The Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) has opened up a plethora of development opportunities and opened a bridge between the Windows and Linux ecosystems. One of the many benefits of WSL is the ability to run Linux-based applications on a Windows system. In this article, we will explore alternative text editors that can be used with Ubuntu WSL.
There are several alternative text editors that can be used with Ubuntu WSL, including WSL-OPEN, Visual Studio Code, Eclipse, and NetBeans. These editors offer a range of features and functionalities to enhance your coding experience in the WSL environment.
WSL-OPEN
WSL-OPEN is a handy tool that allows you to open files in your default Windows application associated with the file extension. This is particularly useful when you want to work with a familiar text editor or when the file requires a specific Windows application.
To set WSL-OPEN as your default editor, you need to run the following command in your WSL terminal:
export EDITOR=wsl-openThe export command is used to set environment variables in Linux. Here, we are setting the EDITOR environment variable to wsl-open. This command tells the system to open files using the default Windows application for the associated file extension.
Visual Studio Code
Visual Studio Code is a popular code editor developed by Microsoft. It offers a range of features, including syntax highlighting, intelligent code completion, and an integrated terminal. It’s also highly customizable, allowing users to change the editor’s theme, keyboard shortcuts, and preferences.
To use Visual Studio Code with WSL, install it on your Windows machine and then use the code command in the WSL terminal to open files or folders. Here’s an example:
code ./path/to/fileThe code command opens the specified file or folder in Visual Studio Code. The ./path/to/file is the path to the file or folder you want to open.
Eclipse
Eclipse is another powerful editor that you can use with WSL. It’s particularly popular among Java developers, but it supports a range of other programming languages, including C, C++, and Python.
To install Eclipse in your WSL environment, you can follow the instructions provided in this Stack Overflow post.
NetBeans
NetBeans is a free and open-source IDE that supports a wide variety of programming languages. It offers features like code templates, coding tips, and a drag-and-drop interface.
To install and configure NetBeans for use with WSL, follow the instructions provided in this guide by Mississippi State University.
Conclusion
With the right tools, you can significantly enhance your productivity and make the most of your WSL environment. The text editors we’ve discussed in this article offer a range of features to help you write and manage your code. Whether you prefer a simple text editor like WSL-OPEN or a full-fledged IDE like Eclipse or NetBeans, there’s an option out there for you.
Remember to adjust the commands and paths according to your specific setup. If none of these options suit your needs, you can explore other code editors that are compatible with WSL or seek further guidance from the WSL community.
To set WSL-OPEN as your default editor, run the following command in your WSL terminal:
export EDITOR=wsl-openYes, you can use Visual Studio Code with WSL. Install it on your Windows machine and then use the code command in the WSL terminal to open files or folders. For example:
code ./path/to/fileYes, Eclipse is compatible with WSL. You can install Eclipse in your WSL environment by following the instructions provided in this Stack Overflow post.
Yes, you can use NetBeans with WSL. To install and configure NetBeans for use with WSL, follow the instructions provided in this guide by Mississippi State University.
Yes, there are other text editors available for WSL. You can explore other code editors that are compatible with WSL or seek further guidance from the WSL community to find the one that suits your needs.
