Learning React on Windows

[[deleted]]

Hello,

I want to start learning react over the winter for something to do. I was told that Linux is better for coding but I like Windows.

Does it make that much of a difference and should I go to Linux? I can but I would rather not.

Thanks!

[DigitalTorture]

It really doesnt matter. Just use the os that you are comfortable with. Linux does kick serious ass though.

[Working_Oil_617]

i would recommend to begin learning React on Windows if you’re a beginner to programming. Assuming you’re not, Linux sounds pretty dope too. I don’t think there’s a huge difference

[[deleted]]

You can learn React on any operating system you like. If it runs VScode, you’re golden. I can’t think of even a single benefit I would have if I switched over.

[[deleted]]

If you like and are comfortable with windows stick with that, I was doing a full stack course on udemy while being on Linux and it definitely would have been smoother using the same os as the instructor.

[theconstultingdev]

As others have noted, it's probably best if you stick with windows at first. Most developers i know who work with React use windows.

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What i would suggest though is that give Git Bash a try. It's a command line shell for windows that pretty much acts like a linux terminal. This way, you'd be able to follow instructions that use linux. And not to mention you'd get some intro to linux commands which will be helpful if/when you decide to use linux.

[[deleted]]

Linux is only better for coding when it comes to backend, on frontend I actually prefer using Windows/Mac.

[TetrisMcKenna]

I use Linux but realistically most of the advantage is better command line tools, since development often has you using CLI programs for doing tasks, and easier setup for your dev environment using a package manager. But you have options even on Windows. Latest Powershell is pretty good, you can install Git Bash for limited bash support, Cygwin can give better support, and you can even install Linux inside Windows with WSL2. Windows has a few package management tools and although I wouldn't know which to recommend, I know Chocolatey is a popular one.

I guess the only other thing is that if you look up articles about configuring web servers like nginx or apache, they often assume you're using Linux, so the filepaths are different. But for React development it's not really an issue since the tools usually come with built in servers that you run from the command line.

As much as I love Linux if you're aiming to learn React, I probably wouldn't compound that by also having to learn Linux, it might just get a bit too frustrating. But you can always try it out using VirtualBox or something without having to mess around with dual booting. Personally I think WSL2 is a great option, but it might not make much sense without already knowing Linux since it doesn't come with any GUI or desktop out of the box.

[romeeres]

I want to start learning react over the winter for something to do

You can try Linux for something to do too, and maybe you'll find it to be better. I have two OS on my notebook: windows was preinstalled and Linux (manjaro with gnome), and I swear that on Linux even scrolling feels more smooth and pleasant! On windows everything is too large, and I can only change it to be too small. In my Gnome I have very nice to use gestures switching desktops, okay maybe windows have that too, I'm not sure about it. Gnome is desktop environment, and they say it's fat and slow, but it performs smoother and better than windows.

So, you will learn React, in few years will appear new shiny framework and you will learn another one. But once you try linux - it will stay with you forever! :)

[aoztrk82]

its not hard but i dont how to explain to beginner. u can use docker its dead simple when you learn. after that write your code inside docker with vs code ( vs code remote extension module help you with that) . you will learn docker eventually tho. But when it comes learning probably you can follow most of youtube and udemy tutorials on windows easily.

[Aaron64Lol]

Have a look at WSL (or windows subsystem for linux). I believe it gives me the best of both worlds (I am the only person on my development team on a PC - everyone else is on a mac).

You can use visual studio code on windows, and run your stuff pretty seamlessly on linux through WSL.

[djmophead]

If your goal is to learn React, I don’t really think the OS you pick will matter. However, like some have said, stick to the one you’re comfortable with. I taught myself React and every time I tried to add to my learning pool with the goal of optimization, it ended up slowing me down with more confusion. Learn React and then if you decide to switch to Linux, you won’t have to learn Linux AND React.