For those using Windows 11. How's it been as a development environment/base OS? Any temptations to switch to Linux? I've been seeing a good number of web developers on Twitter make the jump so I thought I'd ask.

The only reason I have any thoughts of using linux is my work environment being linux only, so I have to resort to using at least a VM to work with it. Other than that... Nah, I've had enough troubles with desktop linux to seriously consider it as a daily driver.

What's up with that image?

The development expierence did not get any worse compared to Windows 10. The only minor annoyance is that it is for now not possible to drag file to a window through the taskbar. However this behavior is going to be improved soon

@ScriptCoded I guess it's now a contrast to the question. I was also going to ask if any Linux users felt tempted to make the jump to Windows 11 but forgot to.

@DreEleven I've used Arch for around a year before switching back to windows mostly for gaming reasons. And I don't miss it. As well as I'm not really compelled to switch to full Linux desktop for work instead of using a VM despite some flaws in using a VM.

@iiii ohh ok gotcha. The lack of some creature comforts and stability can become annoying. But why not something maybe more work friendly like Fedora?

from development perspective everything works just fine. and since there is wsl2 why would i bother switching to linux? got both with that.

from user perspective there are quite a lot of things that bother me. for sure i will debloat that thing when i find the time

@DreEleven I'm using Ubuntu Mate in a VM for work. It's as friendly as it can get, but still not compelling enough. It's just a work environment. If I'd had a separate laptop for work, I would consider installing Linux on it.

Btw, I'm not only using a virtual box VM, but sometimes use qemu VM inside that VM. And almost always use a docker container for the environment. Surprisingly, everything works fine if a bit laggy sometimes (mostly because of the docker container)

in windows, thing just works. I don't need to write hundred lines of codes to install a software and not being able to find any way to uninstall it when needed. I dont need to waste hours to find a way to uninstall something that I should just be able to do in a minute.
Left linux 4 years ago & I don't regret it.

@nebula Cool, yeah WSL2 is a game changer and long term it's done exactly what Microsoft wanted, in making switching to Linux more of an afterthought for devs.

Can't see why Windows 11 is still bloated for no good reason tho.

@Xoka ohh I see. A lot has changed since then though and most software can be managed from some sort of GUI, either through a package manager or via the build in software center on most distributions.

The present issue for desktop Linux is the lack of some creature comforts and the availablability of apps and services.

It depends a lot on how deep you'll need to go....

Linux networking, multi user and permissions are the things one cannot easily get in Windows.

Eg. debugging HyperV requires knowing howto setup port mirroring, activating the capturing eth in promiscuous mode etc.

Named Pipes vs Sockets? Sockets, please.

Starting at these things, the more you want, the more you'll dislike Windows in my opinion.

Drivers and signing... Making things like TMPFS, SSHFS and others a PITA.

I could go on, but in my opinion utilizing Windows for developing outside the Windows ecosystem / network / scaling stuff is like hacking both of your hands off and be happy with it...

Unless you are developing desktop application for Windows or for some reason must use .Net framework 4 there are no benefits in switching from a Linux OS to Windows.

None. Whatsoever.

@DreEleven I went back to Linux as daily driver after Win 7 because I found already Win 10 completely unacceptable. Linux Mint works so nicely for me and even my family end users that I'm happily munching away my popcorn while watching the Windows train wreck.

I moved to Linux as my main OS after I lost my mind over windows 10 restarting my system without permission. It kept pushing me and I snapped.
As a work OS Linux is cool and for non gaming stuff it isn't too bad. Office is the only thing I really miss, but only sometimes.

As a developer: You should know how to properly work on all major operating systems regardless of preference.

I do love Linux based operating systems. Currently typing this on a Linux machine. But still, we need all of them to keep pushing the industry forward. I do not hate or dislike one more than the other. But I do have a preference towards Linux based distributions.

@AleCx04 except Mac. You don't need that knowledge unless you're making native apps for Mac or iOs.

@iiii indeed, specifically because learning that one comes with an entry fee of over 1200 usd :P