Setting Up a Development Environment with WSL2 + Ubuntu + Git

What I Learned

I usually develop on a Mac, but recently I’ve had more opportunities to teach development to Windows users. So I organized the procedure for setting up a development environment on Windows. With the combination of WSL2 + Ubuntu + Git + VS Code, you can build a comfortable Linux development environment on Windows similar to Mac. It’s lighter than virtual machines and file sharing with Windows is smooth.

Details

0. Prerequisites

  • Windows 10 (21H2 or later) or Windows 11
  • User with administrator privileges
  • Virtualization support (Intel VT-x / AMD-V) enabled in BIOS/UEFI
  • Internet connection

1. WSL2 Setup

1-1. Installation

Run the following in PowerShell (Administrator):

1wsl --install

If prompted to restart, make sure to restart.

1-2. Confirm Ubuntu Installation

After restart, in PowerShell:

1wsl -l -v

If Ubuntu is not displayed, manually install:

1wsl --install -d Ubuntu

Or install “Ubuntu” from the Microsoft Store.

1-3. First Ubuntu Launch

On first launch, set:

  • UNIX username
  • Password

The Ubuntu terminal is now ready to use.

2. Ubuntu System Update

Run the following in the Ubuntu terminal:

1sudo apt update
2sudo apt upgrade -y

3. Git Installation

3-1. Install Git

1sudo apt install -y git

3-2. Git User Configuration

1git config --global user.name "Your Name"
2git config --global user.email "you@example.com"

Verify:

1git config --global --list

4. VS Code WSL Integration

4-1. Install VS Code

Install VS Code on the Windows side (download from the official site).

4-2. Install Extension

  1. Launch VS Code
  2. Open the Extensions icon
  3. Search for Remote - WSL
  4. Install

4-3. Verify WSL Connection

In the Ubuntu terminal:

1code .

If VS Code launches and WSL: Ubuntu is displayed in the lower left, it’s successful.

5. Create Development Directory

In the Ubuntu terminal:

1mkdir -p ~/dev
2cd ~/dev

Create project folder:

1mkdir myapp
2cd myapp

This becomes the project root.

6. Initialize Git Repository

6-1. Initialize Repository

1cd ~/dev/myapp
2git init

6-2. Create .gitignore

1nano .gitignore

Example content (minimum necessary):

# Python
.venv/
__pycache__/

# Node
node_modules/

# VS Code
.vscode/

# OS
.DS_Store

Save: Ctrl + O → Enter Exit: Ctrl + X

6-3. First Commit

1git add .
2git commit -m "first commit"

Completed Environment

The above procedure completes the following:

  • WSL2 + Ubuntu setup
  • Git available on Ubuntu side
  • VS Code integrated with WSL
  • Project directory prepared at ~/dev/myapp
  • .gitignore configured and git init completed
  • Ready to introduce Python (uv) or Node.js as needed and start development

Advantages

  • Lightweight: Less resource consumption than virtual machines
  • Integration: Windows and Linux file systems work seamlessly together
  • Development Efficiency: Linux toolchain can be used directly on Windows

References

wsl2 ubuntu git vscode windows setup