Introduction

If you're a developer working with modern technologies like machine learning, IoT, or various software frameworks, you've probably noticed that most development tools and resources are designed with Linux in mind. While Windows has its place, the reality is that developers typically adopt a "Linux first" approach when building software.

But what if you're comfortable with Windows and don't want to completely switch to Linux? The good news is that you don't have to choose between the two. Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) offers the perfect solution – giving you the power of Linux command line tools while keeping your familiar Windows environment.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk through setting up WSL on Windows and introduce you to fundamental Linux CLI concepts that will form the foundation of your command-line journey.

Why Use WSL?

Before diving into the setup process, let's understand what WSL actually is and why it's valuable:

WSL allows you to run a Linux environment directly on Windows without the overhead of a traditional virtual machine or dual-boot setup. Think of it as having a small Linux environment that integrates seamlessly with your Windows system. You get:

• The best of both worlds: Windows GUI and file system you're familiar with, plus the powerful Linux command line
• Native Linux commands: Access to all the Linux tools and utilities developers love
• Seamless integration: Work with your Windows files using Linux commands
• No performance penalty: Unlike traditional VMs, WSL runs with minimal overhead

Setting Up WSL on Windows

Step 1: Enable WSL in Windows Features

The first step is to enable WSL in your Windows system:

1. Open the Start menu and search for "Turn Windows features on or off"
2. Click on the result to open the Windows Features dialog
3. Scroll down and look for "Windows Subsystem for Linux" or "WSL"
4. Check the box next to it to enable the feature
5. Click "OK" to apply the changes
6. Restart your computer if prompted