why This Article?
It always feel like a puzzle while starting development on Windows. This guide walks you through exactly how I did it—based on some research i did.
What You'll Set Up
1.Git + GitHub SSH (secure key auth)
2.Python 3.10+ (not from Microsoft Store!)
3.Text Editor(VS Code)
4.WSL2 (Linux on Windows)
5.Docker Desktop
1.Install Git & Configure GitHub SSH
Download the official Git installer from git-scm.com
Run the executable and follow these installation options:
Select "Use Git from the Windows Command Prompt" (adds Git to PATH)
Choose "Checkout Windows-style, commit Unix-style line endings" (recommended)
Pick "Use Windows' default console window" (or "Use MinTTY" if you prefer Git Bash)
Complete the installation and verify in Command Prompt/PowerShell:
bash
git --version
Set Up SSH for GitHub
- Install Git & Configure GitHub SSH Download Git from git-scm.com
Set up SSH for GitHub
In Git Bash, run:
bash
Copy
Edit
ssh-keygen -t ed25519 -C "[email protected]"
Press Enter 3 times to accept defaults.
clip < ~/.ssh/id_ed25519.pub
- Go to GitHub SSH Keys Settings
- Click New SSH Key
- Paste the copied key into the “Key” field
- Name it something like "Windows Laptop"
- Click Add SSH Key
To test whether you have added the ke correctly you will run this:
ssh -T [email protected]
2.Python
You will use this link; https://www.python.org/downloads/
Use the windows option
During installation,
- Add Python to Path.
- Then install.
After installation use this: (python --version) to check the version.
3.Vs Code
I decided to use (VS Code)as my text editor of choice because it's lightweight, incredibly fast, and very beginner-friendly. It also has a vibrant extension ecosystem, built-in Git support, and seamless integration with tools like Python, Docker, and WSL — making it ideal for both newcomers and experienced developers alike.
use this link to download;https://code.visualstudio.com/
After installation and taking a small tour on the editor , add some extensions
This is how Vs Code look like and its easy to learn and navigate.
4.Install WSL(windows Subsystem for Linux)
This gives a linux enviroment.
In Admin PowerShell Run;
wsl --install
Then restart the laptop when prompted.Choose linux distro(i prefered ubunt since am a beginner).You can set up username and password.
5.Install Docker Desktop for Windows
You can use this link to download;https://www.docker.com/products/docker-desktop/
Download Docker desktop then follow the prompts given and if need be restart your laptop.
Top comments (1)
amazing!