Run Linux on Android devices without root

Run Linux on Android devices without root

Once, I tried to search for a simple method to run Linux on Android. At that time, I only wanted to use Linux and some basic applications, such as SSH, Git, and awk. There are not many requirements! I don't want to root my Android device. I have a tablet that is mainly used to read e-books, news, and a few Linux blogs. It is not used unless otherwise. Therefore, I decided to use it to implement some Linux functions. After browsing the Google Play store for a few minutes, an application instantly attracted my attention and aroused my desire to experiment. If you want to run Linux on an Android device, this application may be helpful.

 

Termux-Android terminal simulator running on Android and Chrome OS

Termux is an Android terminal simulator and an application that provides the Linux environment. Unlike many other applications, you do not need to configure the root device. It is out of the box! It automatically installs the most basic Linux system. Of course, you can also use the APT Package Manager to install other software packages. In short, you can turn your Android device into a pocket Linux computer. It is applicable not only to Android, but also to Chrome OS.

Termux provides many important functions, more than you think.

• It allows you to log on to the remote server through openSSH.
• You can also SSH from the remote system to Android devices.
• Use rsync and curl to synchronize your smartphone address book to a remote system.
• Supports different shells, such as BASH, ZSH, and FISH.
• You can select different text editors to edit/view files. Emacs, Nano, and Vim are supported.
• Use the APT Package Manager to install the desired software package on the Android device. Supports the latest versions of Git, Perl, Python, Ruby, and Node. js.
• The Android device can be connected to a Bluetooth keyboard, mouse, and external display, just like a device integrated together. Termux supports keyboard shortcuts.
• Termux supports almost all GNU/Linux commands.

You can also enable other functions by installing the plug-in. For example, Termux: the API plug-in allows you to access the hardware functions of Android and Chrome. Other useful plug-ins include:

• Termux: Boot-script run when the device starts
• Termux: Float-run Termux in a floating window
• Termux: Styling-provides color schemes and supports Powerline fonts to customize the appearance of Termux terminals.
• Termux: Task-provides an easy way to call Termux executable files from applications in the taskbar class.
• Termux: Widget-provides a recommended method for starting a small script from the home screen.

To learn more about termux, press any location on the terminal and select the "help" menu option to open the built-in help section. Its only drawback is that Android 5.0 and later are required. If it supports Android 4.x and earlier versions, it will be more useful. You can find and install Termux in the Google Play Store and F-Droid.

To install Termux in the Google Play Store, click the following button.

To install it in F-Droid, click the following button.

Now you know how to use Termux to use Linux on Android devices. Have you used other better applications? Please leave a message in the following message box. I'm happy to try them too!

Congratulations!

Related Resources:

• Termux Official Website