I run these 4 tools in WSL and they are better than their Windows counterparts

When Microsoft introduced the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), it opened a whole new world of productivity for developers, sysadmins, and tinkerers alike. WSL allows you to run a Linux environment directly within Windows, blending the best of both operating systems. While Windows has plenty of excellent native tools, there are specific Linux utilities that simply shine brighter when run in WSL. Here are some of the tools I prefer running in WSL rather than using their Windows counterparts.

4

Git

It’s better if you’re an advanced user

Git is the backbone of modern software development, and it’s indispensable for programmers who need version control and collaboration across teams. Now, don’t get me wrong, Git for Windows is functional, and it has a pretty nice interface, but Git in WSL is a lot better due to Linux’s superior handling of file systems.

In Linux, you have symbolic links, permissions, and case sensitivity that are crucial for many Git operations. This means you will have fewer issues with broken links or conflicts arising from file name case differences. Plus, Git in WSL has the benefits of Linux-based scripts and tools that seamlessly integrate with it.

For instance, you can leverage Bash scripting to automate repetitive Git tasks or combine Git with tools like grep for faster log searches. The performance is also noticeably snappier in WSL, as it avoids translating Linux file system conventions into Windows-compatible formats. Overall, Git in WSL feels more intuitive and powerful, although the lack of a graphical interface might be off-putting for some.

3

Zsh with Oh My Zsh

A better and faster terminal

Zsh, especially when paired with Oh My Zsh, will transform your terminal experience into something much more functional and eye-catching. Windows Command Prompt is basic at best, and while PowerShell is powerful, it lacks the simplicity and customization options that Zsh offers. In WSL, Zsh becomes a playground for productivity.

I also installed Oh My Zsh because it adds a myriad of plugins and themes, enabling features like autosuggestions, syntax highlighting, and Git branch awareness right in your prompt. These enhancements make the navigation and command execution faster. In WSL, you also have the advantage of the Linux file system.

That means Zsh will be able to use tools like ls, grep, and find more effectively than their Windows counterparts. Moreover, using aliases and creating custom scripts in Zsh can dramatically reduce repetitive tasks. Let’s just say that it’s hard to match all this on a native Windows terminal. I also recommend installing Neovim via Brew because it’s a lot quicker and straightforward.

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2

Vim/Neovim

Text editor for keyboard-only users

Vim and Neovim are legends in the world of text editors, beloved for their speed, versatility, and keyboard-centric approach. While these editors are available on Windows, they truly shine in WSL. The Linux environment brings seamless integration with other tools like grep, awk, and sed, making it easier to manipulate text and files directly from within the editor.

Moreover, you have access to plugins and configurations for Vim/Neovim for the Unix-like environment, which WSL provides perfectly. For instance, you will find that it’s a lot more natural to manage plugins with tools like Vim-Plug or set up a Language Server Protocol (LSP) for code completion in WSL. So, whether you’re editing code, taking notes, or processing data, Vim/Neovim in WSL offers a smooth experience with a lot less resource consumption than running them on Windows.

1

Ffmpeg

Ultra-fast video encoding

For video and audio processing, ffmpeg is simply great. While it’s available on Windows, its Linux counterpart is a lot faster and more flexible. Simply put, ffmpeg in WSL helps you with advanced encoding options and faster processing speeds if you want to perform fast encoding for a large video. Whether you’re converting formats, compressing videos, or extracting audio, ffmpeg has some features you won’t find on many video editors for Windows.

For instance, you can combine ffmpeg with Bash scripts to batch-convert hundreds of videos or add watermarks with just a single command. Plus, this tool can leverage Linux-exclusive libraries and codecs that are not available or compatible with Windows. That means it’s a go-to converter for rare or proprietary file formats. Again, the lack of a graphical interface might be a dealbreaker, but then again, you’re on Windows, so you can check the results in another editor.

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WSL makes everything faster and more versatile

WSL has leveled the playing field, allowing you to enjoy the best of both worlds of Windows and Linux. Linux is an efficient powerhouse, so it’s not a surprise that utilities running on WSL often surpass their Windows counterparts in performance, flexibility, and ease of use. The only downside is the lack of a graphical interface for the apps. However, you can experience that as well if you run a Linux distribution on a virtual machine.

However, the beauty of WSL is that it bypasses all those bloated interfaces. I also recommend using grep, awk, and sed on WSL to search through files. You should also try Python and SSH while you’re experimenting with WSL.