Difference Between Arch Linux and Kali Linux

Arch Linux

Arch Linux is a free and open-source Linux distribution that allows us to customize and control our machine to a large extent. Arch’s success in the tech community is due to its large part to its lightweight and minimalistic nature.

In other words, Arch Linux is defined as a free and open-source Linux distribution that emphasizes simplicity, pragmatism, versatility, modernity, and user-centeredness. It is a minimalist, lightweight, and bleeding edge distro targeting proficient GNU/Linux users rather than attempting to appeal to as many people as possible. Arch encourages users to do it yourself (DIY) and hence gives us the opportunity to customize our system to meet our demands.

Advantages of Arch Linux

The following are the advantages of Arch Linux:

The Holy Arch Wiki
Arch Linux is one of the most well-documented Linux distributions available. The Arch wiki is the stuff of legends among Linux enthusiasts. It’s a large and well-documented event. At times, its service goes beyond Arch Linux itself. If we have a problem with our system, the Arch Wiki is likely to have a solution.
The Arch User Repository (AUR)
The Arch User Repository is a unique feature that distinguishes Arch other distros (AUR). It is a community-driven repository for arch users. It has packages description (PKGBUILDS) that we can use to create a package from the source with makepkg and then install it using Pacman. The AUR was created to organize and share new packages from the community and to help expedite popular packages’ inclusion into the community repository. AUR extends Arch’s official repository’s software offerings much beyond what is available there.
It is a bridge
Package Manage (pacman), the package manager, is somewhat unique in its own right. Package Manager (pacman), Arch Linux’s package manager, is somewhat unique in its own right. It is versatile enough to install binary packages from the Arch repository as well as binaries created from the source using makepkg. As a result, Arch serves as a bridge between distros that allow users to install binary packages via their package management systems and distros that trade user convenience for the ability to generate binaries from source with configurable parameters.
Enhance our Knowledge of Linux
We won’t understand how satisfying it is to have a clean Arch installation until we have done it ourselves. Because most of the tasks we will be completing are not GUI-assisted and will require CLI commands, the installation process is very complicated. Although this level of complexity may appear intimidating to new users, it does have its advantages. The installation teaches us a lot about how Linux works which we won’t have to learn because contemporary GUI installers do it all for us. We will learn about display managers, chroot, configuration networks, and much more during the installation.
Bonus
If we are interested in cybersecurity. We have probably heard about Black Arch. The Black Arch repository includes a wide list of security tools for penetration testers and security researchers. For some users, the disadvantage of installing Black Arch maybe its large size, as it includes all of the tools, including those we will never use. The good news is that we can integrate the Black Arch repository into our Arch system and get the tools from it as needed.

Disadvantages of Arch Linux

The following are the disadvantages of Arch Linux:

It is often difficult or time-consuming to fix Arch Linux when it breaks.
Smaller community than other distributions such as Ubuntu.
Providing bleeding-edge software can lead to problems with stability.
It is often difficult or time-consuming to fix Arch Linux when it breaks.
The software in the AUR is not necessarily safe to up to date.

Kali Linux

Kali Linux is a Debian-based open-source Linux distribution designed for advanced penetration testing and security auditing. Kali Linux has a large number of tools for diverse information security, including Security Research, Penetration Testing, Computer Forensics, and Reverse Engineering. Kali Linux is a multiplatform solution that information security professionals and hobbyists can use for free.

On March 13^th, 2013, Kali Linux was published as a complete, top-to-bottom rebuild of BackTrack Linux, following Debian development guidelines.

Advantages of Kali Linux

The following are the advantages of Kali Linux:

Kali Linux is totally open source and free. As a result, we are free to use it and even contribute to its development.
Great for people with a basic understanding of Linux and experience with Linux commands.
It comes pre-installed with more than 600 penetration testing and network security tools.
It supports a wide range of languages.
It is possible to utilize it with a Raspberry Pi.

Disadvantages of Kali Linux

The following are the disadvantages of Kali Linux:

In Kali Linux, there are various software that may malfunction.
Kali Linux is not suggested for individuals who are new to Linux and wish to learn Linux. (As it is Penetration Oriented).
It is a little bit slower.