The Changelog: Software Development, Open Source wsl.exe -- cat hello.cs (Friends)
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May 31, 2025 
Craig Loewen, a Product Manager at Microsoft for the Windows Subsystem for Linux, and Mads Torgersen, the Lead Designer for C#, delve into exciting tech innovations. They discuss the open-sourcing of WSL and how it bridges Linux with Windows, enhancing the developer experience. Mads shares insights into C#'s evolution and the delicate balancing act of innovation versus compatibility. The duo explores the impact of AI on programming, sparking a lively debate about the future of coding. Expect a mix of humor and tech savvy along the way!
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WSL Is Fully Open Source Now
- Microsoft has fully open sourced Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), except the old WSL1 tied to Windows image.
- WSL now ships out of band, enabling easy installation and community contributions.
Declarative Windows Setup With Winget
- Use Winget's new
winget configurewith YAML files to declaratively set your Windows machine state. - This avoids failure-prone scripts by ensuring only needed apps and settings are applied safely and idempotently.
WSL Architecture Explained
- WSL uses a lightweight utility virtual machine with a preloaded Linux kernel to start in about two seconds.
- It dynamically manages memory and mounts Windows drives and GPU for integrated Linux experience on Windows.