Welcome to the Treehouse Community
Want to collaborate on code errors? Have bugs you need feedback on? Looking for an extra set of eyes on your latest project? Get support with fellow developers, designers, and programmers of all backgrounds and skill levels here with the Treehouse Community! While you're at it, check out some resources Treehouse students have shared here.
Looking to learn something new?
Treehouse offers a seven day free trial for new students. Get access to thousands of hours of content and join thousands of Treehouse students and alumni in the community today.
Start your free trial
Tristan Gaebler
6,204 PointsWindows? Good or Bad?
I heard that windows is bad for web development, is this true? Any advantages for using windows? What do most programmers use? Thanks! PLEASE KEEP THIS FRIENDLY..DON'T WANT IT TURNING INTO MAC VS PC
Tristan Gaebler
6,204 PointsDon't want to start a fire...just wanna know why people suggest mac over windows in programming...lets not get out of control lol
Paul Sullivan
7,876 PointsLol Ohhhh yea. Good ole' Mac VS Windows. :)
Personally, I use a Windows computer. I grew up using Windows and am just much more comfortable using it. I've never had any issue whatsoever getting Windows to do something that a Mac can also do.
I've been working with HTML, CSS, PHP, and Javascript for about a year now and have always been able to do anything I needed to just fine. (And a lot, lot more as well.)
Hell, just for shits and giggles, I'll also tell you I've found ways to do exactly the same things on my Chromebook as well! Sure, it's not ideal with the Chromebook, but it still works.
The one downfall I now think of is iOS development can't be done on Windows. (That I know of. I also haven't looked for a way to do it though.)
10 Answers
Ricky Catron
13,023 PointsI used windows 7 with xammp for web development and was happy with it for a long time. When my laptop crashed I switched to Ubuntu Linux and I never looked back. I just find it easier to work and now the command line is essential to my development. I also find it easier to download packages for python development. On windows it can just be a pain.
It's a personal decision but I would look around. Making a decision based on other peoples input won't show what works best for you. I would test windows 7 and 8 then mac OSX then a few different flavors of linux.
Tristan Gaebler
6,204 PointsThanks ricky !
Ricky Catron
13,023 PointsAdditionally a large reason Mac is reccomended over Windows is because mac is based off of unix. Linux is also based off unix. Everyone tries Linux at least once. I would recommend running it in a virtual machine.
Luke O'Neill
7,822 PointsI dual boot Linux Ubuntu and Windows 8. I just have never understood paying double the price for a "nicer" looking laptop with a different OS. Linux will make anything programming 1,000,000 times easier. I also do just like to keep windows on for games and adobe stuff. Total preference though
Tristan Gaebler
6,204 PointsDo you guys know if I can develop android apps if I am running linux?
Ricky Catron
13,023 PointsI am sure you can! I can't point you to a simple way to get started just because I havn't done it but Android is very open with its development. I am sure its easy to get up and running.
Luke O'Neill
7,822 PointsYeah just download Android Studio or Eclipse ADT for Linux. Looks and acts just the same as Windows and or Mac.
Tristan Gaebler
6,204 PointsDoes any one know how to dual boot linux and mac os x?
Ricky Catron
13,023 PointsThis is a good looking tutorial but it is a little old. http://lifehacker.com/5934942/how-to-dual-boot-linux-on-your-mac-and-take-back-your-powerhouse-apple-hardware
I would use a virtual machine instead though. It is easier and less chance of a big Uhh Ohh.
Tristan Gaebler
6,204 PointsIf I have an android phone, will there be a compatibility issue with linux ubuntu? Do a lot of android developers use linux?
Ricky Catron
13,023 PointsI doubt there will be any compatibility issues and I would think so but android is very open so any OS should work. If your focused on android design then the OS is a choice not a requirment. If you design for IOS then Mac is almost a requirment.
Tristan Gaebler
6,204 PointsWould having an android phone and a mac be hypocrisy?
Ricky Catron
13,023 PointsHaha, I don't think so because android will let you develop on anything.
Tristan Gaebler
6,204 PointsOkay thanks
Tristan Gaebler
6,204 PointsDoes anyone have any opinions on Linux? Mint or Ubuntu?
Ricky Catron
13,023 PointsI like Ubuntu a lot if you don't know how to do something its got such a high userbase that someone has already posted online about what you need. I think Mint is similar in that regard. I personally havn't used mint. Since they are both free you can try them out at no cost.
Tristan Gaebler
6,204 PointsThanks
Ricky Catron
13,023 PointsRicky Catron
13,023 PointsYou went and did it you asked the question....ohh boy....(I am laughing just for clarification)