As a student navigating the world of software development, my comfort zone has always been Windows. It's the OS I grew up with. For years, it has served me well as I've dived into technologies like React, TypeScript, and TailwindCSS. I’ve even managed cloud services like AWS Amplify and Route 53 straight from my familiar Windows desktop.
But as I started working with more powerful tools like Docker, Kubernetes, and the broader AWS ecosystem, I kept hearing the same advice from seniors and online communities: "You should use Linux." For a long time, I resisted. Why switch when everything works?
My perspective changed when I discovered WSL2 (Windows Subsystem for Linux). It was my first real taste of the Linux world, and it opened my eyes. Without ever leaving Windows, I began to understand why Linux is considered the gold standard for developers. This isn't a Windows vs. Linux debate, but my personal observation on the real, practical advantages Linux offers, especially for students like us.
The Command Line Isn't Scary, It's Powerful
On Windows, we often rely on graphical interfaces to get things done. The command line can feel like an afterthought. In Linux, the command line, or shell is the heart of the operating system. When I started using it through WSL2 , I realized it wasn't just for running an occasional command; it was for controlling everything.
Simple commands for finding files, managing processes, and connecting to servers are incredibly fast and efficient. Most importantly, the servers where our applications will eventually run (like an AWS EC2 instance) don't have a fancy user interface. They are managed entirely through the command line. Getting comfortable with it early on is a massive advantage for any future developer.
Software Installation is a Breeze
Remember the process of installing a new tool on Windows? You search for it online, find the right download page, download a .exe file, and click "Next" through a series of installation windows.
In the Linux world, this is handled by a package manager. For Ubuntu (which is what I use in WSL2), the package manager is called apt. Instead of hunting for software, I can just open my terminal and type a single command:
sudo apt install nodejs
That's it. The package manager finds the right version, installs it, and sets it up for me. It's like having an app store for all your development tools. It saves an incredible amount of time and helps avoid the classic "path" configuration headaches that often frustrate beginners on Windows.
Develop in the Same Environment Your Code Will Run In
This is perhaps the biggest "aha!" moment I had. Most of the internet from the servers that host websites to the containers managed by Docker and Kubernetes runs on Linux.
When you develop on a non-Linux system, your code runs in an environment that is slightly different from where it will be deployed. This can lead to the dreaded "but it works on my machine!" problem, where code that runs perfectly for you breaks when it's deployed to a server.
By using Linux/ WSL2), you create a development environment that is nearly identical to the production environment. This consistency means fewer surprises and easier debugging. My work with Docker became so much smoother once I was building and running containers in a native Linux environment right on my Windows machine.
You Are in Complete Control
Linux is open source, which gives you an incredible amount of freedom and control. You can customize almost every aspect of the operating system to fit your workflow perfectly. While this can seem daunting, it means you can build a lightweight, distraction free environment tailored specifically for coding.
⚠️ Personal Advice
For students, this also has a very practical benefit: Linux can run on almost anything. Have an old laptop that struggles to run Windows 10 or 11? A lightweight Linux distribution can bring it back to life and turn it into a perfectly capable development machine.
⭐ My Final Thoughts
I'm still a Windows user and love the windows operating system no os can come close to it and love its ecosystem and interface for day-to-day tasks. But incorporating Linux into my workflow through WSL2 has been a game-changer. It has made me a more efficient developer and better prepared me for the environments where my code will ultimately live.
If you're a student developer who, like me, has only ever used Windows, I highly recommend giving WSL2 a try. You don't have to abandon your familiar OS. You can get the best of both worlds and gain a crucial skill that will serve you throughout your career in software.
