Ubuntu and Debian are very similar, but they have some major differences too. Ubuntu is geared more towards user friendliness, and has a more corporate feel. Debian, on the other hand, is more concerned with software freedom and options. It’s a non-profit project, and it has that sort of culture around it as well.

Is Debian better than Ubuntu for programming?

They’re both quite suitable for server machines. The fundamental difference is that Debian follows a Free software ideology, while Ubuntu sacrifices that purity for practicality when no Free equivalent exists for important proprietary software.

Is Debian harder than Ubuntu?

Debian is easier, because it’s rock solid stable. It just works. The community. Ubuntu’s forum moderators are terrible – but they are good at helping out newbies with issues like installing wifi drivers or getting games to work with lutris.