First look at Ubuntu 26.04
Ubuntu 26.04 LTS, 'Resolute Raccoon', is out. For developers, the main draw is the support cycle. You get standard updates until 2031, which stretches to 2036 if you use Ubuntu Pro. It is a predictable, stable base for long-term projects.
This version brings a refreshed user experience with GNOME 46, offering subtle but welcome improvements to the desktop environment. Under the hood, you’ll find an updated toolchain and kernel improvements designed to boost performance and compatibility. While not a revolutionary overhaul, 26.04 is a polished and refined release that feels immediately comfortable for anyone familiar with Ubuntu.
I’ve been using pre-release builds for a few weeks now, and I’m impressed with the stability and responsiveness. It’s a great time to make the switch if you’re looking for a reliable and modern Linux distribution for your development work. It's a solid choice whether you're a seasoned Linux veteran or new to the world of open-source development.
Getting the ISO and making a bootable drive
The first step is, naturally, downloading the Ubuntu 26.04 LTS ISO image from the official Ubuntu website (). Make sure you choose the correct version for your system architecture (usually 64-bit). Downloading a large ISO file can take some time, so a stable internet connection is essential.
Verify the ISO checksum before flashing. It is the only way to be sure the download isn't corrupted. Use `sha256sum` on Linux to compare your local file against the hash provided on the Ubuntu download page.
Next, you need to create bootable installation media. For Windows users, Rufus is a popular and reliable choice. Etcher is an excellent cross-platform option that works on Windows, macOS, and Linux. Linux users can use the `dd` command, but be extremely careful as it can easily overwrite data if used incorrectly. For example: `sudo dd bs=4M if=/path/to/ubuntu.iso of=/dev/sdX status=progress oflag=sync`. Replace `/dev/sdX` with the correct device identifier for your USB drive – double-check this! Before you begin, back up any important data on your computer. The installation process will likely involve formatting your hard drive.
- Rufus is the standard for Windows users.
- Etcher (Cross-platform):
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Installation: From Boot to Basic Setup
With the bootable USB drive prepared, restart your computer and enter the BIOS/UEFI settings (usually by pressing Del, F2, F12, or Esc during startup). Change the boot order to prioritize the USB drive. The Ubuntu installer will then load, presenting you with a few options.
You’ll be prompted to select your language, keyboard layout, and whether to connect to Wi-Fi during the installation process. It’s generally a good idea to connect to a network, as this allows the installer to download updates and third-party software. The installer then asks about what kind of installation you want to perform.
You have three main options: "Normal installation’ (installs Ubuntu alongside other operating systems or erases the disk), ‘Minimal installation’ (installs a minimal set of packages), and ‘Something else’ (allows for manual partitioning). I strongly advise against using ‘Something else" unless you're comfortable with disk partitioning. Erasing the disk is the simplest option for a fresh install, but be absolutely sure you’ve backed up any important data beforehand. You can also choose to download updates while installing, which is recommended for the latest security patches.
After confirming your choices, the installer will begin copying files and configuring the system. This process can take 15-30 minutes, depending on your hardware. Once complete, you’ll be prompted to restart your computer. Remove the USB drive before restarting.
Essential Packages for Developers
Now that Ubuntu is installed, it’s time to set up your development environment. The first step is to install essential packages using the `apt` package manager. Open a terminal and run `sudo apt update` to refresh the package lists. Then, install the following packages: `sudo apt install build-essential git curl wget vim python3 python3-pip openjdk-17-jdk`. This single command installs a lot, so it will take a few minutes.
`build-essential` installs GCC and make. You will need these to compile anything from source. I also include `git`, `curl`, and `wget` immediately. For text editing, `vim` is the standard for terminal work, but `nano` is there if you want something that doesn't require a manual to exit.
Python developers will appreciate `python3` and `pip`, the package installer for Python. Java developers will need `openjdk-17-jdk` (or a later version, depending on your project's requirements). You can verify the installation by running `python3 --version` and `java -version` in the terminal. These packages provide a solid foundation for a wide range of development tasks.
Beyond these core packages, consider installing other tools based on your specific needs. For example, if you’re working with Node.js, you’ll need to install `nodejs` and `npm`. If you're a Ruby developer, you'll need `ruby` and `gem`. The `apt` package manager makes it easy to install and manage these dependencies.
- build-essential for GCC and make
- git: Version control
- curl/wget: Downloading files
- vim/nano: Text editing
- python3/pip: Python development
- openjdk-17-jdk: Java development
Installing Essential Development Packages
After completing the Ubuntu 26.04 LTS installation, the first step is to update your system and install the core development tools that most developers need. These packages form the foundation for software development across multiple programming languages and frameworks.
# Update package repository
sudo apt update
# Install essential development packages
sudo apt install build-essential git curl wget vim python3 python3-pip openjdk-11-jdk
# Verify installations
git --version
python3 --version
java -versionThis command installs the GNU Compiler Collection (build-essential), version control (git), network utilities (curl, wget), a text editor (vim), Python 3 with package manager (python3, python3-pip), and Java Development Kit. The verification commands at the end confirm that the installations completed successfully and display the installed versions.
Speeding things up
Ubuntu, while generally responsive, can sometimes feel sluggish, especially on older hardware. There are a few tweaks you can make to improve performance. One option is to use a lightweight desktop environment like XFCE or LXQt. These environments use fewer system resources than GNOME, which can result in a noticeable performance boost, but they come with a different look and feel.
Another tweak is adjusting the swappiness value. This controls how aggressively the system uses swap space. A lower value can improve performance if you have enough RAM, while a higher value can prevent the system from crashing when running out of memory. You can modify this value by editing `/etc/sysctl.conf` and adding the line `vm.swappiness=10` (or a different value).
Finally, configure the system to use a faster mirror for package downloads. You can do this by editing `/etc/apt/sources.list` and replacing the default mirror with one closer to your location. Tools like `htop` can help you monitor system resources and identify performance bottlenecks.
Updates and security
Maintaining a secure and up-to-date system is critical. Regularly update your system using `sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade`. This command downloads the latest package lists and installs any available updates. It's a good habit to run this command at least once a week.
For automatic security updates, consider enabling the Unattended Upgrades package. This package automatically downloads and installs security updates in the background, minimizing the risk of vulnerabilities. You can install it with `sudo apt install unattended-upgrades` and configure it in `/etc/apt/apt.conf.d/50unattended-upgrades`.
Ubuntu Pro provides extended support and additional security features for a subscription fee. It’s a good option for businesses and users who require a higher level of security and stability. Finally, familiarize yourself with the Uncomplicated Firewall (UFW), a user-friendly firewall that allows you to control network access to your system. You can enable it with `sudo ufw enable` and configure rules to allow or deny specific traffic.
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