Linux is an open-source, Unix-like operating system that serves as the foundation for a wide variety of software and hardware platforms. Developed by Linus Torvalds in 1991, Linux has become one of the most widely used operating systems globally, powering everything from personal computers and smartphones to servers, supercomputers, and embedded systems. Linux's open-source nature means that its source code is freely available, allowing anyone to modify, distribute, and use it under the terms of the GNU General Public License (GPL). This has led to the development of numerous Linux distributions, such as Ubuntu, Fedora, and CentOS, each tailored to different use cases and user needs.

Linux is known for its stability, security, and flexibility, making it the preferred choice for many developers, system administrators, and enterprises. It supports a wide range of software applications and programming languages, making it ideal for both development and production environments. Linux's modular architecture allows users to customize the operating system to suit specific requirements, from lightweight distributions for older hardware to full-featured environments for high-performance computing. Its strong community support and extensive documentation further contribute to Linux's popularity and widespread adoption in both personal and professional contexts.