Linux for development OR Windows subsystem for Linux. VS code has cool integrations to allow you to edit project in WSL. You get the benefit of windows software and comparability and ease of use, but your projects can be built in the Linux subsystem. Works rather good.
I'm Calin Baenen – AKA KattyTheEnby – a programmer born October 30th, 2006.
I love programming, it has been my passion since I was a kid, and will forever be my passion.
I'd say Linux for development because you're usually closest to the deployment targets (docker, kubernetes or any unix based environment). But that's easy for me to say having a Linux, Windows and a Mac ready on my desk.
Tech Lead/Team Lead. Senior WebDev.
Intermediate Grade on Computer Systems-
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Studied a bit of law, economics and design
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If anything I'd try to get rid of windows and macOS. Was using the Mac way more when I was still working as a composer. Today I use the Mac as a communication machine. Teams, Slack etc. And for testing. The same (plus gaming) on Windows.
I'm an old-time programmer for work and for fun. C is my favorite color. Temporarily hooked by AI. I love to share thoughts on programming that go beyond the basics.
I've almost always had to use Windows for a variety of reasons (corporate policies, Windows only software, etc, ...).
A linux machine was always present as a VM (VirtualBox mainly) for dev tasks.
Now, Windows WSL2-GUI changed everything. I see no reason to go back to managing a separate VM, for dev purpose I get everything I need there (including the GUI tools that I missed so much).
If you can live with a Linux only machine, that's good for you, otherwise WLS2 completely eliminated the need of choosing: you have both worlds on a single machine.
Tech Lead/Team Lead. Senior WebDev.
Intermediate Grade on Computer Systems-
High Grade on Web Application Development-
MBA (+Marketing+HHRR).
Studied a bit of law, economics and design
Location
Spain
Education
Higher Level Education Certificate on Web Application Development
There's no possible discussion nowadays on this question.
Windows + WSL (windows subsystem for Linux)
That means you have a windows 10/11 plus a Linux core in the same OS.
WSL2 was a great push on this tech and WSLg is promising to be even better (didn't tried it yet).
Remember to update your windows to the latest version before.
Back those days I had dual boot so I was using Elementary OS, Ubuntu, Debian or whatever distro to code and if I want anything else I had to reboot, log in into windows and do whatever I need to do.
Design tools in Linux are sh*t, gaming on Linux is a joke (nearly as sh*t as it is with MacOS) and so on.
Usefulness
With WSL the dual boot thingy is gone, I've all my setup in the same OS/environment plus I can use tools like PowerToys to split my secondary screen into 3 parts (I've the secondary screen in vertical) and other useful utilities that are shipped along powertoys like a color picker.
Other tools like DevToys are useful as well, I'm using them almost every day, and they run on windows so another mini-point to this setup 😆
Ergonomics
A better compatibility with monitor drivers, peripherals and gadgets on Windows (in comparison with Linux and MacOS) is also a must. Having my screen running at higher framerate (170Hz for the main monitor, 75Hz on my secondary one) plus with FreeSync/G-Sync enabled while working to reduce flickering is nice to my eyes and my eye fatigue at the end of the day.
That's something that you simply can't reach with MacOS or Linux 99% of the time.
Edge cases
If you are going to go all for smartphone apps, I feel that there's the only case where MacOS would be required (meaning iOS MacOS Apps, even using frameworks such React Native).
If you're going to code Android Apps only then windows is OK as well, but having a Mac opens the door to iOS development.
Oldest comments (34)
Now I am using Linux OS . I think that is good to use.
Linux for development OR Windows subsystem for Linux. VS code has cool integrations to allow you to edit project in WSL. You get the benefit of windows software and comparability and ease of use, but your projects can be built in the Linux subsystem. Works rather good.
Third option is Apple MacBook pro.
Linux has way more customization.
Ðere's no chance wiþ Windows.
I'd say Linux for development because you're usually closest to the deployment targets (docker, kubernetes or any unix based environment). But that's easy for me to say having a Linux, Windows and a Mac ready on my desk.
I ended up selling my MacBook Pro in 2017 and never look back 😆
Now I've just an iPad mini to test things in Safari and that's all.
What do you use your Mac for? Have you tried using WSL in your windows to get rid of the Linux one?
If anything I'd try to get rid of windows and macOS. Was using the Mac way more when I was still working as a composer. Today I use the Mac as a communication machine. Teams, Slack etc. And for testing. The same (plus gaming) on Windows.
Here's a little poem,
which ryhmes only a little
I was unhappy on Windows
Wanted to switch to Linux
What happened, I'll tell you in a sec
Guess what, now I'm non Mac
Linux
Because I was tired of never being in control of my OS
Let me explain it in form of a limerick:
Now Windows is still the best way
if all that you want is to play,
Use Linux to hack
Or else get a Mac,
if you are really happy to pay.
Wow, that’s a brilliant limerick!
This is quality!
You can hack on all three and I like to play so Windows ;)
Serenity OS for the win!
I've almost always had to use Windows for a variety of reasons (corporate policies, Windows only software, etc, ...).
A linux machine was always present as a VM (VirtualBox mainly) for dev tasks.
Now, Windows WSL2-GUI changed everything. I see no reason to go back to managing a separate VM, for dev purpose I get everything I need there (including the GUI tools that I missed so much).
If you can live with a Linux only machine, that's good for you, otherwise WLS2 completely eliminated the need of choosing: you have both worlds on a single machine.
There's no possible discussion nowadays on this question.
Windows + WSL (windows subsystem for Linux)
That means you have a windows 10/11 plus a Linux core in the same OS.
WSL2 was a great push on this tech and WSLg is promising to be even better (didn't tried it yet).
Check the Microsoft official documentation about WSL.
Remember to update your windows to the latest version before.
Back those days I had dual boot so I was using Elementary OS, Ubuntu, Debian or whatever distro to code and if I want anything else I had to reboot, log in into windows and do whatever I need to do.
Design tools in Linux are sh*t, gaming on Linux is a joke (nearly as sh*t as it is with MacOS) and so on.
Usefulness
With WSL the dual boot thingy is gone, I've all my setup in the same OS/environment plus I can use tools like PowerToys to split my secondary screen into 3 parts (I've the secondary screen in vertical) and other useful utilities that are shipped along powertoys like a color picker.
Other tools like DevToys are useful as well, I'm using them almost every day, and they run on windows so another mini-point to this setup 😆
Ergonomics
A better compatibility with monitor drivers, peripherals and gadgets on Windows (in comparison with Linux and MacOS) is also a must. Having my screen running at higher framerate (170Hz for the main monitor, 75Hz on my secondary one) plus with FreeSync/G-Sync enabled while working to reduce flickering is nice to my eyes and my eye fatigue at the end of the day.
That's something that you simply can't reach with MacOS or Linux 99% of the time.
Edge cases
If you are going to go all for smartphone apps, I feel that there's the only case where MacOS would be required (meaning iOS MacOS Apps, even using frameworks such React Native).
If you're going to code Android Apps only then windows is OK as well, but having a Mac opens the door to iOS development.