Why WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux) is Better Than Linux (For Most Developers)

Embracing the Best of Both Worlds: How Windows Can Supercharge Your Linux Development

Introduction: The Unlikely Champion of Linux Development

Conventional wisdom says a “true developer” will install a complete Linux distro because “real” development happens on Linux and besides, we’ll be deploying to a Linux platform anyway. No need for the flamboyant excesses of Windows, all we need is the Linux terminal and perhaps the occasional X-Windows application. Besides, Microsoft historically tried very hard to eliminate Linux, seeing it as an existential threat, right? Wrong.

The Rise of WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux)

In 2016 Microsoft introduced the first WSL, WSL 1. While revolutionary, WSL 1 had limitations in terms of full Linux kernel compatibility and performance for certain workloads. In 2019 we saw WSL 2 with significant improvements - introducing a lightweight virtual machine that runs a real Linux kernel. This significantly boosted compatibility and performance.

Later on WSL 2 brought further enhancements, including GPU support and the ability to run graphical Linux applications through WSLg. These changes made WSL almost indistinguishable in many ways from “true” Linux.

WSL, simply put, is a game-changer. For many developers WSL offers a superior overall experience compared to a native Linux desktop, by combining the power of Linux with the unparalleled user experience and manageability of Windows.

 Understanding the Divide: WSL vs. Native Linux

Let's be friends

What is Native Linux? Here we mean a typical Linux desktop: e.g. Ubuntu, Red Hat, or Debian. These provide many common advantages we’ve come to expect from Linux: open source, customization, performance, reliability, and command-line power. Not to mention open standards and compatibility.

What is WSL? As alluded to earlier, WSL is a lightweight virtual machine running a full Linux kernel natively within Windows 11. Tightly integrated with Windows, it provides the best of both worlds. It’s not about which OS is “better” necessarily, but which environment is more productive.

The Unsung Hero: Windows’ Graphical Interface Superiority

Unrivaled Hardware Compatibility & Driver Support: On Windows the mantra “it just works” for peripherals, monitors, GPUs, etc., today is a reality. Contrast this with common Linux frustrations with driver issues, obscure configurations, and broken updates on Linux desktops.

Polished User Experience (UX) and Software Ecosystem

Windows today embodies a mature, consistent, and widely supported desktop environment. With the availability of professional-grade software (Adobe Creative Suite, Chrome, specialized engineering tools) often unavailable or poorly supported on Linux — it’s tough to beat when paired with WSL. Robust window management, seamless multi-monitor support, superior media codecs, and gaming support.

Simplicity and Stability: Windows Installation and Maintenance

A straightforward, often automated, installation process for Windows with WSL is so much easier than the potential complexities of dual-booting, partition management, and driver hunting during a native Linux install.

Windows generally offers a reliable update process (though sometimes annoying).

Note: We’re not talking Linux Server versus Windows Server. That’s an entirely different argument and one that Linux has flat out won decisively. In fact this is another great reason for having WSL. We can more closely match our inevitable Linux deployment environments.

The Best of Both Worlds: Linux Development within WSL: A Full Linux Environment

WSL provides a complete, isolated Linux distribution (usually Ubuntu) with its own package manager, tools, and kernel. Popular Linux CLI tools, scripting, and server-side development is fully supported.

Seamless Integration with Windows Tools and Services

VS Code Dev Containers for the Win (Courtesy of Microsoft)

VS Code Dev Containers: Developing directly inside your WSL instance with full VS Code functionality is a Killer feature.

File System Interoperability: Access Windows files from Linux and vice-versa. Right from a Linux terminal we can reach our Windows files and move them back and forth.

Network Access: Easy access to services running in either environment. Docker Desktop: Running Docker containers natively in WSL2. Browsers can seamlessly reach WSL web applications.

“No Compromise” Workflow: Developers get: The powerful Linux terminal for backend, DevOps, and scripting tasks and the robust Windows desktop for GUI applications, productivity software, communication tools, and gaming/media consumption.

Conclusion: A Pragmatic Choice for the Modern Developer

WSL isn’t just a compromise; it’s often the most productive and least frustrating environment for modern development. And WSL continues to evolve with graphical support being another game changer. I Encourage developers to reconsider their biases and embrace WSL. Let us know in the comments what advantages/disadvantages you’ve seen.