Introduction to Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)
The Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) is a compatibility layer for running Linux binary executables natively on Windows 10 and Windows Server 2019. In simpler terms, it allows you to run Linux on your Windows machine without the need for a dual-boot or virtual machine setup. (source)
Why Use WSL for DevOps?
DevOps is all about streamlining and automating processes. WSL can be a powerful tool for DevOps because it allows you to use Linux command-line tools alongside Windows applications. This can greatly simplify your workflow, especially if you’re working with a mixed environment.
Real-world Use Case: Setting Up a LAMP Stack
Let’s walk through a real-world use case for WSL in DevOps: setting up a LAMP (Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP) stack on a Windows machine.
Step 1: Install WSL
First, you’ll need to install WSL. You can do this by following the instructions on the Microsoft website.
Step 2: Install a Linux Distribution
Next, you’ll need to install a Linux distribution from the Microsoft Store. For this tutorial, we’ll use Ubuntu.
Step 3: Install Apache, MySQL, and PHP
Once you have Ubuntu installed, you can use the following commands to install Apache, MySQL, and PHP:
sudo apt update
sudo apt install apache2
sudo apt install mysql-server
sudo apt install php libapache2-mod-php php-mysql
Conclusion
And there you have it! You’ve just set up a LAMP stack on your Windows machine using WSL. This is just one example of how WSL can be used in a DevOps context. The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you.
