If you are new to web development and are in the market for a new laptop, you might wonder which operating system is best. Here is the answer: it depends on your preferences. Each operating system comes with advantages and disadvantages.
Which Operating System is Better for Web Development?
1 - Windows
Windows is the most popular operating system; an estimated 91% of all personal computers run Windows. Most web developers prefer Windows for development because it is the most popular OS, meaning most resources are written with Windows in mind.
Typically, Windows is the cheaper option to purchase when building your development machine. This may not be the case with the new Windows 10 S; however, the reduced cost of Windows may be worth it for the ease of development and access to resources.
2 - Mac OSX
Mac OSX is the second most popular operating system on personal computers, with about 6% of the market. Developers may prefer a Mac because many programs are often written for Mac, meaning web developers can be more efficient and save time when developing.
Macs are generally more expensive than Windows machines, which may be a drawback to developers.
3 - Linux
The popularity of Linux has been growing exponentially. It is often recommended to web developers who want to learn or adapt to a new operating system. Linux may be a good place to start if you don’t have much experience with operating systems.
Linux may be more difficult to use since you have to know how to use the terminal, which is not something most people learn unless they are developers. Many resources are also written for Windows and Mac, meaning you may have to do more work to find what you need.
4 - Android
For web developers who are also into mobile development, Android is a good choice. The Android operating system is free, which usually is a good thing for developers who like to tinker with their devices.
It also may be a great option for developers who want to target multiple devices. The only drawback to Android may be that it doesn’t have the most apps on the market. This is changing, however, as more apps are being developed for Android.
5 - iOS
Like Android, iOS is another good platform for developing web apps. Also, it may not be a good option if you want to develop native apps only.
Android uses Java and Objective-C, while iOS uses Swift. The two are entirely different languages, so you can’t use one in conjunction with the other.
If you are a developer who only wants to develop for one platform, then iOS is the way to go.
Conclusion
There is no right or wrong choice in operating systems. It is important to find the one that fits your needs and preferences. If you are new to web development and aren’t sure what you want from your operating system, then starting with a Windows machine is a good option. You can always switch to another system if you find that Windows isn’t for you.
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