I really want to switch to Linux, up to this point there were two things keeping me on Windows, gaming and work.

Gaming nowadays is a lot easier than a couple of years ago thanks to Valve and Proton, so that’s not a problem anymore; with the other one I don’t know if I can make something work enough and that’s why I’m asking here.

I work as a fullstack software developer with windows products I don’t fear for the frontend part because typescript, angular, react, … those I know I can run on linux with no problem on VS Code; for backend thought: dot.net, visual studio, sql server, … I think there is no Visual Studio for Linux and I don’t know if I can run & debug .net 8 applications on a linux machine? I can use docker for things like databases. Does anybody else has a similar scenario and things that had to overcame? Tips, problems that I may not see now before making the switch, and solutions to my current problems are welcome

  • EugeniaEnglish
    60•7 months ago

    Instead of trying to run heavy and complex apps on an OS that were never designed for, use Windows for work, and then use gaming and your personal life on Linux. Another thing you can do is switch the kind of programming you do, so it’s more linux-related, so overtime, you can only have Linux machines. But for the time being, if you’re doing windows programming, use a windows machine for work.

    • @[email protected]
      23•7 months ago

      This sounds like the most reasonable answer here in this thread. I couldn’t have said it better.

      Preferences don’t matter if you get paid for it. If your job demands working with software designed for Windows, then use Windows. If you don’t do that, you have to find workarounds that cost time and therefore money, both if you are self employed or have to work for a company.
      Either you, or your boss, won’t be happy long term.

      If you like Linux more, then use it in your free time, or maybe consider switching your orientation for development to that platform.

      Same for development for Apple stuff (e.g. iPhone apps). Then you’re stuck with MacOS too. Or if you have to use certain CAD or Adobe software, then you’re stuck on Windows/ Mac too.

      Software availability is great on Linux, and today, you can get most of the stuff working on it, even if it isn’t designed for that. But is it worth it that time and effort? For me, it wouldn’t.

      • @ricdehEnglish
        -6•7 months ago

        That’s because you do not understand the philosophy. We are not using GNU/Linux because it is easier, we’re using them out of idealism. In my opinion, it is worth sacrificing some comfort for the thing you believe in. And ultimately, every GNU/Linux user also leads to an increase in freedom for all the others, even the Windows or OS X evangelists profit from the hard work and lobbyism of the Linux community and the Free Software Foundation.

        • chi-chan~
          8•7 months ago

          Honesty? Nowadays Linux is just easier for me.

          Sometimes you forget that a lot of tools you are use to have in Linux don’t even exist on Windows (like watch and cut). On Windows there are some problems you don’t even have to deal with on Unix-like systems.

        • TimeSquirrel
          6•7 months ago

          I’m actually using it because it’s easier. I do hobby programming, and I like having every utility I would ever need related to that just one command away. Need a hex editor? It’s in the repository. Need a calculator that can convert binary to decimal? Also in the repository. IDEs/plugins/compilers? Repository.