I probably wouldn't use it for desktops. The AUR (and all the packages it offers) is one if the best features of arch and very convenient for desktop users. Not something I'd like to give up on my desktop, and it's dependent on gnu stuff to work.
However, it's great for small servers. I use raspberry pis and old computers to serve applications at home, and I just switched them all to Alpine. Perfect for that use case; orders of magnitude better than something like ubuntu server. I would highly recommend it for server.
Quick edit before anyone gets all offended: yeah it could be used for desktop, I just wouldn't recommend it. Especially coming from arch, the AUR represents a massive repository of software. It will likely be a while befire Alpine is in a similar position, especially if they want to stick to their musl static-link ethos. It's a lot easier to deal with compiling and possibly minor porting yourself for a single-porpose server box (only needs a few apps) vs a multi-purpose general box (needs many).
However, it's great for small servers. I use raspberry pis and old computers to serve applications at home, and I just switched them all to Alpine. Perfect for that use case; orders of magnitude better than something like ubuntu server. I would highly recommend it for server.
Quick edit before anyone gets all offended: yeah it could be used for desktop, I just wouldn't recommend it. Especially coming from arch, the AUR represents a massive repository of software. It will likely be a while befire Alpine is in a similar position, especially if they want to stick to their musl static-link ethos. It's a lot easier to deal with compiling and possibly minor porting yourself for a single-porpose server box (only needs a few apps) vs a multi-purpose general box (needs many).