I'm preparing for a two-month trip and I'm torn between two options: Should I take just my Windows gaming laptop for both entertainment and programming, or should I bring both my Windows laptop and MacBook? Since I can't dual boot on my gaming laptop due to limited storage space, I need some advice on whether WSL2 would work well for my web development needs. My development stack typically includes React, Go, Postgres, and Docker, along with some optional tools like Postman. If WSL2 is reliable enough, I'd prefer to travel lighter with just the Windows laptop!
5 Answers
I prefer Windows for Docker since it directly supports filesystem calls through WSL, unlike macOS, which runs them through an emulation layer. It's definitely smoother performance-wise for development!
You should be fine with WSL2! It functions nearly like using a Linux VM. Your tech stack should work without issues there, plus running Docker with it is pretty seamless. Just a heads up, it can be a bit tricky with mobile app development, but since that's not your focus, you should be all set!
Thanks for the reassurance! I feel more confident about my decision.
WSL2 is pretty much great for using Linux on Windows. If everything you'll do with Docker is dockerized, you shouldn't run into issues with your setup. Just be ready to learn a bit about dockerizing your tools if needed!
So I should definitely lean toward using WSL2 then? Sounds like the best route!
Absolutely, especially if it simplifies my travel situation!
Don't forget, you don't necessarily need WSL. Windows has powershell which should cover a lot for you if needed! But if you prefer that Linux feel, then go for WSL2!
Honestly, I switched back to using Windows as my main OS because of WSL2, the new Terminal, and winget. I haven't looked back since! I do web development with a stack similar to yours—Node, Laravel, and Postgres—in WSL2 and it works perfectly. Plus, if you're using VS Code, the extension for WSL makes everything run so smoothly.
That's good to hear! So it sounds like WSL2 is pretty solid for web dev, huh?
Yeah, it seems like it could be a lifesaver for me on this trip!
Good to know! I was a bit worried about Docker compatibility.