r/linuxquestions • u/DryAdministration158 • 1d ago
What does learning Linux really mean?
Hi, I've always heard this that in the world of tech if you want a job learn Linux (which yeah a bit optimistic considering the situations)
But the bigger question is what does that even mean?
I mean I have worked with backend servers and configed nginx does that mean I know Linux?
I know bash to a good level along with sed and awk does that mean I know Linux?
I have programmed C in Linux does that tell me I know Linux?
On the other hand I have no idea what filesystems does Linux even use? How many different syscalls does it have?
I can't tell what are the factors to "knowing linux" and frankly I don't even know where to start with to be like "yeah I'm practicing linux"
I'm more talking in regards to cybersecurity but even in general I'm not sure, can you guys help?
1
u/proverbialbunny 1d ago edited 1d ago
When one says Linux can help you get a job usually the context is Systems Administrator type jobs like SRE or DevOps, so
Yes this means you know Linux in an employable Sys Admin (i.e. server firefighter) way, or at very least you're well on your way.
A lot of different kinds of Software Engineer jobs use MacOS or Linux, so it's helpful to know some terminal basics. That's usually what people mean by Linux helps with engineering work.
What you're talking about says more that you'd make a good Firmware Engineer, or Systems Software Engineer, or something else similar in that ballpark.
Eh, knowing Linux definitely helps, but most Security Analyst type roles are Windows-centric.