What is the fastest Linux distro?
What is the fastest Linux distro?
Intuitively, S6 or runit would be fastest since there’s no dynamic scripting—just straightforward calculations saved as a static boot process. Similar results can be achieved through smart config management and parallel starts, making the best choice easy to identify.
Systemd excels in managing services, while init offers a more traditional approach. OpenRC and other init systems provide flexibility and compatibility, whereas vanilla init is straightforward but may lack modern features. Each system serves different needs based on complexity and requirements.
It's a quirky choice, but tinycore would definitely win my support.
Systemd earned praise for its speed due to its reliance on compiled code rather than scripted processes. This approach overlooks systems such as runit and S6 that use a fixed dependency structure, eliminating much of the time spent during startup. A key drawback of systemd is its dependence on pre-built features; any deviation often requires creating additional services, one handling routine checks within svinit scripts and another managing the actual service execution. There are potential benefits to avoiding udev as well, though further research would be needed. While @Gat Pelsinger aims to accelerate boot times, numerous optimizations exist but demand deeper system knowledge. Each tweak introduces complexity, such as removing dynamic solutions that rely on static configurations. A concise list might include: no bootloader, initrd selection, compiler and glibc choice, minimal kernel adjustments, background non-essential services, and avoiding udev. Ultimately, a powerful machine can support lightweight setups like binhosts or compiler tools in a VM, allowing you to focus on optimizations—many of which are advanced options. You’re equipped for long-term heavy tasks, and you can run development environments or utilities in a sandbox to ease updates.