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SSH of Windows' Linux subsystem VS Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)

Compare SSH of Windows' Linux subsystem VS Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) and see what are their differences

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SSH of Windows' Linux subsystem logo SSH of Windows' Linux subsystem

Installation instructions for the Windows Subsystem for Linux on Windows 10.

Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) logo Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)

Learn more about how the Windows Subsystem for Linux works.
  • SSH of Windows' Linux subsystem Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-08-26
  • Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-08-17

SSH of Windows' Linux subsystem features and specs

  • Native Integration
    WSL provides a seamless native integration of Linux environments within Windows, allowing users to run Linux tools directly from the Windows command line without the overhead of a virtual machine.
  • Resource Efficiency
    WSL is more resource-efficient compared to running a full Linux virtual machine, as it does not require dedicated RAM or CPU allocation, making it ideal for development tasks.
  • Access to Linux Tools
    Users can access a vast array of Linux tools and utilities, including SSH, directly from their Windows machines, which can be valuable for development, scripting, and system administration.
  • Improved Workflow
    Developers can streamline their workflows by working within a unified environment, leveraging both Windows and Linux tools without switching contexts or setting up separate environments.
  • Fast Operations
    Operations such as file access and command execution in WSL are faster than using a virtual machine, due to the tighter integration with the Windows kernel.
  • Ease of Use
    WSL is easy to set up and use, with straightforward installation and configuration processes that simplify the adoption of Linux tools on Windows.

Possible disadvantages of SSH of Windows' Linux subsystem

  • Compatibility Issues
    Not all Linux applications are fully compatible with WSL, which can cause certain programs to fail or behave unpredictably compared to a native Linux environment.
  • Performance Overhead
    Despite being more efficient than a virtual machine, WSL can still introduce some performance overhead, especially for I/O-intensive applications.
  • Limited Kernel Support
    WSL does not support every aspect of the Linux kernel, which can limit functionalities, particularly for tasks that require deep kernel integration or specific kernel modules.
  • Network Configuration
    Network configurations can be tricky, especially when setting up complex networking scenarios like port forwarding or using certain networking tools that rely on Linux-based network stacks.
  • Security Considerations
    There are potential security implications of running Linux with root privileges under a Windows environment, which might not be suitable for all use cases, particularly in sensitive or high-security contexts.
  • Lack of Full GUI Support
    WSL is primarily command-line oriented, and while there are ways to run graphical applications, it does not offer full native GUI support, which can be a limitation for users needing a complete graphical Linux desktop experience.

Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) features and specs

  • Seamless Integration
    WSL allows users to run a Linux distribution alongside their Windows environment, enabling a seamless workflow that combines the best of both operating systems without the need for dual booting.
  • Ease of Use
    Setting up WSL is straightforward via the Microsoft Store, and it provides a user-friendly way to access Linux tools without complex installations or virtual machine setups.
  • Performance
    WSL offers near-native performance for Linux applications, as it manages system calls directly using the Windows kernel, providing better speed compared to traditional virtual machines.
  • Resource Efficiency
    Since it doesn't require a full Linux kernel virtualized layer, WSL consumes fewer resources (such as RAM and CPU), allowing for more efficient multitasking with Windows applications.
  • Development Environment
    WSL provides developers with access to powerful Linux-based tools and frameworks directly from Windows, making it attractive for cross-platform development.

Possible disadvantages of Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)

  • Limited Hardware Support
    WSL might not fully support all hardware features, especially those related to complex peripherals or proprietary drivers that are typically better handled by native Linux installations.
  • Incomplete Linux Experience
    While WSL gives access to many Linux capabilities, it may not support certain system-level operations or kernel modules that are possible in a complete Linux environment.
  • Compatibility Issues
    Some Linux applications or packages might not run smoothly or at all on WSL, requiring workarounds or alternates to achieve the desired functionality.
  • Networking Limitations
    Networking setup may be more complex with WSL, including limited support for certain networking namespaces, which can hinder specific use cases like advanced networking configurations.
  • Overhead Concerns
    Despite lower resource usage than full virtual machines, there's still some performance overhead with WSL due to the translation layer for Linux system calls on the Windows kernel.

