As previously promised, Microsoft has announced the imminent arrival of the Microsoft Edge browser on Linux. Confirming that next month, during October 2020, Microsoft Edge on Linux will be available to download on the Dev preview channel. This marks a significant step for Microsoft as it continues to expand its ecosystem and cater to a broader range of users. In addition, Microsoft is also bringing support for running Linux applications with a graphical user interface (GUI) to the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL).
Microsoft Edge on Linux: A New Era
The introduction of Microsoft Edge on Linux is a notable development for both Microsoft and the Linux community. Historically, Linux users have had limited options when it comes to browsers, often relying on Firefox or Chromium-based browsers. The availability of Microsoft Edge on Linux not only provides an additional choice but also brings features that are unique to Edge, such as enhanced security, performance optimizations, and integration with Microsoft services.
“When it’s available, Linux users can go to the Microsoft Edge Insiders site to download the preview channel, or they can download it from the native Linux package manager. And just like other platforms, we always appreciate feedback—it’s the best way to serve our customers.”
This move is part of Microsoft’s broader strategy to embrace open-source and cross-platform compatibility. By making Edge available on Linux, Microsoft is acknowledging the growing importance of Linux in various sectors, including development, education, and enterprise environments. This could potentially lead to increased adoption of Edge among developers who prefer Linux for its flexibility and robustness.
Expanding the Developer Toolkit
In addition to bringing the Microsoft Edge Dev channel to Linux, Microsoft is also expanding its developer toolkit. Both WebView2 and the Visual Studio Code 1.0 extension are moving out of preview to general availability in the coming months. This is a significant enhancement for developers who rely on these tools for building and testing applications.
WebView2 is particularly noteworthy because it is decoupled from specific versions of Windows, offering full web functionality across Windows apps. This means developers can build applications that leverage the latest web technologies without worrying about compatibility issues with different Windows versions. The Visual Studio Code 1.0 extension, available in the VS Studio extension store, enables seamless workflows for developers as they switch between different contexts, making it easier to manage complex projects.
“In addition to bringing the Microsoft Edge Dev channel to Linux, we’re also expanding the developer toolkit with both WebView2 and the Visual Studio Code 1.0 extension moving out of preview to general availability in the coming months. WebView2 is decoupled from specific versions of Windows to offer full web functionality across Windows apps, and the Visual Studio Code 1.0 extension (found in the VS Studio extension store) enables seamless workflows for devs as they switch between contexts.”
The integration of these tools into the Microsoft ecosystem underscores the company’s commitment to providing a comprehensive development environment. By offering robust tools that work seamlessly across different platforms, Microsoft is making it easier for developers to create high-quality applications, regardless of the operating system they prefer.
The arrival of Microsoft Edge on Linux and the expansion of the developer toolkit are significant milestones for Microsoft. These developments not only enhance the user experience for Linux users but also provide powerful tools for developers. As Microsoft continues to embrace open-source and cross-platform compatibility, it is clear that the company is committed to serving a diverse and growing community of users and developers.
Source: Liliputing
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