Operating system for engine development?

[Modern Times]

Q. "Why buy Microsoft?"

A.. Just maybe because for the overwhelming majority of normal users, it is a very good product.

[Bo Persson]

Guess 2025 with Windows 10 EOL we will see some more users switch.

Yes, can't wait for the Windows 12 upgrade!

[towforce]

Q. "Why buy Microsoft?"

A.. Just maybe because for the overwhelming majority of normal users, it is a very good product.

A few years ago, I did an (informal) analysis based on the use-cases of most users, and I concluded that for the "overwhelming majority of normal users", the best choice was a Chromebook. I can repeat the analysis, but won't do so unless requested, because this thread is about operating system for engine development, and I'm not in a position to make a case for using a Chromebook for that purpose.

Super briefly - CB v Windows:

* cheaper
* fast startup
* up and running again with a new device in 5 minutes if it breaks

CB v Linux distro

* Google looks after everything for you
* easy (doesn't require one becomes a "computer operator" )

For chess: for me (and, I would argue, for most people), Chess.com meets all my computer chess needs handily, so Chromebook good enough.

[Modern Times]

Good points re Chromebook.

As you say, back on topic, Windows is certainly fit for purpose for chess engine development, as evidenced by the large numbers of engine developers who use it. As well as that, the best all-rounder in my humble opinion.

[smatovic]

As Dangi put it, these days the lines are blurry, Windows has WSL, windows subsystem for Linux, macOS* is Unix based, and you have Wine for Linux...and on all three you have additional virtual machines or emulators for different purposes, and, people can run a ssh console even via smartphones or Chromebooks.

--
Srdja

*to have a crosscompiler for macOS would be nice, but I guess Homebrew does the job for open source projects.