I've been searching for opinions on whether I should stick with Windows for programming, but all I find are comments suggesting Linux is a valuable skill. Personally, I find Windows to be quite cumbersome when trying to set up a beginner-friendly environment for node.js, Python, and even basic tools like VS Code. Ironically, I find Linux much easier to work with, especially since that's my daily driver. However, I do use Windows on my desktop for gaming and would prefer to avoid dual-booting or managing virtual machines. WSL seems to be more trouble than it's worth for me. Am I missing something? Everyone makes Windows seem easier, but I struggle to create a simple development environment due to path issues and various command line utilities. Should I really invest time in mastering all the complex layers of Windows development?
5 Answers
Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference. The OS you choose to code on doesn't have a huge impact unless you're developing specific platforms, like iOS apps. Many people successfully program on different operating systems without issues. You might find that worrying about your OS is just a distraction from the actual coding.
I understand where you're coming from! Setting up environments can be complex on Windows, especially with different command line tools and paths.
It's hard to believe anyone could say that Windows is universally easier. I actually find Mac and Linux to be far less problematic for development tasks.
Honestly, it’s about what you’re used to. I’ve been a Windows user for ages, and I find it works fine for my needs. If I had started with Linux, I might feel differently.
While Windows is a popular choice, especially for desktop applications, Linux is generally more developer-friendly. If you're working on projects that will run on Windows, having a VM is still a good option. But many devs choose Linux as their primary OS, and they usually have a smoother experience setting things up.
That's true! It's frustrating when you realize that gaming and development setup can clash, especially with anti-cheat issues. But I guess it’s about finding the right balance.
A lot of web developers lean towards MacOs or Linux, as they offer better Unix-like environments for web development. That being said, WSL2 can be a solid solution for those wanting to stick with Windows; it’s not a mess if set up correctly!
Don't forget, a lot of popular software, especially for graphic design and certain games, doesn't run on Linux. If you need applications like Adobe, you might have to stick with Windows. However, if developing is your primary focus, Linux is great, just be aware of some gaming limitations.
Did you say gaming? With the progress of Steam and Proton, gaming on Linux is getting really good, just not perfect yet for every title.
That's an interesting perspective, but I find Windows quite distracting myself. Every environment seems so different, like using MSI vs. Chocolatey for Node.js installations. It makes getting a consistent setup tricky.