MinGW vs Cygwin
Developers should learn MinGW when they need to compile C/C++ code for Windows using free, open-source tools, especially for projects that require native Windows executables without external dependencies meets 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. Here's our take.
MinGW
Developers should learn MinGW when they need to compile C/C++ code for Windows using free, open-source tools, especially for projects that require native Windows executables without external dependencies
MinGW
Nice PickDevelopers should learn MinGW when they need to compile C/C++ code for Windows using free, open-source tools, especially for projects that require native Windows executables without external dependencies
Pros
- +It is ideal for porting Unix-based software to Windows, educational purposes, or developing small to medium-sized applications where a full Visual Studio installation is unnecessary
- +Related to: gcc, c-programming
Cons
- -Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case
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
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
The Verdict
Use MinGW if: You want it is ideal for porting unix-based software to windows, educational purposes, or developing small to medium-sized applications where a full visual studio installation is unnecessary and can live with specific tradeoffs depend on your use case.
Use Cygwin if: You prioritize 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 over what MinGW offers.
Developers should learn MinGW when they need to compile C/C++ code for Windows using free, open-source tools, especially for projects that require native Windows executables without external dependencies
Disagree with our pick? nice@nicepick.dev