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My Linux Journey and the Power of WSL

· 3 min read
Abishek Neupane
Abishek Neupane
Self Learner

Introduction​

If you’ve ever wondered about dipping your toes into Linux without leaving the comfort of Windows, you’re in good company. I’m not experienced one but someone who’s explored operating systems with curiosity and a bit of trial-and-error. In this post, I’ll walk you through my Linux journey, from my early experiments to finding Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL). It’s been quite a ride, and I hope sharing it sparks something for you.

My Story with Linux and WSL​

For anyone new to the term, Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) is a feature that lets you run a Linux environment right on your Windows machine. No need for a separate virtual machine or dual-boot setup—it’s a seamless way to blend the best of both worlds, especially for developers.

My Linux adventure kicked off years ago, thanks to my brother Acyut Dai, who first showed me the ropes. I was hooked right away, even if I didn’t fully grasp the technical side back then. One memory stands out: I went to a shop to buy a laptop and asked for Linux Mint instead of Windows. The salesperson was caught off guard—probably not a request he got every day. That was my launchpad into the Linux world.

With Linux Mint on my laptop, I dove in, exploring its features for hours. Truth be told, I didn’t have a strong grip on the basics. Over time, I bounced between 12 to 15 different Linux distributions, chasing the next shiny thing without really mastering any of them. Looking back, I was more caught up in the excitement than in laying a solid groundwork.

Fast forward a bit, and I got access to Windows developer features, which led me to WSL. It was a total game-changer. Suddenly, I felt more productive, blending Linux tools into my Windows routine effortlessly. I think Windows saw how much developers were leaning toward Linux and built WSL to meet that need. It’s pretty powerful—think installing packages with a quick sudo apt install instead of wrestling with Windows-specific headaches.

I’ve never fully clicked with Windows’ own command-line tools, though that’s probably on me for not digging deeper. Windows is great for tons of people; WSL just smooths out certain tasks for me.

WSL has made a huge impact for developers globally, though it’s not a must-have for everyone—it’s all about what works for you. As a newbie blogger, I’m just here to share my take. Here’s what I’ve loved about WSL:

  • Command-Line Power: It rekindled my appreciation for the command line—super efficient and flexible.
  • Easy Setup: Installing languages and packages is a breeze, cutting down on setup time.
  • Storage Smarts: From what I’ve seen, WSL handles storage for code and modules pretty efficiently compared to a full Linux setup (though your mileage might vary).

There’s tons more to dig into, and I’d love to hear what you think about WSL if you’ve tried it!

Conclusion​

Looking back, WSL has become a key part of my development toolkit. It ties Windows and Linux together, letting me tap into both without the chaos of my distro-hopping phase. My Linux days taught me to stay focused while learning, and WSL keeps me grounded.

If you haven’t checked it out yet, give it a whirl! Already a user? I’d love your thoughts. Thanks for reading my first post—more to come!