Review: Arch Linux at the end of 2022
Arch Linux is an independent Linux distribution and one of the more well known examples of the "keep it simple" (KIS) philosophy. In this case, "keep it simple" refers to simplicity from an engineering point of view. It refers to a technical simplicity rather than an uncluttered or an easy to use system from the user's point of view.
Arch is probably the world's most famous (or infamous) rolling release distribution. Its heavy focus on do-it-yourself computing, lack of a graphical system installer, and buyer beware attitude toward package upgrades has made running this project a rite of passage for many Linux users. People often talk about running Arch the same way they'd discuss earning a merit badge.
Personally, I have some complex views when it comes to the Arch Linux project. On one hand, I appreciate the concept of a technically clean, minimal distribution on which we can build things. I like having the option of starting light and adding components as needed, at least in theory. However, I often get the impression Arch Linux is trying to make things harder just for the sake of making things harder.
Arch Linux is intended to be installed via manual commands from a shell, the install media has no graphical interface and no graphical installer. Technically, there is a command line system installer, but, as I've pointed out before, it's buggy and limited. This makes it more effort to try to use the installer than to set up Arch by hand.