Setting Up Git, Python, WSL, Docker & GitHub SSH on Windows"
- Setting up a modern development environment on Windows can feel like a maze—between Git, Python, WSL, Docker, and SSH keys, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. But hey don't give up
- In this step-by-step guide, I’ll walk you through everything I did to set up a powerful and efficient development workflow on Windows that’s ready for serious coding, DevOps, and cross-platform development.
** Tools We’ll Set Up:**
-Git
-Python 3.10+
-Text Editor (VS Code or PyCharm)
-WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux)
-Docker
-GitHub SSH Authentication
1. Install Git
Git is essential for version control and working with GitHub.
Steps:
- Download Git from git-scm.com
- Run the installer (use default options)
- Restart your terminal Verify:
2.Install Python 3.10+
Steps:
Download Python 3.10+ from: https://www.python.org/downloads/
During setup:
Check “Add Python to PATH”
Click Install Now
Verify:
3. Choose a Code Editor
I chose *PyCharm * for my workflow
-Download: https://www.jetbrains.com/pycharm/download/
-Choose Community Edition (Free)
-Install
4.Install WSL (Linux for Windows)
- WSL lets you run Linux commands and tools directly on Windows. Steps:
- Ensure the PC has virtualization enabled
Open PowerShell as Administrator
Run:
wsl --installThis installs Ubuntu by default
Restart your PC
Verify:
wsl --version
5. Install Docker
Docker lets you run containers for development and testing.
Steps:
- Download Docker Desktop: https://www.docker.com/products/docker-desktop/
- During installation:
- Enable WSL2 Integration
- Start Docker and log in
Verify:
6. Configure Git with GitHub via SSH
Step A: Generate SSH Key
Press Enter to accept the default file location
Step B: Start ssh-agent and add your key
Step C: Add the Key to GitHub
- Copy the output
- Go to GitHub → Settings → SSH and GPG Keys → New SSH Key
- Paste and save
Step D: Test SSH Connection
Setting all this up may seem like a lot, but now I’ve built a powerful, environment right on my Windows machine. This setup is ideal for backend development, Python scripting, and DevOps workflows.
Your thoughts??
Top comments (3)
Nice, always hits home seeing full setups broken down step by step. Been there, done that - it really does save hours of head scratching.
great!
Thanks