For a long time I wanted to start using Linux. My first thought was the same as most people: install Ubuntu alongside Windows and dual boot.
After looking into it more, I realized I didn't actually need to.
What I Wanted
My main goals were:
- Learn Linux commands
- Use Git comfortably
- Run Node.js projects
- Experiment with Docker later
- Avoid breaking my Windows installation
I wasn't planning to replace Windows completely.
Why I Didn't Dual Boot
Dual booting certainly has its advantages, but it also comes with a few inconveniences:
- Managing partitions
- Windows updates occasionally interfering with bootloaders
- Restarting every time I wanted to switch operating systems
- Risk of accidentally deleting the wrong partition
For someone just learning Linux, it felt like unnecessary complexity.
Enter WSL
Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) lets you run a real Linux environment directly inside Windows.
Installing Ubuntu was surprisingly simple.
wsl --install
After a restart, I had a working Linux terminal ready to go.
Things That Impressed Me
- Fast startup
- Native Linux tools
- Excellent Git integration
- VS Code support
- Access to Windows files
Most of my development workflow worked immediately.
Downsides
WSL isn't perfect.
Some GUI applications still require extra setup, and a few low-level Linux features aren't available exactly as they would be on a native installation.
For my web development workflow, though, these limitations haven't mattered.
Final Thoughts
If your primary goal is learning Linux or web development, WSL is an excellent place to start.
You can always install a full Linux distribution later if your workflow eventually requires it.