Arch
Linux is an independent, x86 64 general-purpose GNU/Linux distributions. It
strives to provide stable versions of most software through a rolling-release
approach. The default installation is a minimal system that can be configured
by the user to add only what is needed. Arch Linux is simple. It doesn't allow
for unnecessary modifications or additions. It ships software as released by
the original developers (upstream) with minimal distribution-specific
(downstream) changes, patches not accepted by upstream are avoided, and Arch's
downstream patches consist almost entirely of backported bug fixes that are
obsoleted by the project's next release. Arch ships the configuration files
provided by upstream with changes limited to distribution-specific issues like
adjusting the system file paths. It does not add automation features, such as
enabling a service just because the package has been installed.
About
Arch Linux
Principles
Simplicity
Arch
Linux defines simplicity as without unnecessary additions or modifications. It
ships software as released by the original developers (upstream) with minimal
distribution-specific (downstream) changes: patches not accepted by upstream
are avoided, and Arch's downstream patches consist almost entirely of
backported bug fixes that are obsoleted by the project's next release.
In a
similar fashion, Arch ships the configuration files provided by upstream with
changes limited to distribution-specific issues like adjusting the system file
paths. It does not add automation features such as enabling a service simply
because the package was installed. Packages are only split when compelling
advantages exist, such as to save disk space in particularly bad cases of
waste. GUI configuration utilities are not officially provided, encouraging
users to perform most system configuration from the shell and a text editor.
Modernity
Arch
Linux strives to maintain the latest stable release versions of its software as
long as systemic package breakage can be reasonably avoided. It is based on a
rolling-release system, which allows a one-time installation with continuous
upgrades.
Arch
incorporates many of the newer features available to GNU/Linux users, including
the systemd init system, modern file systems, LVM2, software RAID, udev support
and initcpio (with mkinitcpio), as well as the latest available kernels.
Pragmatism
Arch
is a pragmatic distribution rather than an ideological one. The principles here
are only useful guidelines. Ultimately, design decisions are made on a
case-by-case basis through developer consensus. Evidence-based technical
analysis and debate are what matter, not politics or popular opinion.
The
large number of packages and build scripts in the various Arch Linux
repositories offer free and open source software for those who prefer it, as
well as proprietary software packages for those who embrace functionality over
ideology.
User
centrality
Whereas
many GNU/Linux distributions attempt to be more user-friendly, Arch Linux has
always been, and shall always remain user-centric. The distribution is intended
to fill the needs of those contributing to it, rather than trying to appeal to
as many users as possible. It is targeted at the proficient GNU/Linux user, or
anyone with a do-it-yourself attitude who is willing to read the documentation,
and solve their own problems.
All
users are encouraged to participate and contribute to the distribution.
Reporting and helping fix bugs is highly valued and patches improving packages
or the core projects are very appreciated: Arch's developers are volunteers and
active contributors will often find themselves becoming part of that team.
Archers can freely contribute packages to the Arch User Repository, improve the
ArchWiki documentation, provide technical assistance to others or just exchange
opinions in the forums, mailing lists, or IRC channels. Arch Linux is the
operating system of choice for many people around the globe, and there exist
several international communities that offer help and provide documentation in
many different languages.
Versatility
Arch
Linux is a general-purpose distribution. Upon installation, only a command-line
environment is provided; rather than tearing out unneeded and unwanted packages,
the user is offered the ability to build a custom system by choosing among
thousands of high-quality packages provided in the official repositories for
the x86-64 architecture.
Arch
is a rolling-release model backed by pacman, a lightweight, simple and fast
package manager that allows for continuously upgrading the entire system with
one command. Arch also provides the Arch Build System, a ports-like system to
make it easy to build and install packages from source, which can also be
synchronized with one command. In addition, the Arch User Repository contains
many thousands of community-contributed PKGBUILD scripts for compiling
installable packages from source using the makepkg application. It is also
possible for users to build and maintain their own custom repositories with
ease.
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