Run native Bash on Ubuntu on Windows in Windows 10 Build 14316

[steve2470]

https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2016/04/06/announcing-windows-10-insider-preview-build-14316/

For people who like to play with bits (no, not THAT kind!)

[Xithras]

1. I've gotta admit, I'm kind of geeking out over the thought of native Bash under Windows.

I've always thought that Microsoft made a huge mistake with Powershell. Why try to reinvent the wheel when there are fully developed, GPL & MIT licensed shell environments available that can do the same thing?

By building Bash into Windows, Microsoft has just created a situation where a single skillset can be used to manage Linux, OSX and Windows systems. That's freaking HUGE.

[steve2470]

2. I think it was a very smart move

It would be really wise of MS to build their own version of Linux, and then release it under GPL. They could charge for the newest version and then post the other versions for free. I would pay for a very highly polished version, but I know I'm in the minority on that.

[Xithras]

4. People have been saying that for 15 years now

If Microsoft were smart, they'd convert Windows into a desktop environment running on a modified, Win32 binary compatible Linux kernel. That would allow them to keep the look and feel of the current Windows environment while fixing many of the security issues they currently face. It would also allow developers to develop true "Write Once, Run Anywhere" applications.

I don't see it happening, but it's a nice thought.

[steve2470]

6. My guess is they don't want to do that, fearing cannabalization of their Windows-based businesses

People would just wait and get the free ones. The kernel idea is a good one.

[Rex]

10. We've been able to run a UNIX shell in Windows since NT.

I don't know why they won't take the next step and move on over to Linux.

[PersonNumber503602]

9. I recently learned that MS now has an MCSA certification for Linux on Azure.

It requires the person to have their LFCS and to pass an exam that covers implementing linux in Azure. So maybe some day we will need an MS distro of linux. I don't know how well received it would be, but it would be interesting.

[bbrady42]

3. At the risk of being put on yet another person's ignore list

Powershell is awesome.

[Xithras]

5. PowerShell is better than Windows GUI or DOS...

...but it's no BASH. The recent addition of SSH to PS really helped its case, but it really says something when Powershell is still playing catch-up nine years after its initial release.

That said, there are certainly some features that could go the other way. I'd love to have object oriented shell commands in Bash.

[PersonNumber503602]

8. IGNORED!!!

kidding.

Everything is very long-winded when using powershell though.

[PersonNumber503602]

7. I usually always have cygwin installed on my windows installs

This is a nice to know though. I gotta play around with it at some point.