Best OS for programming? Mac vs Windows vs Linux debate settled

Summary

In this video, the speaker humorously explores the choice between Mac, Windows, and Linux operating systems from a software engineer's perspective. They recount their experiences with each OS, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses. Mac offers the best hardware but is restrictive and expensive. Windows is flexible and can run Linux through WSL, but it's historically been less developer-friendly. Linux is powerful and customizable but has a steep learning curve and less commercial software support. The video suggests that the choice depends on individual needs, wealth, lifestyle, and desire for control, ending with a playful flowchart to help viewers decide.

Takeaways

• 💻 The choice of operating system (OS) as a programmer is significant, impacting both work and subconscious mindset.
• 📜 By agreeing to terms and conditions, users may feel they join a collective, such as the 'Windows Collective' or 'cult of Apple'.
• 🛠️ The speaker suggests that compiling the Linux kernel is a path to open-source freedom, contrasting proprietary systems.
• 👨‍💻 Personal experiences with Windows, Mac, and Linux have shaped the speaker's perspective on their utility for software engineering.
• 🔧 The speaker humorously notes that FreeBSD is superior but prefers to keep this opinion a secret to avoid controversy.
• 💼 Early career experiences with Windows led to the use of Java and Oracle, but the speaker found remote work on a MacBook more liberating.
• 🔄 The transition to Linux was prompted by hardware failure and the allure of the 'hardcore developers' preference for the OS.
• 🔧 The speaker advocates for the use of a versatile IDE like JetBrains, which supports development across different OS platforms.
• 🍎 Macs are praised for their hardware but criticized for their proprietary nature and limited upgrade options.
• 🐧 Linux is described as the king of servers, offering freedom, flexibility, and a learning opportunity about how computers work.
• 🖥️ Windows is criticized for its commercial software, privacy concerns, and updates, but praised for the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL).
• 🤔 The final decision on which OS to use is presented humorously, suggesting it depends on wealth, personal life, and desire for a divinely designed OS.

Q & A

What is the significance of choosing an operating system as a programmer?

Choosing an operating system is significant for a programmer because it impacts their development environment, the tools they use, and how they interact with the system for potentially thousands of hours.

What is the 'Windows Collective hive mind' mentioned in the script?

The 'Windows Collective hive mind' is a humorous term used in the script to describe the community of Windows users who agree to the terms and conditions and use the Windows operating system.

What does the script suggest about the experience of using a Macbook Pro for development?

The script suggests that using a Macbook Pro for development offers a sleek and portable experience, allowing for remote work in various locations, but it also implies that it can be expensive and has limited upgrade options.

Why did the speaker switch to using Linux?

The speaker switched to using Linux because they realized that many hardcore developers were using it, and after their Macbook Pro stopped working, they built a PC and installed Ubuntu.

What is the speaker's opinion on the term 'Linux' in the context of their usage?

The speaker clarifies that by 'Linux,' they actually mean 'GNU/Linux,' emphasizing the importance of the GNU components and utilities that make a fully functioning system as defined by POSIX.

What is the speaker's stance on the idea of a perfect operating system?

The speaker believes that there is no perfect operating system, as they use a combination of Windows, Linux, and macOS, each for different purposes and development needs.

What are some of the advantages of using Mac OS for development according to the script?

Mac OS is Unix-based with a good file system design, comes with developer tools like Zell, Git, and Vim out of the box, and offers a nice terminal experience and package management with Homebrew.

What are the drawbacks of using Linux mentioned in the script?

Drawbacks of using Linux include its complexity, the need to choose from various distributions and desktop environments, and the lack of support for commercial software and drivers for some hardware.

How does the script describe the evolution of Microsoft's approach towards open source and developers?

The script describes a shift in Microsoft's strategy from trying to extinguish open standards and being antagonistic towards Linux to embracing open source and creating features like the Windows Subsystem for Linux to win over developers.

What is the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), and how does it benefit developers?

The Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) is a feature that allows developers to run a full Linux distribution inside Windows, providing the ability to use Linux terminal apps and GUI apps, offering the best of both worlds.

What is the final recommendation in the script for choosing an operating system based on certain personal criteria?

The script humorously suggests that if you are rich, you should choose Mac OS; if you have a girlfriend or a life, Windows is optimal; and if you want an operating system designed by God, you should choose Linux or Temple OS.