Whether you’re building web apps, AI models, mobile apps, or managing backend infrastructure, Ubuntu 24.04 is one of the best platforms for developers. It’s fast, open-source, and incredibly customizable.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through setting up a powerful, productive, and distraction-free development environment — based on years of real-world experience.
Let’s get coding 💻
⚙️ 1. Update Your System First
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -yThen remove old packages:
sudo apt autoremove --purge -y🧠 Why? Keeps your system clean and ensures compatibility with the latest tools.
🖥️ 2. Install Essential Developer Tools
sudo apt install -y build-essential curl wget git unzip zip gnupg lsb-release software-properties-commonIncludes:
- C compiler
- Git
- Curl/Wget
- Archive tools
- GPG keys
✅ Must-haves for any dev stack.
💡 3. Choose Your Programming Languages
🔹 Python
sudo apt install -y python3 python3-pip python3-venv🔹 Node.js (LTS)
curl -fsSL https://deb.nodesource.com/setup_lts.x | sudo -E bash -
sudo apt install -y nodejs🔹 Java (OpenJDK 17 or 21)
sudo apt install -y openjdk-21-jdk🔹 Go
sudo snap install go --classic👨🔬 Tip: Install only what you need based on your development stack.
🧱 4. Set Up Git & SSH
git config –global user.name “Your Name”
git config –global user.email “you@example.com”
Generate SSH keys:
ssh-keygen -t ed25519 -C "you@example.com"Add your public key to GitHub or GitLab:
cat ~/.ssh/id_ed25519.pub✅ Smooth, secure authentication for private repos. You can check here detail Git installation steps.
🖼️ 5. Install VS Code (Snap or DEB)
Snap (Quickest)
sudo snap install code --classicDEB (If you prefer apt)
wget -qO- https://packages.microsoft.com/keys/microsoft.asc | gpg --dearmor > packages.microsoft.gpg
sudo install -o root -g root -m 644 packages.microsoft.gpg /usr/share/keyrings/
sudo sh -c 'echo "deb [arch=amd64 signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/packages.microsoft.gpg] \
https://packages.microsoft.com/repos/vscode stable main" > /etc/apt/sources.list.d/vscode.list'
sudo apt update
sudo apt install code🧠 Must-have extensions:
- GitLens
- Prettier
- Python
- Docker
- ESLin
🐳 6. Install Docker & Docker Compose
sudo apt install docker.io docker-compose -y
sudo systemctl enable docker
sudo usermod -aG docker $USERLog out and back in to use Docker without sudo.
🧠 Why Docker? Isolates your dev environments, especially useful for microservices, databases, and cross-platform builds.
🐍 7. Create Isolated Python Dev Environments
Use venv for each project:
python3 -m venv env
source env/bin/activateBonus: Use pipx for installing Python CLI tools globally, but isolated:
python3 -m pip install --user pipx
pipx ensurepath📦 8. Set Up Package Managers
Flatpak
sudo apt install flatpak gnome-software-plugin-flatpakNVM for Node.js:
curl -o- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nvm-sh/nvm/v0.39.7/install.sh | bash🎨 9. Customize Your Terminal (Like a Pro)
Recommended:
zsh+Oh My Zsh
sudo apt install zsh
sh -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/ohmyzsh/ohmyzsh/master/tools/install.sh)"- Powerlevel10k theme
git clone --depth=1 https://github.com/romkatv/powerlevel10k.git \
${ZSH_CUSTOM:-$HOME/.oh-my-zsh/custom}/themes/powerlevel10k- Terminal font: Install MesloLGS NF
🌐 10. Bonus: Set Up a Local Dev Server Stack
For Web Dev:
sudo apt install apache2 php libapache2-mod-php mysql-server php-mysqlOr go full LEMP:
sudo apt install nginx php-fpm mysql-serverFor Django/Flask:
Use venv, install dependencies:
pip install djangoTest run:
python manage.py runserver✅ Final Thoughts
Ubuntu 24.04 is a rock-solid base for development — whether you’re building web apps, working with containers, or automating infra. With just a few commands, you can craft a clean, efficient, and powerful dev machine.
🔖 Bookmark this post — and share it with your dev team!
Got a tool or tweak you love? Drop it in the comments 👇
