2mo ago

I want to explore Linux and coding more, and need recommendations

I've been using Mint for about 5 years now and want to explore the 'nuts and bolts' side of it a bit more

I can use the terminal a bit- copy/paste code to install programmes etc, but I'd like to now understand what the code actually means

Can anyone recommend either a book or online guide to exploring this? Also can any recommendations be geared towards newbie and 'moron' level

If this community isn't the right place let me know and I'll repost elsewhere.....

also many thanks in advance for any help 👍

11 comments

I think Linux Journey might be a good start.
- Thank you, I think this may be what I'm looking for (also I had it bookmarked and had forgotten about it)
Go for Arch Linux in a VM.
Create snapshots, break things, fix them. When you break stuff try to fix them even if it's hard. Solution from the internet? Try to learn why it works.
After Arch go for more low-level and 'raw' distros, like Gentoo. If you still feel like it's not enough, go for LFS.
Enjoy learning, and good luck :)
- I'm quite happy with Mint, but I do have 2 laptops, one for travel and the other I can use as an experimental playground.
  I think trying Arch will be out of my comfort zone right now, but I can see that as an option once I've got to grips with the basic stuff
  Thank you, I appreciate it 😀
  
  They're not suggesting you to replace your mint install. Rather create a virtual machine in your mint to experiment with Arch, which is a distro that pushes you to be more hands on with your configuration.
I know you specifically asked for coding related material, but I just can't pass the opportunity to suggest this awesome and humoristic (yet honestly one of the most informative "for dummies") book that explains how computers and code work:
J Clark Scott's "But How Do It Know".
It's still relevant and gives you a solid understanding of fundamentals in a funny and easy-to-read way to understand computers (and software) on a level that doesn't drain you.
It's a relatively short book, so it wont overwhelm you if you are just looking to dip your toes into the topic - yet it gives you all you need if you want to dig deeper.
- Thank you for the book suggestion, I had a brief look online and it does seem interesting, I'm going to acquire a copy.... if he can describe the inner workings of computers in a humorous way, and if I can maybe learn just one new thing, then I'm in! 👍
  Thanks again
  
  No problem, glad I could offer something and hope you enjoy the book as much as I did!
A Raspberry Pi maybe? Learn some linux and python there, that is how i got drawn into this whole creative universe.
- I do actually want to get a Raspberry Pi at some point.... been thinking about it for about 5 years or so, BUT at the moment I want to concentrate on what I have rather than buy hardware I may take some time getting round to using

11 comments