Abstract: An electric linear drive for a gear rack, includes a stepping motor, a holding plate, a motor output gear, and a gearbox. The holding plate, the stepping motor, and the gearbox form a drive unit which, together with a basic housing, form an overall housing. The overall housing has an opening for the insertion of the gear rack. In addition, drive electronics are preferably fixed to the holding plate, in particular integrated in the latter, specifically such that electrical connections are present on the outside of the overall housing. In addition, the stepping motor preferably has a rotor axis which is arranged parallel to the holding plate. Only a few steps are required during assembly. A rack belonging to a device to be driven can be pushed into a lateral opening of the overall housing, and the device to be driven can be connected to the overall housing.