I've been using Arch Linux as my daily driver for development work for quite some time now, and I thought I'd share why I've chosen this distribution over others and how it has improved my workflow.

The Control Factor

The main reason I use Arch is simple: complete control over my system. Unlike many other distributions that come with pre-installed software and configurations, Arch follows a minimalist philosophy. You start with a bare-bones system and add only what you need.

This approach results in a lightweight, streamlined installation without bloatware. My system boots fast, uses minimal resources, and I know exactly what's running at all times.

Rolling Release Model

Arch uses a rolling release model, which means I always have access to the latest software versions without waiting for a major distribution update. This is especially important for development work where I want to use the newest language features, libraries, and tools.

For example, when a new version of Rust is released, I can install it immediately with a simple:

No need to add PPAs or use version managers just to get the latest releases.

Pacman and AUR

The Arch package manager, pacman, is incredibly fast and easy to use. It handles dependencies efficiently and makes system maintenance straightforward.

Even better is the Arch User Repository (AUR), which gives me access to virtually any software that exists for Linux, even if it's not in the official repositories. The AUR has been invaluable for finding development tools and libraries that aren't available in other distributions without manual compilation.

Learning Experience

Using Arch has forced me to understand how Linux systems work at a deeper level. From partitioning drives to configuring network services and understanding systemd, I've gained knowledge that helps me debug issues not just on my machine but on servers and other Linux environments.

The Development Setup

My current development environment on Arch consists of:

• i3 window manager for keyboard-driven workspace management
• Alacritty terminal emulator for speed
• Neovim as my primary editor (though I'm working on Zen as an alternative)
• Custom shell scripts for automating repetitive tasks

This combination gives me a distraction-free, efficient setup where I can focus entirely on code.

Community and Documentation

The Arch community is knowledgeable and helpful, and the Arch Wiki is hands-down the best Linux documentation resource available. I often find solutions there even for issues on non-Arch systems.

Conclusion

Arch Linux isn't for everyone, and I wouldn't necessarily recommend it to Linux beginners. But for developers who want complete control, always-updated software, and a system that teaches you how Linux actually works, it's an excellent choice.

I'm proud to call myself an "average Arch user" – someone who appreciates the simplicity, power, and flexibility that Arch provides.