Back to glossary | Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)
Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) is a compatibility layer that allows you to run a Linux environment directly on your Windows machine without the need for a virtual machine or dual-boot setup.
Released by Microsoft, WSL has revolutionized the way developers and IT professionals interact with their systems by combining the strengths of Windows and Linux.
Launched in 2016, WSL was a response to the growing demand from developers who needed to run Linux tools on Windows. Initially, it supported only Ubuntu, but the latest versions now support multiple distributions like Debian, Kali Linux, and more.
The introduction of WSL 2 brought significant improvements, including a real Linux kernel for enhanced performance and compatibility.
Windows Subsystem for Linux bridges the gap between Windows and Linux environments, offering a variety of powerful features. Here are a few of them:
One of the standout features of WSL is its seamless integration with Windows. You can run Linux commands directly from your Windows command line, and vice versa. This makes it easier to switch between environments without disrupting your workflow.
WSL supports a variety of Linux distributions, including Ubuntu, Debian, Kali Linux, and more. You can install and run multiple distributions side by side, providing flexibility and choice to suit your specific needs.
WSL 2 brought a major upgrade to the subsystem, introducing a full Linux kernel. This enhances performance making WSL almost indistinguishable from a native Linux environment. It also reduces file system overhead, offering faster file operations.
The main benefits of using Windows Subsystem for Linux are:
With WSL, you can write code in a Linux environment while using Windows-based tools and applications. This hybrid setup is particularly beneficial for web developers and system administrators who need to work across different platforms.
Unlike virtual machines, WSL is lightweight and consumes fewer system resources. This means you can run Linux and Windows applications simultaneously without significant performance degradation. This makes it an ideal solution for older hardware.
WSL grants you access to the vast ecosystem of Linux tools and applications, from scripting languages like Python and Ruby to powerful development environments like VS Code. This opens up new possibilities for automation, testing, and development.
Incredibuild helps accelerate software development when using WSL. It optimizes build times through distributed processing, significantly reducing compilation durations across diverse development environments.
The seamless integration of Incredibuild with WSL makes it much easier to streamline the development process.
Incredibuild empowers your teams to be productive and focus on innovating.
