6 Reasons You Should Try Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)

While Windows is popular with the average user due to its ease of use and flexibility, Linux has a large market share among professionals. Whether you're just exploring or looking to use Windows and Linux side by side, Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) offers a solution. Here are some great reasons to give WSL a try.

 

1. Get familiar with Linux easier

Windows Subsystem for Linux provides a safe and easy way to get started with Linux. To install WSL and your first Linux distribution, just follow these steps:

1. Open Windows Terminal with admin rights.
2. Type the command wsl --install and press Enter .
3. Your computer will reboot to install WSL2 and Ubuntu.

 

When you're new to Linux, it's inevitable that you'll make mistakes. WSL lets you experiment without affecting your main Windows system.

2. Try Linux Distributions Easily

Linux is a great option for reviving an old computer or one that doesn't meet the hardware requirements of Windows 11. However, switching to a new operating system can be intimidating for many people, especially when using the command line regularly.

 

WSL lets you get started with Linux slowly. By default, WSL installs Ubuntu, but you can try out over a dozen other distributions by:

1. Open PowerShell, type wsl --list --online to see the list.
   
2. Install the desired distribution with the command:

          wsl --install

3. No need dual boot

Dual booting is complicated and risky. If something goes wrong, it can take a long time to fix. WSL eliminates these hassles, allowing you to run Linux right on Windows without affecting your system.

4. Access linux applications and commands

The Linux open source ecosystem has thousands of useful tools, but many of them only run on Linux. WSL lets you use these tools directly from Windows, and even manipulate Windows files with Linux utilities.

 

If you're familiar with Bash scripting, you can use Bash instead of learning PowerShell. Starting in 2021, WSL2 will also support Linux GUI applications.

5. Easier programming

The majority of servers and smart devices in the world today run Linux because this operating system is well optimized for resource-constrained systems. Therefore, writing code on Windows and then porting it to Linux for testing often leads to unexpected compilation errors.

Linux is also a more developer-friendly environment. For example, to install the GNU Compiler Collection (GCC) on Ubuntu, you just need to use the command:

         sudo apt install build-essential

While on Windows, you have to install MSYS2 , mingw-w64 and edit environment variables manually.

6. WSL is easier to use than Linux with Wine/Proton

If you need to use both Windows and Linux, WSL is more convenient than running Wine/Proton on Linux to use Windows software.

For example, gamers have trouble with anti-cheat software on Linux, and applications like Photoshop require complex operations to run on the operating system. In this case, running Linux via WSL and keeping Windows is the optimal choice.

WSL also helps you get used to the command line – the 'hard' part of Linux. When you switch to Linux full-time, you will find that everyday tasks do not require the command line as much as Windows/macOS.

In short, WSL is the perfect bridge to explore Linux, develop software, or take advantage of open source tools right on Windows. Try it now to experience the flexible world of two operating systems in one!