Fedora Linux Is Coming To Windows Subsystem For Linux (WSL)

The Fedora Project is actively exploring the creation of official Fedora Linux images for the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL). This initiative aims to simplify Fedora's accessibility for Windows users, eliminating the need for dual-booting or virtual machines. While still in its early phases, this proposal holds significant potential for expanding Fedora's user base.

The projected release for these WSL images is Fedora Linux 42. It's crucial to note that this remains a proposal, pending approval from the Fedora Engineering Steering Committee.

Table of Contents

• Why Offer Fedora WSL Images?
• How Will the Images Be Distributed?
• Required Development Efforts
• Advantages for Fedora
• Future Steps

What is WSL?

WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux) is a Windows feature enabling users to run a Linux environment directly within their Windows system. This seamless integration is particularly beneficial for developers needing both Windows and Linux tools.

WSL 2, the latest iteration, executes Linux distributions as isolated containers within a lightweight virtual machine managed by Windows. Key advantages include:

• Enhanced file system performance.
• Comprehensive system call compatibility.

Why Offer Fedora WSL Images?

This proposal seeks to streamline Fedora access for Windows users. A dedicated Fedora WSL image will enable users to:

• Experience Fedora's capabilities without significant system alterations.
• Gain familiarity with Fedora, potentially leading to its adoption as their primary Linux distribution.

How Will the Images Be Distributed?

The current plan proposes distributing Fedora WSL images as tarballs. This approach avoids the need for compliance with Microsoft Store policies and developer agreements, a factor that has historically influenced Fedora's decisions.

Recent WSL versions (2.4.4 and later) have enhanced the user experience for non-Store images, including:

• Support for initial setup scripts and icons within the tarball.
• Click-to-install functionality using the ".wsl" file extension.

While optimized for WSL 2.4.4 and later, comprehensive documentation will be provided for users of older versions.

Required Development Efforts

Creating Fedora WSL images requires:

• Integrating a WSL variant into the Fedora release repository.
• Providing a WSL configuration file and a ready-to-use setup script.
• Developing a Kiwi definition to generate a WSL root filesystem tarball.
• Producing documentation detailing tarball usage with WSL.
• Adding Fedora images to the WSL distribution list, allowing installation via wsl --install Fedora.
• Possibly adding a dedicated section to the Fedora Project website for increased visibility.

Advantages for Fedora

Official Fedora WSL images offer several key benefits:

• Expanded reach and accessibility: Connecting with a broader audience of Windows users unfamiliar with Fedora.
• Improved user experience: Providing a streamlined and intuitive way to experience Fedora on Windows.
• Growth potential: Fostering wider adoption of Fedora as a primary Linux distribution.

Future Steps

The proposal is currently under review within the Fedora community. Upon approval by the Fedora Engineering Steering Committee, development will commence on the necessary infrastructure and WSL image creation. The target release for these images remains Fedora Linux 42.

Resource:

• //m.sbmmt.com/link/417d74e9ae411005a9e96e80231b0085

Related Read:

• Install Windows Subsystem For Linux With Single Command

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