A guide to WSL

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Sep 15, 2024

A Comprehensive Guide to Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) on Windows

If you’re a developer or a tech enthusiast who’s been eyeing the power of Linux but finds yourself anchored in a Windows environment, Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) might just be your new best friend. WSL allows you to run a Linux distribution alongside your Windows OS, giving you the flexibility to use Linux tools and applications without the need for a dual-boot setup or a virtual machine. In this blog post, we’ll explore what WSL is, its benefits, and how to set it up on your Windows machine.

What is Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)?

WSL is a compatibility layer developed by Microsoft that lets you run a native Linux environment directly on your Windows machine. This environment integrates seamlessly with Windows, allowing you to use Linux command-line tools and applications alongside your usual Windows applications.

Key Features:

  • Native Linux Kernel: WSL 2 features a full Linux kernel, providing improved performance and compatibility.
  • Integration with Windows: Access files across the Windows and Linux file systems with ease.
  • Performance: WSL 2 offers near-native performance for Linux applications.
  • Development Flexibility: Use Linux-specific tools and development environments without leaving Windows.

Why Use WSL?

1. Seamless Development Workflow

For developers, WSL provides the ability to run and test Linux-specific software and tools directly from within Windows. This is particularly useful for web developers who work with tools and frameworks that are more commonly used in Linux environments.

2. Reduced Resource Usage

Unlike virtual machines, which can consume a lot of system resources, WSL is lightweight and efficient. It runs directly on the Windows kernel, using fewer resources and providing a more streamlined experience.

3. Easy Access to Linux Tools

With WSL, you can access and use a plethora of Linux command-line tools, package managers, and development environments that are often preferred for their power and flexibility.

How to Install and Set Up WSL

1. Enable WSL on Windows

To get started with WSL, you first need to enable it through the Windows Features dialog or via PowerShell.

Via Windows Features Dialog:

  1. Open the Start Menu, search for "Turn Windows features on or off," and select it.
  2. In the list, check the boxes for Windows Subsystem for Linux and Virtual Machine Platform.
  3. Click OK and restart your computer when prompted.

Via PowerShell:

Open PowerShell as an Administrator and run the following command:

wsl --install

This command will enable the necessary features and install WSL 2 by default.

2. Install a Linux Distribution

After enabling WSL, you need to install a Linux distribution. The most popular options include Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, and openSUSE.

  1. Open the Microsoft Store from the Start Menu.
  2. Search for your preferred Linux distribution (e.g., "Ubuntu").
  3. Click on the distribution, then click Install.

3. Set Up Your Linux Environment

Once installed, launch the Linux distribution from the Start Menu. On the first run, you’ll be prompted to create a new user account and password. After setup, you’ll be greeted with a terminal window where you can start using Linux commands.

4. Update and Upgrade

It’s a good practice to update and upgrade your new Linux system:

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade

This ensures that you have the latest security patches and software updates.

Using WSL

File Access

You can access your Windows files from within WSL by navigating to the /mnt/c directory (for the C: drive). Conversely, you can access your Linux files from Windows through the path \\wsl$.

Running Linux Commands

You can run Linux commands directly in the WSL terminal. Additionally, you can invoke WSL commands from Windows Command Prompt or PowerShell using:

wsl <command>

For example:

wsl ls -la

Integration with Development Tools

WSL integrates well with development tools such as Visual Studio Code, Docker, and various version control systems. For instance, you can use Visual Studio Code with the Remote - WSL extension to develop inside your Linux environment.

Conclusion

WSL bridges the gap between Windows and Linux, offering a powerful and flexible development environment without the overhead of a virtual machine. Whether you’re a developer needing Linux-specific tools or someone who just wants to experiment with Linux, WSL provides a robust solution that enhances productivity and streamlines workflows.

Feel free to dive into the world of WSL and explore the endless possibilities it offers. Happy coding!

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