Linux recommendations!

Today I'm hoping to switch out my laptop currently for a more decent spec one but thought I would ask and see what you recommend!

I've been a Linux Mint user now for just under the last year and I'm thinking, why not have the opportunity today to increase my skills and push the boundaries for linux ;)

Is there any specific edition of Linux is good for programming and bash? Have you tried running Linux on Windows VM ware? Or old school way I remember doing it Split installations? Windows + Linux Versions on same drive to pick which one to boot?

I know I shouldn't say Windows.. despite the post I wrote but there is a tiny bit of me missing a game which can't be run on linux..Sucks..

I've heard Debian is at the top but its alot more advanced and something i'm interested in expanding my skill set in, but Fedora is ranked second I think.