Linux Configuration and Programming tools

There are so many configuration tools in the Linux operating system. During this series we will examine some of the lesser known as well as some of the better known tools. Included in this series you will see such tools as:

• diff: Compares files line by line.
• which: Shows the full path of commands.
• drakconf: Mandriva control center.
• gnome-control-center: Gnome main control panel.
• kcontrol: KDE control panel

The Linux operating system offers a number of programming aids. From full-blown IDEs to command line compilers, in Linux you can handle much of your programming tasks. Some of the tools we will examine include:

• g++: Allows for the compilation, linking, and building of C and C++ applications.
• Kdevelop: Integrated IDE for KDE.
• Anjunta: Integrated IDE for GNOME.

This series of articles will each provide a glimpse into the tools that make job of configuring Linux and programming with Linux easy. Some of these tools will be command line, some of them will be graphical. But all of these tools will be open source, free, and reliable.

This series will not attempt to teach programming but instead will introduce you to the tools that will make your programming under Linux easier. And although this series will help you to understand some of the finer points of Linux configuration, the primary goal is to show you the tools and configuration files necessary to administer a Linux machine.

When shown the right tools, Linux can open your world up to new ideas and new possibilities. This holds true with nearly every aspect of computing. Programming is certainly not omitted under this heading, nor is configuration. Once you have a solid understanding of what the tools are and how to make use of these tools your experience with the Linux operating system will free you to get your work done in an efficient and reliable way.