virtualization
Linux container CLI and API for Windows applications
Now not only can you run Linux from within Windows without third-party tools, but can do so within containers. Microsoft has continued the trend of the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) being one of the company's more interesting developer technologies with the arrival of a public preview of WSL containers.According to Microsoft, the update adds a pair of new features to WSL: "A built in Linux container CLI and an API for Windows applications to run Linux containers as part of their app logic."Microsoft senior project manager Craig Loewen said, "this CLI tool has a familiar format and capabilities," and indeed it does. If Docker is something you know, the wslc.exe syntax (wslc.exe is the new binary) will be very familiar. There's also a built-in alias for container.exe for users who prefer to type container instead of wslc.
"Containers," said Loewen, "have become a foundational part of modern development – from cloud-native applications and AI workloads to testing and deployment pipelines.
"WSL containers simplify this experience by providing a built-in, enterprise-ready way to create, run, and manage Linux containers on Windows, without requiring additional third-party tooling."WSL has always been a handy way to run Linux workloads from Windows, and is particularly convenient for Linux developers who must comply with corporate edicts to use a Windows device. The CLI for end-to-end container workflows furthers this. Microsoft stated, "WSL containers make it easier for developers and organizations to build, test, and run containerized workloads while benefiting from the security, manageability, and integration of the Windows platform."
