Cygwin
Cygwin is a collection of open-source tools that provides a Linux-like environment on Windows, including a POSIX-compatible API layer (cygwin1.dll) and a large set of GNU utilities, compilers, and libraries. It allows developers to run Unix/Linux software and scripts natively on Windows without requiring a virtual machine or dual-boot setup. This tool is particularly useful for porting Unix applications to Windows or for developers who prefer Unix command-line tools while working on Windows systems.
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. 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. Cygwin is also beneficial for educational purposes, allowing users to learn Unix commands without leaving Windows.