I've been programming for a few years, and lately, my computer feels cluttered. By cluttered, I mean I've installed a ton of libraries and software, making it feel sluggish. My file organization is pretty solid, but it's more about creating a clean environment for my coding work. I'm hoping that when I share my projects with coworkers or classmates, they can easily replicate my setup. I'm considering using a virtual machine for my coding, but I'm unsure if that would be too inconvenient. I'd love to hear your thoughts and if anyone has faced similar issues!
4 Answers
If you’re a macOS user, consider using a Brewfile! This lets you manage your installations and even uninstall anything not in your Brewfile with just a command. For Linux, there are similar tools, and on Windows, there are alternatives that can help keep things tidy too! It's a great way to keep your environment consistent across projects.
Have you thought about using Docker? It’s perfect for keeping your projects contained and can help avoid polluting your main system with tons of installed packages. You set up your environment in a container, and everything is neat and clean. It also streamlines project sharing since everyone gets the same environment without hassle.
Using virtual machines (VMs) is a great approach! They let you test and execute stuff without risking your main system. If you're on Windows Pro, you can use Hyper-V or the Windows Sandbox feature. VirtualBox is also a solid choice for just about any OS. It’s handy because you can totally wipe your VM environment when you’re done. The only downside might be the setup time, but the security and isolation they provide are definitely worth it!
NixOS or the Nix package manager is another route to explore. It requires a learning curve, but it offers a robust system for managing packages and environments, minimizing clutter on your main system.
I tried UTM with Ubuntu once, but it was just too slow for my needs. Do you have any other VM suggestions?