How to Choose the Best OS for Web Development: The 4 Major Operating Systems’ Pros and Cons

Over the years we’ve heard plenty of arguments regarding the best OS for web development, hence we’ve came up with a list of advantages and disadvantages of the most popuar operating systems – Windows, Linux and Mac OS.

Features available on all platforms

• Most developer tools, including IDE’s are available on all platforms
• Most platforms can run another platform within themselves through a 3rd party app
• All platforms can use Git
• Most languages can be used on all platforms

Windows OS Features

• Most services or products are specifically designed for Windows
• Some servers use this platform
• It’s not POSIX
• Has plenty of security issues
• Can use Photoshop
• Very few useful apps are pre-installed
• Major upgrades are slow – 2-3 in a decade

Mac OS Features

• Can use Photoshop
• Too many features are pay-to-use
• Is POSIX
• Visually stunning
• Major upgrades are often – every few years and easily installed
• Very few servers use this platform
• Many useful apps are pre-installed
• Installs programs through the GUI by default

Linux OS Features

• Many servers use a variation of this platform
• Is POSIX
• Offers Photoshop alternatives but no Photoshop
• Is not user friendly
• Most apps are free or open source
• Installs apps and programs through CLI by default
• Has a few useful applications pre-installed
• Major upgrades are often, every one or two years

Conclusions: Which Is The Best OS for Web Development After All?

All operating systems have some advantages and disadvantages and in the end it’s a good idea to pick the one you feel most comfortable with or the one which benefits you the most.