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What is Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)

In today's computing landscape, we often require different operating systems for our tasks to execute. The demand for Linux-based Operating systems is always high among Windows users. Now to use Linux we either need Virtual Machines or Dual Boot System. Windows Subsystem for Linux solves this problem gives users the privilege to use Linux on Windows easily. In this article, we will learn about WSL and how we can use it.

Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) is a compatibility layer developed by Microsoft for Windows Computers to run Linux applications, utilities, and commands in the computer using a Command prompt or terminal. This eliminates the need for a Dual boot computer or Virtual Machine setup and saves computing resources. To use WSL we must use Windows 10 and higher versions. The supported Linux distributions are Ubuntu, Arch, Fedora, Kali, and others.

WSL allows users to run native Linux binaries on a Windows machine directly. There is no need for Virtual machines or emulators. This enables access to the large ecosystem of Linux applications, tools, and utilities while using a Windows Operating system.

WSL provides a Bash Shell in the Windows Terminal layout and Linux command line tools. Users can use the same Linux commands to interact with the Linux environment using the terminal. The utilities provided includes, file manager, text processor, package manager, and more.

Windows Subsystem for Linux creates a file system with it's directory in the Secondary Memory (Hard Drive) and can be managed using the command line utility. The Linux file system can be managed by both Windows and Linux. Users can perform Create, Read, Update, Delete operations on the file system.

WSL supports multiple Linux Distributions to use in windows machine. The supported distributions are Ubuntu, Arch, OpenSUSE, Debian, Kali, and more. Users can choose the preferred distribution form Microsoft store and install in the windows environment to create a Linux system within.

Before we move ahead with installing WSL, we need to make sure that our computer supports WSL. The recommended configuration is,

• x64 bit processor
• Windows 10 version 2004 (Build 19041 and higher) or Windows 11

To check it, click on Start and search for "System information" and check for OS name, Version and System Type.

Once the requirements are matched, search for Windows Features and a box will open, find out Windows Subsystem for Linux and tick it to enable.

Click on OK and Restart the computer.

Open PowerShell or Windows Command Prompt in administrative mode by clicking Run as administrator and execute the following command.

wsl --install

Output:

As you can see it has started installing the necessary features and enabling them for use. Furthermore, you can see that It's installing Ubuntu as the default Linux distro for WSL.

Once WSL is installed, it's the time to choose the suitable Linux distro for you to use. Open Microsoft Store and search for Linux. You will get all the available Linux operating systems. Choose the one that suits your requirement and click on Install.

Once installed, you will get the icon for the Linux as an application. Click on the application icon and your Linux Machine will start in form of a Terminal.

Set up the Username and Password for the instance and you are good to go. Now you can execute all your Linux commands here in the terminal itself.

WSL provides a platform to the developers to develop, test and debug software. Using a Linux environment along side windows at the same instance, developers can easily build, compile, and test Linux-based applications without using a separate machine or Virtual Machine. This helps significantly in software development and increases productivity.

Web Developers, particularly the backend developers who works for the server side most of the time uses Linux in the web servers. Using WSL, developers can set up a local Linux server for development and use it to run their changes before sending to production.

In engineering and similar field we have the Operating system Lab where we need a Linux or Unix environment to execute tasks and learn about the subject. WSL is an ideal platform for students to learn and execute Linux commands without the need of powerful hardware or any heavy virtualization software. They can get a hands-on experience on topics like file system, command line utilities, and more.

Ethical hacking enthusiasts and beginners can use Kali Linux as WSL and execute Linux scripts. They can use WSL as a platform to perform penetration testing, vulnerability assessment, security analysis by using Linux tools on WSL. Users can assess the security posture of system, network and application using this.

You can customize the WSL and modify the Linux Distribution by accessing the configuration files to better your user experience. You can customize shell profiles, aliases and keyboard shortcuts to better use of the WSL.

Install the Windows Terminal application from Microsoft store to use Command line interface for WSL. Windows Terminal will provide a modern tabbed interface with the access to multiple shells like PowerShell, command prompt and others to be use simultaneously. This makes it easier to switch between tabs and manage different environments.

Using WSL you can use Linux commands on Windows File system to access and modify. You can use Windows directory as if they are part of the Linux system. You can also launch Windows applications, create files, manipulate files on Windows using Linux commands and tools in WSL.

Windows subsystem for Linux is a significantly important application which integrates Windows and Linux environments and offers seamless usability of both the environments. Use the step by step installation process in the article to install WSL in your computer. Follow the tips and tricks for better usability.

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