Cygwin vs Windows Subsystem for Linux
Developers should learn and use Cygwin when they need to work with Unix/Linux tools, scripts, or applications on a Windows machine, such as for cross-platform development, system administration tasks, or running legacy Unix software meets developers should learn and use wsl when they need to run linux-based tools, scripts, or applications on windows, such as for web development, data science, or system administration tasks that rely on unix-like environments. Here's our take.
Cygwin
Developers should learn and use Cygwin when they need to work with Unix/Linux tools, scripts, or applications on a Windows machine, such as for cross-platform development, system administration tasks, or running legacy Unix software
Cygwin
Nice PickDevelopers should learn and use Cygwin when they need to work with Unix/Linux tools, scripts, or applications on a Windows machine, such as for cross-platform development, system administration tasks, or running legacy Unix software
Pros
- +It is valuable in scenarios like software porting, where developers can compile and test Unix code on Windows, or for DevOps engineers who use shell scripting and command-line utilities that are native to Unix environments
- +Related to: bash, gnu-tools
Cons
- -Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case
Windows Subsystem for Linux
Developers should learn and use WSL when they need to run Linux-based tools, scripts, or applications on Windows, such as for web development, data science, or system administration tasks that rely on Unix-like environments
Pros
- +It is particularly useful for those who prefer Windows for its user interface and software compatibility but require Linux for development workflows, enabling seamless integration without switching machines or using resource-intensive virtualization
- +Related to: linux-command-line, bash-scripting
Cons
- -Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case
The Verdict
Use Cygwin if: You want it is valuable in scenarios like software porting, where developers can compile and test unix code on windows, or for devops engineers who use shell scripting and command-line utilities that are native to unix environments and can live with specific tradeoffs depend on your use case.
Use Windows Subsystem for Linux if: You prioritize it is particularly useful for those who prefer windows for its user interface and software compatibility but require linux for development workflows, enabling seamless integration without switching machines or using resource-intensive virtualization over what Cygwin offers.
Developers should learn and use Cygwin when they need to work with Unix/Linux tools, scripts, or applications on a Windows machine, such as for cross-platform development, system administration tasks, or running legacy Unix software
Disagree with our pick? nice@nicepick.dev