Programming Windows vs Linux

[u/Visible_Advantage_63]

So I just got a laptop specifically for my programming course in university. I was also always interested in trying out linux. So I am learning really basic coding like from lvl 0 (im studying civil engineering) and it is thought on a windows computer using python and jupyterlab. Im wondering if it is possible use the same program and the same methods/instructions on linux?

[u/cjcox4]

While I know we live in a "upside down" world, yes, of course you can do jupyter notebooks and such in Linux. It's actually more natural there. There are usually a couple of hoops to jump through in setting things up on Windows.

with that said, with regards to custom add-ons/extensions, sure, it's always possible to create something that can't run on "whatever".

[u/Visible_Advantage_63 → u/cjcox4]

Idk if you would know this but can you tell me if the coding it self in jupyterlab works the same on linux as on windows?

[u/cjcox4 → u/Visible_Advantage_63]

Yes. Again, apart of anything that might be absolutely OS specific. But, would think that in general, the answer is "yes".

Edit: let me give an easy example. A resource path that is specific to Windows would might have to be adjusted and vice versa.

[u/digiphaze → u/Visible_Advantage_63]

I haven't use Jupyterlab, but the languages syntactically are the same across windows or Linux. What may vary is libraries depending on the language and what you are trying to do. Interacting with the OS will be different. Some languages/libraries abstract OS interactions well enough its basically the same.

[u/Demortus → u/Visible_Advantage_63]

If you mean the interface, yes it's the same. Generally, python runs faster on Linux and is less of a hassle to set up in the first place.

[u/mcds99]

Ask your professor or advisor what you should do they will have the best feel for what they are going to be teaching.

[u/BranchLatter4294]

Many of the tools work on either. You can set up WSL, or a full VM if you want to have Windows and Linux environments available.

[u/Cautious_Boat_999 → u/BranchLatter4294]

There is so much material out there on how to do this. It’s well worth the time to try it.

[u/DJDoubleDave]

You should match the OS your course expects. If they are teaching it on Windows, then you'll make more work for yourself by using Linux instead. You won't be able to follow the instructions for setting these programs up, and will need to find Linux instructions yourself if they don't provide them.

The actual coding is the same whether you do it on Windows or Linux. Those things are both cross platform, it's just the installations and the environment setup that will be different. Anything you learn in this class will still be valid if you later switch to Linux. If your goal is to learn coding, focus on that and not the OS.

[u/Zatujit → u/DJDoubleDave]

its level 0 and its Python; its fine

[u/Visible_Advantage_63 → u/DJDoubleDave]

I was originally thinking the same thing. But not to sound weird but I would consider my self above average in technical literacy so im not gonna lie I feel like installing the program would not be a big problem. And if the coding is really the same it seems to me that it would be fine. Setting the program up on windows is really easy (it took like one minute) I would imagine it does not take much longer on linux but I have no idea really

[u/bornxlo → u/Visible_Advantage_63]

Being autistic and generally motivated by reading and exploring, the first 30% or so of any coding course is usually irrelevant environment fluff. In Windows it “works” by bundling a bunch of utilities into an application. In Unix and Linux everything consists of folders, files and utilities. IMO package managers make it easier, if a program or function is missing I can just install it from my current environment

[u/kutac56]

From my experience programming is way nicer on linux

[u/Zatujit]

Yes

[u/TheThingOnTheCeiling]

I checked and jupyterlab is packaged for linux so presumably should work the same. Just keep in mind that it is a different operating system so using it overall will be different.

[u/AiwendilH]

Python (installed by default by pretty much every linux distro) and jupyterlab are available for linux.

But the instructions most likely will differ...already just because of the windows/linux differences like directory paths using "/" in linux vs "\" in windows. But also install instructions for python/jupyterlab will differ.

[u/Significant-Price695]

yes, jupyterlab runs on linux and opens in your browser there too. i'd ask for the course's python version and package list before setting it up, so you're learning the same environment as everyone else. try opening one of their actual notebooks before committing to the switch, that should catch course-specific differences early.

[u/tomscharbach]

Use the operating system that your university uses for instruction. It is always a good idea to be on the same page as your curriculum and your instructors. My best and good luck.

[u/ipsirc]

Im wondering if it is possible use the same program and the same methods/instructions on linux?

Try it!

[u/somerandomguy101]

Honestly, just stick to Windows. Learn one thing at a time.

Just because it should work with your course work doesn't mean it will. Plus if you don't know how to use Linux or do programming already, you are putting yourself at a major disadvantage getting everything set up over just follow simple instructions.

I would just run Windows and play with Linux in a VM. That way you can learn even more about Linux without it impacting your ability to submit your homework on time.

You will also probably need other programs like MS office too. So there's that.