WSL vs VMware Workstation

Developers should learn WSL when they need to use Linux-specific tools, commands, or development environments while working on a Windows-based system, such as for web development with Node meets developers should use vmware workstation when they need to create isolated testing environments, run multiple operating systems on one machine, or simulate complex network setups without additional hardware. Here's our take.

WSL

Nice Pick

Developers should learn WSL when they need to use Linux-specific tools, commands, or development environments while working on a Windows-based system, such as for web development with Node

Pros

• js, Python scripting, or Docker containerization
• Related to: linux-command-line, bash-scripting

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

VMware Workstation

Developers should use VMware Workstation when they need to create isolated testing environments, run multiple operating systems on one machine, or simulate complex network setups without additional hardware

Pros

• It is particularly useful for software testing, DevOps practices, cybersecurity labs, and learning new technologies in a sandboxed environment
• Related to: virtualization, hyper-v

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

The Verdict

Use WSL if: You want js, python scripting, or docker containerization and can live with specific tradeoffs depend on your use case.

Use VMware Workstation if: You prioritize it is particularly useful for software testing, devops practices, cybersecurity labs, and learning new technologies in a sandboxed environment over what WSL offers.

The Bottom Line

WSL wins

Developers should learn WSL when they need to use Linux-specific tools, commands, or development environments while working on a Windows-based system, such as for web development with Node