Best Sites to Run Linux in Browser | Online Linux Terminal

This guide aims to introduce you to the Best Sites to Run Linux in Browser. If you’re a Linux enthusiast or simply need access to a Linux environment without the commitment of a full installation or virtual machine, running Linux directly in your web browser offers a convenient solution.

There are numerous websites available that provide access to a Linux distribution directly through your browser. This allows you to practice commands, experiment with different tools, and even develop software without the need for local setup.

In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best sites that allow you to practice Linux via a web browser. By following the information below, you’ll become familiar with these Best Sites to Run Linux in Browser and how they can help you improve your Linux skills.

Number 1 – CoCalc Online Linux Terminal

CoCalc Linux terminal boasts a range of powerful features that enable you to run commands, manage files, and execute programs. It stands out as one of the premier sites for running Linux and enhancing your skills.

To begin using the CoCalc Linux terminal, you’ll need to sign up for a free account and select "Linux" from the available options. Linux commands are a powerful tool for managing the system, and you can readily access the Linux Terminal from CoCalc to enter these commands.

# Example command to list files in the current directory
ls -l

CoCalc Linux Terminal offers a comprehensive feature set, including:

• A full Linux environment.
• File management capabilities.
• Support for various programming languages.
• Collaboration features for team projects.

With Linux Terminal Online, users can easily access their Linux machines, run scripts, and perform other tasks remotely from a web browser.

Number 2 – JSLinux – Run Linux in a Web Browser

JSLinux is a Linux emulator package designed to run Linux directly within a web browser. Written in JavaScript, it supports various operating systems, including Alpine Linux, FreeDOS, and Fedora 33, all accessible through your browser. This is another option for the Best Sites to Run Linux in Browser.

It provides a straightforward Linux terminal for online practice. While you can sign up for an account, often, immediate access is available.

# Example command to check the Linux kernel version
uname -r

Number 3 – Webminal Free GNU/Linux Online Terminal and Programming IDE

Webminal is a popular platform for running Linux online. It allows you to easily practice Linux Commands, write bash scripts, and learn various programming languages such as Python, C, Ruby, Java, and Rust.

Additionally, Webminal includes a MySQL feature for creating tables and executing queries. To access Webminal, simply create an account and log in.

# Example command to install a package using apt-get (if available)
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install somepackage

Number 4 – Copy.sh – Run the Linux Emulator in a Browser

Copy.sh is another online platform where you can run Linux and other operating systems directly from your web browser. Visit the official site and select the "Virtual x86" option. You’ll see a list of operating systems; click on the one you want to use, and the terminal screen will appear.

Number 5 – Codeanywhere Online Code Editor

Codeanywhere is a Cloud IDE that allows you to deploy a development environment and enables you to code, learn, build, and collaborate on your projects. This offers more than just a terminal, as it presents a full coding environment.

Sign up for an account on the official site and run a free Linux virtual machine. You can try it for free or opt for a paid account.

# Example command to create a directory
mkdir my_new_directory
cd my_new_directory

Number 6 – JS/UIX Terminal

JS/UIX is a terminal written in JavaScript that includes a shell, a virtual machine, a virtual file system, keyboard mapping, a screen, and support for ASCII character sets. Accessing JS/UIX doesn’t require an account or any plugins, making it easy to use for improving your skills.

Conclusion

By now, you should be familiar with some of the Best Sites To Run Linux in a Browser. If you are looking for an easy method to run Linux and improve your skills with Linux commands, you can use each of these sites to practice Linux. I hope you find them helpful.

So what do you think? Are these resources helpful or not? Which one will you use? If you have any suggestions, please comment.

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Alternative Solutions for Accessing a Linux Environment

While the browser-based terminals offer convenience, other robust methods exist for accessing a Linux environment:

1. Cloud-Based Virtual Machines (AWS, Google Cloud, Azure):

This method involves renting a virtual machine (VM) from a cloud provider like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud Platform (GCP), or Microsoft Azure. These platforms offer a wide variety of Linux distributions pre-configured and ready to use.

• Explanation: Instead of running a limited environment within a browser, you get a full-fledged virtual server. You connect to this server using SSH (Secure Shell), a secure protocol for remote access. This approach offers much more control, resources (CPU, memory, storage), and customization options than browser-based terminals. You can install any software, configure network settings, and even run graphical applications (using X11 forwarding or a remote desktop solution).

• Code Example (connecting via SSH):

  First, you’ll need the public IP address of your cloud VM. Then, using a terminal on your local machine (or a tool like PuTTY on Windows), you can connect using:

  ssh username@your_vm_public_ip

  Replace username with the username you configured for the VM (e.g., ubuntu, ec2-user, centos), and your_vm_public_ip with the actual IP address. You’ll be prompted for your password (or SSH key, if you’ve set that up).

2. Local Virtualization (VirtualBox, VMware):

This involves installing virtualization software (like Oracle VirtualBox or VMware Workstation Player) on your local computer. You can then download a Linux distribution (e.g., Ubuntu, Fedora, Debian) as an ISO image and create a virtual machine within the virtualization software.

• Explanation: This approach provides a complete Linux environment running on your own hardware. It offers similar benefits to cloud VMs (full control, resource allocation), but without the ongoing cost. It’s ideal for development, testing, and running applications that require a dedicated Linux system. You can isolate the virtual machine from your host operating system, preventing conflicts and ensuring a clean environment.

• Code Example (after installing a Linux distribution in VirtualBox):

  Within the virtual machine, you can use standard Linux commands. For example, to update the package list:

  sudo apt update

  And to upgrade installed packages:

  sudo apt upgrade

These alternative methods offer more powerful and flexible solutions for accessing a Linux environment compared to browser-based terminals, although they require more initial setup. They are particularly suitable for users who need a persistent, customizable, and resource-intensive Linux environment for development, testing, or running applications.