Windows has long been a staple in the realm of operating systems, often regarded as the backbone of modern computing. Yet, the affection it garners from its user base, particularly among developers, appears to be waning. Anecdotal evidence and reports from various tech publications, including Windows Central, suggest that Windows 11 is not the favored choice for many in the development community. Instead, platforms like macOS and Linux seem to hold a more favorable position in the hearts of developers.
Which OS do coders and programmers really prefer?
In a recent consultation with over a dozen programmers, engineers, and developers, ITPro sought to uncover the reasons behind their operating system preferences and whether Microsoft could reshape Windows into a more appealing environment for coding. While data from Stack Overflow indicates that nearly half of developers (49.5%) primarily work on Windows, this statistic does not necessarily reflect a preference. Many developers find themselves using Windows due to organizational mandates rather than personal choice.
The developers interviewed exhibited a diverse range of preferences, often switching between Windows, macOS, and Linux based on specific tasks. However, when it came to expressing their preferred coding environment, none selected Windows. The majority leaned towards macOS, with Mike McQuaid, project lead for Homebrew, noting that Apple’s ecosystem prioritizes design and the development of high-quality applications at reasonable prices.
What’s the trouble with Windows 11?
McQuaid articulated a common sentiment among developers, stating, “Microsoft’s developer experience on their platforms has never been great.” Concerns ranged from the tools available to the overall aesthetic appeal of the platform. Many developers resort to Windows primarily because it is the corporate standard, as summarized by Egor Danilkov, global development director at Innowise.
Critics describe Windows as “cumbersome,” with Nikita Kuznetsov, founder of GameAP, pointing out that essential tools often require manual installation and configuration. Furthermore, many development tools are designed for POSIX systems (Linux and macOS) first, leading to inconsistencies when ported to Windows. This inconsistency can result in different developers encountering varied experiences on identical hardware.
Security concerns also plague the Windows environment, as it is a significant target for malicious attacks. Additionally, the management of company machines can impose restrictions that hinder developers’ workflows. Jessica Kerr, engineering manager at Honeycomb, highlighted how these restrictions can limit a developer’s ability to install software and run unverified applications, a flexibility often found in macOS environments.
Windows has its problems – but is the criticism unfair?
Despite the criticisms, Danilkov argues that some feedback is outdated, asserting that Windows 11 has made significant strides compared to its predecessors. Jitesh Keswani, managing director at e intelligence, adds that historical challenges in setting up development environments on Windows have persisted, often complicating the transition to Linux-based production servers.
Windows does offer notable advantages, particularly through the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), which allows developers to run full Linux environments directly on Windows 11 without the need for dual-booting or virtual machines. Olga Kuzmich, a data science engineer at Dwellwell Analytics, humorously remarked that the best feature for developers on Windows is the ability to run Linux.
WSL has emerged as a game-changer, mitigating many compatibility issues and enabling developers to run Windows applications alongside Linux tools seamlessly. The anticipated WSL3 promises further enhancements, including improved performance and GPU utilization.
Giving Windows a new lease of life for coding and programming
Despite the hesitance surrounding Windows as a coding platform, developers expressed that Microsoft could take steps to attract them back. Omari Wright, web development manager at seoplus+, noted that the structural advantages of macOS make it challenging for Microsoft to replicate without sacrificing the openness valued by Windows users. He suggested that Microsoft could enhance WSL, making it feel like a primary development pathway rather than a workaround.
While some developers, like Kuzmich, have found a natural fit with Linux, the consensus is that improving WSL should be a priority. Suggestions include bridging the gaps between Windows and Linux file systems and enhancing performance for larger repositories and containers.
Keswani emphasized the need for Microsoft to align Windows more closely with a native Linux environment while maintaining user-friendliness. Jiří Fabián, co-CEO & founder of TopMonks, echoed this sentiment, stating that for Windows to capture more developers, it would need to adopt a Unix-based core—a shift that seems unlikely.
McQuaid expressed frustration with Microsoft’s recent direction, lamenting the intrusive nature of ads and upselling within the OS, which detracts from the overall developer experience. Ultimately, while Windows 11 may not be the preferred choice for many developers, its ability to run Linux remains its strongest asset, highlighting the ongoing need for improvement and adaptation in a rapidly evolving tech landscape.