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Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) videos

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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, SSH of Windows' Linux subsystem should be more popular than Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL). It has been mentiond 205 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

SSH of Windows' Linux subsystem mentions (205)

  • Setting up WSL Ubuntu on your Windows Machine (Laptops| PCs)
    Upgrade to WSL2: Checkout the official documentation https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wsl/install .... I observed from several installation that install WSL1 then upgrading to WSL2 saves one the stress of unnecessary troubleshooting but if install WSL2 works out for you at first trail....fine. - Source: dev.to / 12 days ago
  • Configuring LazyVim and Python on Windows with WSL
    Reference: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wsl/install. - Source: dev.to / about 1 month ago
  • Bash vs. Zsh: Key differences and when to use each
    Bash is the default on most Linux distros and can also be used on MacOS and Windows via the Windows Subsystem for Linux(WSL). - Source: dev.to / about 1 month ago
  • A Practical Guide to Translating & Localizing Your Web App: Using i18n and Lingo.dev
    To fix this issue, you should try running the command inside the Git Bash terminal or Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL). Ensure that you run it from your project directory. - Source: dev.to / 2 months ago
  • Master Shell Scripting – Zero to Interview Ready!🔥
    Any Prerequisites? If you are a window user, you need to setup WSL for using Linux on your system. You can explore more about it here. - Source: dev.to / 3 months ago
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Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) mentions (125)

  • What I wish I knew about Python when I started
    If you are running Microsoft Windows, I want to advise one more prerequisite step that you need to take before getting started with Python or uv: install the Windows Subsystem for Linux, also known as WSL2. Do not, for the love of all that is good and holy, try and install Python tooling directly in Windows; install WSL first. This guide outlines all the steps you need to take to get started, though I recommend... - Source: dev.to / about 2 months ago
  • Using curl-impersonate in Node.js to avoid blocks
    Note: node-curl-impersonate is only compatible with Unix-based operating systems like Linux and macOS. If you are on Windows and cannot use the WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux), consider using [ts-curl-impersonate](https://www.npmjs.com/package/ts-curl-impersonate) as an alternative as it comes with native Windows support. - Source: dev.to / 5 months ago
  • Boost Your Productivity with Shell Aliases: A Simple Hack for Flutter Developers
    Another option is to use the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), which gives you a Linux-like terminal on Windows. With WSL, you can follow the same steps for creating aliases as you would on macOS or Linux by editing your .bashrc or .zshrc file. To set up WSL, check out the official Windows Subsystem for Linux documentation. - Source: dev.to / 7 months ago
  • Linux Desktop Market Share Climbs to 4.45%
    A very cursory search would tell you about the Windows Subsystem for Linux: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wsl/about. - Source: Hacker News / 8 months ago
  • Attempted to setup windows-linux dual boot on my PC and screwed it all up - please help
    Dual boot is ssooo previous decades. Let me introduce you to WSL, Windows Subsystem for Linux, now you can run Linux (including GUI) seamlessly from within windows. No dual boot, no sacrifice to security with legacy boot, no restarting to use apps and tools from the other OS, use windows and Linux truly side by side. Source: almost 2 years ago
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What are some alternatives?

When comparing SSH of Windows' Linux subsystem and Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), you can also consider the following products

VS Code - Build and debug modern web and cloud applications, by Microsoft

Laragon - All in one web server.

Oh My Posh - A prompt theme engine for any shell.

XAMPP - XAMPP is a free and open-source cross-platform web server that is primarily used when locally developing web applications.

Homebrew - The missing package manager for macOS

Local by Flywheel - Provides a simple, local development environment with a friendly GUI.