Parallels Desktop
Parallels Desktop is a hardware virtualization software that allows users to run Windows, Linux, and other operating systems simultaneously on macOS without rebooting. It uses a hypervisor to create virtual machines (VMs) that share system resources with the host macOS, enabling seamless integration between macOS and guest OS applications. It is widely used by developers, IT professionals, and general users who need to run Windows-specific software on Mac hardware.
Developers should learn Parallels Desktop when they need to test applications across multiple operating systems (e.g., Windows, Linux) on a Mac, run Windows-only development tools (like Visual Studio for .NET), or manage cross-platform environments without dual-booting. It is particularly useful for software testing, web development requiring Internet Explorer, or accessing enterprise Windows applications, as it offers better performance and integration compared to alternatives like Boot Camp.