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Exploring Unique Features of Linux, Installing and Using WSL, and Adding WSL Terminal to Visual Studio Code

RobertChester 2 years ago 3 min read

Linux is a powerful operating system that is known for its flexibility and customization. Even online casinos are getting in on the Linux action, with some offering Linux-compatible software for their platforms, such as the minimum deposit 1 pound casino UK games. And WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux) is a tool that allows users to run Linux applications directly on a Windows operating system. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the unique features of Linux, how to install and use WSL, and how to add the WSL terminal to Visual Studio Code.

Installing and Using WSL

To install WSL on your Windows machine, first, ensure you are running Windows 10 version 1903 or later. Then, open the Windows Features dialog by typing “Windows Features” into the search bar and selecting “Turn Windows Features On or Off.” Scroll down to “Windows Subsystem for Linux,” check the box, and click “OK.” Restart your computer when prompted.

Once WSL is installed, you can open a Linux shell by typing “wsl” into the command prompt. This will launch a command-line interface that allows you to run Linux tools and applications directly on your Windows machine. You can also install a Linux distribution of your choice, such as Ubuntu or Debian, from the Microsoft Store. Once installed, you can launch the distribution by typing its name into the command prompt. With WSL, you can take advantage of the power and flexibility of Linux without needing a separate machine or virtual machine.

Adding WSL Terminal to Visual Studio Code

To add the WSL terminal to Visual Studio Code, first, ensure you have installed the Remote – WSL extension. This extension allows you to use Visual Studio Code on your Windows machine while still leveraging the power of WSL. Once installed, open Visual Studio Code and press Ctrl + Shift + P to open the Command Palette. Type “Remote-WSL: New Window” into the Command Palette and press Enter. This will open a new Visual Studio Code window that is connected to your WSL installation. To open the WSL terminal within Visual Studio Code, press Ctrl + Shift + ` (backtick). This will open a new terminal window that is running within your WSL installation. With the WSL terminal integrated into Visual Studio Code, you can take advantage of the full power of WSL while still using the familiar Visual Studio Code interface.

Linux offers a wide range of unique features, including powerful package management, terminal commands, customization, open-source nature, and security. With WSL, users can run Linux applications directly on their Windows machines without needing a separate machine or virtual machine. Installing and using WSL is straightforward, and once installed, users can take advantage of the full power and flexibility of Linux. Adding the WSL terminal to Visual Studio Code further enhances the experience, allowing users to run Linux commands and tools directly within the popular code editor. Overall, Linux and WSL offer a powerful toolkit for developers, system administrators, and power users who need flexibility, customization, and control in their computing environments.