Upstart vs Sysvinit

Developers should learn Upstart when working on Linux systems, particularly Ubuntu versions prior to 15 meets developers should learn sysvinit when working with legacy linux systems, embedded devices, or older distributions that still use it, as it provides a foundational understanding of unix boot processes and service management. Here's our take.

Upstart

Nice Pick

Developers should learn Upstart when working on Linux systems, particularly Ubuntu versions prior to 15

Pros

• 04, as it was the default init system
• Related to: linux-systemd, sysvinit

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

Sysvinit

Developers should learn Sysvinit when working with legacy Linux systems, embedded devices, or older distributions that still use it, as it provides a foundational understanding of Unix boot processes and service management

Pros

• It is useful for system administration tasks, troubleshooting startup issues, and maintaining compatibility with scripts written for traditional init systems, though modern systems often prefer alternatives like systemd
• Related to: linux-system-administration, shell-scripting

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

The Verdict

Use Upstart if: You want 04, as it was the default init system and can live with specific tradeoffs depend on your use case.

Use Sysvinit if: You prioritize it is useful for system administration tasks, troubleshooting startup issues, and maintaining compatibility with scripts written for traditional init systems, though modern systems often prefer alternatives like systemd over what Upstart offers.

The Bottom Line

Upstart wins

Developers should learn Upstart when working on Linux systems, particularly Ubuntu versions prior to 15