Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Devuan GNU+Linux VS Alpine Linux

Compare Devuan GNU+Linux VS Alpine Linux and see what are their differences

Devuan GNU+Linux logo Devuan GNU+Linux

Debian without Systemd

Alpine Linux logo Alpine Linux

Alpine Linux is a security-oriented, lightweight Linux distribution based on musl libc and busybox.
  • Devuan GNU+Linux Landing page
    Landing page //
    2020-01-19
  • Alpine Linux Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-10-14

Devuan GNU+Linux features and specs

  • Systemd-Free
    Devuan does not use systemd as its init system, which appeals to users who prefer alternative init systems like sysvinit due to systemd's complexity and perceived centralized control.
  • Stability
    Devuan aims to provide a stable and consistent operating environment by forking from Debian without using systemd, suitable for users who value stability over the latest features.
  • Compatibility
    Devuan maintains a high level of compatibility with Debian, allowing users to access a wide range of software packages available in the Debian repositories, minus those requiring systemd.
  • Privacy and Control
    By avoiding systemd, some users feel they have greater control over their system's processes, enhancing privacy and reducing potential data collection.

Possible disadvantages of Devuan GNU+Linux

  • Limited Software Support
    Some modern software packages that depend on systemd may not be available or function optimally on Devuan, potentially limiting choices for users requiring such software.
  • Smaller Community
    As a relatively niche distribution compared to Debian, Devuan has a smaller community, which may result in less community support and fewer resources or tutorials.
  • Delayed Updates
    Updates on Devuan may lag behind other distributions, as it takes time to ensure compatibility without systemd, which might affect users seeking the latest software features or security fixes.
  • Complex Migration
    Users migrating from systemd-based systems may face complexities or a steeper learning curve as they adapt to different init systems used in Devuan.

Alpine Linux features and specs

  • Lightweight and Minimal
    Alpine Linux is designed to be small and efficient, making it ideal for containers and environments where resource usage is a concern.
  • Security-focused
    Uses musl libc and busybox, which are designed for simplicity and security, reducing potential vulnerabilities.
  • Fast Boot Time
    Its minimalistic nature allows it to boot very quickly compared to many other Linux distributions.
  • Package Management
    APK (Alpine Package Keeper) is simple and efficient, allowing for easy package management.
  • Active Community
    Has an active community and good documentation, making it easier to find resources and support.
  • Compatibility
    Compatible with Docker, making it a popular choice for container-based deployments.
  • Customizability
    Highly customizable due to its simplicity, allowing users to build a system tailored to their specific needs.

Possible disadvantages of Alpine Linux

  • Learning Curve
    May have a steeper learning curve for users who are accustomed to more mainstream distributions like Ubuntu or CentOS.
  • Limited Package Repository
    Not as extensive as more mainstream distributions, potentially limiting some software options.
  • Community Support
    While active, the community is smaller compared to larger distributions, which might limit the availability of third-party tutorials and resources.
  • Default Shell
    Uses BusyBox shell by default, which lacks some of the features of Bash or Zsh that some users may be accustomed to.
  • Performance Overheads
    While generally performant, the use of musl libc instead of glibc can cause some performance overhead and compatibility issues with certain applications.
  • Limited Out-of-the-Box Tools
    Some tools and conveniences found in other distributions are absent by default, requiring more initial setup for a fully functional environment.
  • Hardware Compatibility
    May have limited hardware support compared to larger distributions, potentially causing issues with some drivers and peripherals.

Devuan GNU+Linux videos

Devuan GNU+Linux 3.0.0 overview | software freedom, your way

More videos:

  • Review - Devuan GNU+Linux presented at FSCONS 2016

Alpine Linux videos

Looking at Alpine Linux

More videos:

  • Review - Small, Simple, and Secure: Alpine Linux under the Microscope
  • Review - I'm considering switching to Alpine Linux. Here's why.

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Devuan GNU+Linux and Alpine Linux)
Operating Systems
21 21%
79% 79
Linux Distribution
27 27%
73% 73
Linux
21 21%
79% 79
Linux Distro
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Devuan GNU+Linux and Alpine Linux

Devuan GNU+Linux Reviews

We have no reviews of Devuan GNU+Linux yet.
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Alpine Linux Reviews

