Windows Subsystem for Linux 2 (WSL 2) Tips, Tricks, and Techniques

A hands-on guide that will help you bridge the gap between Windows and Linux to develop apps that leverage the best features across both the ecosystems with seamless interoperability

Key Features

• Create development workflows that allow you to switch configurations while working on multiple projects
• Containerize your development environments with Visual Studio Code and WSL to isolate your dependencies
• Develop your own custom Linux distros for optimum performance

Book Description

Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) allows you to run native Linux tools alongside traditional Windows applications. Whether you’re developing applications across multiple operating systems or just want to bring more tools into your Windows environment, WSL offers endless possibilities and seamless interoperability. This book will help you learn about the Windows Subsystem for Linux and how to use it effectively through a hands-on approach.

WSL 2 is the latest update to Windows Subsystem for Linux that takes compatibility and performance to a whole new level, and this book will help you make the most of it for developing robust applications. You’ll learn how to install and configure Windows Subsystem for Linux, explore various Linux distros, and work across both Windows and Linux environments. As you advance, you’ll understand how to install and customize the Windows Terminal. Later, the book will show you how to work with code in WSL using Visual Studio Code. In addition to this, you’ll discover how to work with containerized development environments.

By the end of this book, you’ll be able to configure Windows Subsystem for Linux and Windows Terminal to suit your preferences and use Microsoft Visual Studio Code for developing performant applications with WSL.

What you will learn

• Install and configure Windows Subsystem for Linux and Linux distros
• Access web applications running in Linux from Windows
• Invoke Windows applications, file systems, and environment variables from bash in WSL
• Customize the appearance and behavior of the Windows Terminal to suit your preferences and workflows
• Explore various tips for enhancing the Visual Studio Code (VS Code) experience with WSL
• Install and work with Docker and Kubernetes within Windows Subsystem for Linux
• Discover various productivity tips for working with Command-line tools in WSL

Who This Book Is For

This book is for developers who want to use Linux tools on Windows, including Windows-native programmers looking to ease into a Linux environment based on project requirements or Linux developers who’ve recently switched to Windows. This book is also for web developers working on open source projects with Linux-first tools like Ruby or Python or developers looking to switch between containers and development machines for testing apps. Prior programming or development experience and a basic understanding of running tasks in PowerShell, bash, or the Windows Command Prompt will be required.