I've got a spare ThinkPad without an operating system that I want to set up for coding. Currently, I use Void Linux with glibc on my main PC, but I'm also considering trying BSD. Before I make any decisions, I wanted to ask the community for recommendations on lightweight Linux distributions that would work well for my needs. I need a setup that includes a C/C++ compiler, Python, Rust, a browser, and an IDE.
4 Answers
If your ThinkPad is 64-bit, consider BunsenLabs Linux, which is based on Debian and uses OpenBox. For 32-bit, you could still find an older version, which might suit your device just fine!
Have you tried Void Linux or Bodhi? Both are great lightweight options and should meet your requirements for coding.
Alpine Linux is also a solid choice for lightweight setups. It’s pretty efficient and has the tools you might need for development.
You should definitely check out Puppy Linux! It's super lightweight and has been my go-to for years. I even had it on my rescue USB when coworkers had boot issues with their machines.
I've heard good things about Bodhi, especially its minimalistic approach, so it might be a good fit!