Linux Format Issue 266: Summer 2020

Linux Format Issue 266 brings together practical Linux projects, open-source debate, software reviews, and a generous spread of hands-on tutorials. At the centre is Linux Mint 20: the issue examines its new features and the decision to move away from Snap packages, setting that choice within the wider discussion of Snap, Flatpak, and AppImage.

Linux Mint, packaging, and the open-source desktop

Rather than treating desktop Linux as one-size-fits-all, this issue looks at the choices shaping everyday use. Alongside the Mint feature, readers will find commentary on software packaging and news touching on Linux-powered computers, Fedora’s move to Btrfs, and gaming on Chrome OS.

From the terminal to your next project

The tutorials make room for both everyday tasks and creative experiments. Learn a terminal-based approach to finding files with Broot, explore project organisation with ZenKit, and see how a Raspberry Pi can be used for motion-triggered camera recording. Other projects introduce PIC microcontroller programming, Godot game development, and a modern take on the classic Pong arcade game.

Linux gaming and developer tools

A roundup compares five integrated development environments, offering useful context for readers weighing up their coding setup. The gaming coverage looks at Steam and Lutris, while a feature on Godot explores building a game interface. Raspberry Pi owners get a portable retro-gaming project with the Waveshare Game HAT.

A varied read for Linux enthusiasts

Reviews, news, interviews, and tutorials give this issue a broad editorial mix: useful for readers who like to follow the Linux ecosystem as well as try things out on their own systems. Pick it up for a focused look at Mint 20, or browse through for a practical project to tackle next. 💻