towards Fedora over Ubuntu. The community has been really helpful in providing insights that guide my choices.

You can develop on any Linux distro, including Linux Mint. Just pick one and give it a try! Keep good backups of your home directory, because you might mess things up while experimenting. If you don't have a strong reason to switch, it’s best to stick with one distro for at least a month. Also, have a bit of experience before trying out an Arch variant.

I would recommend sticking with Mint for a bit longer. Getting accustomed to your current setup is important, and once you feel more comfortable, transitioning to another distro will be easier.

If you're feeling adventurous, consider trying Crunchbang++ or BunsenLabs. They use the Openbox window manager instead of a traditional desktop environment, which might take some getting used to. But once you adapt, they can really boost your productivity and are lighter on resources.