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Add to SafariWhen comparing Artix Linux vs Debian Unstable, the Slant community recommends Artix Linux for most people. In the question“What are the best rolling release Linux distributions?” Artix Linux is ranked 3rd while Debian Unstable is ranked 29th.
Specs
Question Ranking
Pros
Pro No systemd
Pro Runit
Artix actively supports the runit init system known from Void Linux. (Equally besides the OpenRC init system known from Gentoo).
Pro Close to bare Arch Linux
No learning curve if you're coming from Arch or any of its derivatives.
Pro Lightweight
Only the software you would need like Terminal emulator, file manager, media player and a browser.
Pro Compatible with Arch Repositories
It is fully compatible with almost all packages from community, extra, multilib and AUR.
Pro Rolling distro
Pro Flexibility
You can have a functional system in less than 10 mins using GUI installer OR you can do it "the Arch way".
Pro Great for Desktop use
It is great for your daily desktop Linux due it good balance of stability and recent packages - it is also recomended by the debian project as the distro you should choose for desktop systems.
Pro Up-to-date software
Cons
Con No systemd
Some packages flat out won't work because systemd is non existent, sadly pipewire needs systemd to run. Hopefully Pipewire becomes usable soon. Edit: Pipewire does work but you will have to make a startup script.
Con Few Arch packages might not be available yet
Developers are working migrating all packages into their own repositories while ensuring there's no systemd malware.
Con No tiling WM (i3/sway) out of the box
Con Development version
Debian Unstable is intended as a development release, and as such is much more likely to break.
Con Not for users new to Linux
You need to know how to maintain Debian Unstable or you can easily bork your system. There isn't very much information available on how to maintain Debian Unstable either. I was fortunate enough to be involved in a now defunct Linux distribution where a forum member put together a how-to on how to upgrade Debian Stable to Debian Unstalble, as well as a separate forum where users could post tips or ask questions about Debian Unstable. One source I would recommend is the Siduction forums.
