WSL
WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux) is a compatibility layer developed by Microsoft that enables users to run a Linux environment directly on Windows without the overhead of a virtual machine. It provides a Linux kernel interface and allows execution of Linux binaries natively on Windows, integrating with the Windows filesystem and tools. This tool is primarily used for development, system administration, and educational purposes where Linux tools are needed on a Windows machine.
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.js, Python scripting, or Docker containerization. It is particularly useful for cross-platform development, learning Linux, or when migrating from a Linux environment to Windows without sacrificing productivity. WSL offers better performance and integration compared to traditional virtual machines, making it ideal for seamless workflows.