Title: Why Do Web Developers Favor macOS and Linux? An Examination of Platform Choices

In the realm of web development, the choice of operating system often sparks debate among professionals. Many seasoned developers prefer macOS or Linux over Windows, citing various advantages aligned with their workflows. Recently, I undertook the development of a full-stack application, and this experience prompted me to explore the reasons behind these preferences more deeply.

A Comparative Experience: Windows vs. macOS

Throughout my project, working within a Windows environment proved to be unexpectedly smooth. Tasks such as deploying code repositories to GitHub and publishing applications via platforms like Render and Netlify were remarkably straightforward. The main hurdle I encountered was configuring environment variables correctly—a challenge that, while noteworthy, was manageable.

Conversely, using my Mac for development presented different frustrations. Although I reserve my Mac primarily for personal tasks like email and media consumption, I attempted to set it up for development work. This process highlighted several issues. For instance, PostgreSQL management through PgAdmin was fraught with unusual problems absent in Windows environments. Managing applications also felt inconsistent—some install via Launchpad, others land in arbitrary directories, and some simply appear through package managers like Homebrew without clear organization. Furthermore, I don’t frequently use command-line tools, so the Unix terminal interface and associated workflows felt less intuitive and more cumbersome for my needs.

Is Experience the Key to Platform Preference?

I recognize that my limited familiarity with Unix-based systems and terminal commands might contribute to these frustrations. However, it raises an important question: Are there genuine, compelling reasons to develop primarily on macOS or Linux? Based on my recent experiences, I’ve observed that tasks such as navigating the file system, installing tools, and managing development environments can sometimes be more straightforward within a Windows context, especially if you’re not heavily reliant on command-line operations.

Why Do Many Developers Prefer Unix-Based Systems?

A common argument in the developer community is that Linux and macOS serve as ideal platforms because they mirror the environment where applications are deployed. For instance, deploying to Linux-based servers, utilizing containers with Docker, or working with microservices architectures involving Kafka, Spark, or other distributed systems, often benefits from a similar development environment.

However, does this need extend to simpler projects? For example, building a React and Node.js application that doesn’t leverage real-time streaming or distributed computing—does the operating system choice still matter as much?

Personal Preference and Practicality