I used Ubuntu once a few years ago but had compatability issues so I went back to windows. Not a great programmer but I'd like to learn. I'm not looking to do much gaming beyond DOOM2 and factorio. Mostly looking for privacy and a way to get back into programming (I have this pipe dream of learning Assembly). I'm not to particular on UI, I can use whatever.
Edit: https://distrochooser.de for anyone who stumbles upon this post with the same question
I still think Ubuntu or a flavor of it is the right answer for people new to Linux.
If by flavor you mean linux mint: yes, absolutely! If you mean anything else thats more like ubuntu itself: hell no!
Ubuntu literally made me use Windows for years. It was my introduction to Linux and poisoned the well for me. I'm glad I got over it eventually.