Microsoft Unveils Windows Terminal and WSL 2 for Developers
Microsoft introduces a new GPU-accelerated Windows Terminal and a faster Linux kernel-based WSL 2, both arriving in June alongside tools for cross-platform and legacy app development.
Microsoft unveils a suite of new developer tools at its Build 2019 conference, headlined by the preview of Windows Terminal. This new application targets command-line users with a GPU-accelerated text rendering engine, offering tabs, tear-away windows, and comprehensive Unicode support including emojis and custom themes. It serves as a centralized hub for PowerShell, Cmd, and Windows Subsystem for Linux environments.
The tech giant also reveals Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) 2, which integrates a full Linux 4.19 kernel originally built for Azure. This upgrade promises significantly faster file-system operations like Node Package Manager installs and enables native Docker container execution without virtual machines. Both Windows Terminal and WSL 2 are scheduled for release in mid-June.
Beyond the terminal updates, Microsoft rolls out XAML Islands to bridge older Win32 applications with modern Universal Windows Platform controls. The company also releases a performance-focused React Native for Windows on GitHub and introduces a preview of MSIX Core, which allows developers to use a single Windows 10 MSIX installer for legacy Windows 7 and 8 systems.