I've recently switched from Linux back to Windows 11 for several reasons and I'm trying to get back into programming, specifically with C. I enjoyed using Linux, but I don't want to dual boot anymore. I'm finding it a bit confusing to set up my development environment on Windows 11. I'd like to use the Zed text editor primarily. Could anyone provide guidance on the best way to set this up?
5 Answers
Step 1: Either set up WSL or a virtual machine with a Linux distribution you prefer.
Step 2: And maybe work on your writing skills a bit—I found some resources that can help!
Here's a step-by-step:
1. First, install the Microsoft C/C++ SDK using `winget install --interactive --id Microsoft.VisualStudio.2026.BuildTools`. Just a note, it won’t install the Visual Studio IDE.
2. Next, get CMake: `winget install --id Kitware.CMake`.
3. Set up a cmakelists.txt for your project.
4. Finally, use CMake to build your project. More details can be found on the official CMake website.
Setting up WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux) is a great option! It allows you to run Linux applications right on Windows. I personally use it with an Ansible script so I can easily reset my environment whenever needed. Just ensure you have WSLg set up for GUI applications!
I’ve been using Cygwin on Windows for years. It has a complete environment that suits all my needs, including an X server. I haven't tried WSL yet, but it sounds like a solid alternative for Linux-like functionality.
If WSL isn't your thing, consider using Docker with a development container in VS Code. It’s a convenient way to create isolated environments for your projects without modifying your host system.
Yeah, WSL works well for typical Linux commands and tools like gcc. I've had issues with Zed freezing though, even with WSLg configured, so that might need a bit more troubleshooting.