Software development on Linux follows many of the same principles as on other operating systems, but there are some Linux-specific tools, workflows, and environments that make it unique and powerful. Here's a breakdown of how software development typically works in Linux:

1. Choosing the Development Environment

1. Text Editors & IDEs: Developers often use editors like Vim, Emacs, Nano, or graphical IDEs like Visual Studio Code, Eclipse, JetBrains IDEs, or GNOME Builder.
2. Linux supports a wide range of editors, from lightweight command-line to fully featured graphical environments.

2. Programming Languages

1. Linux supports nearly all major programming languages: C, C++, Python, Java, Ruby, Go, Rust, JavaScript, and many more.
2. Many open-source languages and tools are first developed on or for Linux.

3. Compilers & Interpreters

1. For compiled languages (like C, C++), tools like GCC (GNU Compiler Collection) or Clang are standard.
2. Interpreted languages (Python, Ruby, Perl) usually come pre-installed or are easily installable.

4. Build Systems & Package Managers

1. Build tools like Make, CMake, Autotools, Meson, or Bazel are used to compile and link code.
2. Package managers such as apt (Debian/Ubuntu), yum or dnf (Fedora), and pacman (Arch) help install dependencies and libraries needed for development.

5. Version Control

1. Git is almost universally used for version control on Linux. It’s command-line based and integrated into many IDEs.
2. Developers clone repositories, commit code, create branches, and push changes just like on any other OS.

6. Shell & Command Line

1. The Linux shell (bash, zsh, fish) is a powerful tool for developers to compile, run, test, and deploy software using commands and scripts.
2. Shell scripting automates repetitive tasks.

7. Debugging & Testing

1. Debuggers like GDB (GNU Debugger) are common for low-level languages.
2. Testing frameworks vary by language (e.g., pytest for Python, JUnit for Java).
3. Continuous Integration (CI) tools like Jenkins or GitHub Actions are often used in Linux environments.

8. Running and Deploying Software

1. Linux is a common environment for deploying software, especially servers, because of its stability and flexibility.
2. Developers test and run software locally, often using containers (Docker) or virtual machines.
3. Deployment scripts or tools like Ansible automate the process.