Top 9 Fastest Linux Distros in 2024
There are several Linux distros that are known for their fast boot times. Such as Ubuntu 11.10 is known for the fastest booting time as it can boot within 10 seconds boot time. Moreover, Alpine Linux, Void Linux, antiX Linux, Puppy Linux, etc. are also known for their fastest boot time.
Source: linuxsimply.com
The 10 Best Immutable Linux Distributions in 2024
Exploring the realm of immutable Linux distributions opens up a new perspective on system management, security, and reliability. From Fedora Silverblue’s atomic upgrades to Alpine Linux’s minimal footprint, each distribution brings something unique to the table, catering to different needs and preferences. Whether you’re a seasoned developer, a system administrator, or just...
Finding the Best Linux Distro for Your Organization
Alpine Linux is a security-oriented lightweight Linux distro designed for resource efficiency and containerization. It is known for its small footprint, speed, and focus on security measures. Alpine Linux is often used in scenarios where size and security are critical, such as in containers, IoT devices, and embedded systems. Alpine Linux is particularly suitable for...
Top 15 Best Security-Centric Linux Distributions of 2020
Alpine Linux is a lightweight security-oriented open-source Linux distribution designed for resource efficiency, security, and simplicity based on BusyBox and musl libc.
Source: www.tecmint.com

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Alpine Linux should be more popular than Devuan GNU+Linux. It has been mentiond 29 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Devuan GNU+Linux mentions (6)

  • User and Admin Documentation?
    I'm a new user with first install. Are there any user guides / admin guides available? I'm not seeing much documentation available at devuan.org -- maybe my eyes glaze over(?). Source: over 2 years ago
  • I removed Gnome and snapd from Ubuntu and it turns out the system underneath is reasonably lightweight with 130M ram and 2.8G disk usage.
    If Canonical spin a variant without systemd, possibly choosing Devuan as the base, it'll be great. Possibly, less resource hungry. Source: over 3 years ago
  • Trisquel GNU/Linux
    Trisquel's FAQ says: > Why should I use Trisquel instead of one of the better-known distributions? > There are literally hundreds of GNU/Linux distributions designed to fill every conceivable niche. Only a handful of them are entirely free software; Trisquel is one such distribution. ... But I disagree. Trisquel is based on ubuntu, and uses systemd. Not just as some optional init system you can remove -... - Source: Hacker News / over 3 years ago
  • Move from Ubuntu?
    If you're experienced, look at Devuan Chimaera. BTW, I always felt Gnome is the most productive work environment with that UI. I think Cinnamon may come close. Source: over 3 years ago
  • Help me pick a distro for Dell 300M.
    A Devuan basic installation with a lightweight desktop will work. Source: over 3 years ago
View more

Alpine Linux mentions (29)

  • Revisit base container image for AWS services
    Alpine is a base image using a very lightweight Linux distribution called Alpine Linux, which includes BusyBox and musl environments, as well as a package management tool called APK (Alpine Package Manager). The image size is 3.81MB, which is very lightweight. Many of you are probably using alpine as a base image to create container images. - Source: dev.to / 3 months ago
  • Build a Symfony 7 boilerplate using FrankenPHP, Docker, PostgreSQL and php 8.4
    I use the Debian Bookworm based image since I don't recommend using the Alpine one, the perfs seems a little less stable and fast. This is related to the musl libc library and JIT AKA just in time compilation used by php core, more information here on the official Frankenphp document. - Source: dev.to / 5 months ago
  • More storage for media : organize files using ChatGPT : part 2, converting JPEG to HEIC
    I will use docker image of ffpeg on alpine and I'm skipping steps as you can get this information from the internet search or generative AI, I'm using the ChatGPT as no login is required and most of readers will be able to reproduce my steps. - Source: dev.to / 6 months ago
  • Show HN: Horizon – Private alternative to Imgur
    > I've launched a rebrand of Horizon which features a brand-new desktop app called Alpine[3] This won't get confused at all with Alpine Linux... https://alpinelinux.org/. - Source: Hacker News / 10 months ago
  • Installing Debian bookworm without systemd
    Anyway, if you're after a distro that doesn't use systemd and is a joy to use and tinker with, take a look at Alpine [0]. It is a lot more compact and faster compared to other distros for using Musl instead of Glibc, which means you may find software that has not been ported yet, however so far I've installed it also on mini PCs and laptops with great results. 0: https://alpinelinux.org/. - Source: Hacker News / almost 2 years ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Devuan GNU+Linux and Alpine Linux, you can also consider the following products

Gentoo - The website of Gentoo, a flexible Linux or BSD distribution.

Ubuntu - Ubuntu is a Debian Linux-based open source operating system for desktop computers.

Debian - Debian is a free distribution of the GNU/Linux operating system.

Arch Linux - You've reached the website for Arch Linux, a lightweight and flexible Linux® distribution that tries to Keep It Simple. Currently we have official packages optimized for the x86-64 architecture.

Void Linux - Void is a general purpose operating system, based on the monolithic Linux kernel.

Slackware - Slackware Linux is an advanced Linux operating system, designed with the twin goals of ease of use...