Complete Guide: Setting Up WSL, Ubuntu, and Zsh in VS Code

1. Install Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) and Ubuntu

Enable WSL and Virtual Machine Platform

1. Open PowerShell as Administrator and run:

   wsl --install

2. Restart your computer if prompted.

Install Ubuntu

1. Open PowerShell and install Ubuntu:

   wsl --install -d Ubuntu

2. Once installed, search for Ubuntu in the Start Menu and open it.
3. Set up your UNIX username and password (this is different from your Windows account).

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2. Update Ubuntu and Install Essential Packages

After opening Ubuntu, update and upgrade packages:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

Install essential tools:

sudo apt install -y curl git zsh wget

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3. Install and Set Up Zsh with Oh My Zsh

Install Oh My Zsh

sh -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/ohmyzsh/ohmyzsh/master/tools/install.sh)"

Press Y when asked to change your default shell.

Install Plugins for Zsh

Enhance your Zsh experience with the following plugins:

git clone https://github.com/zsh-users/zsh-syntax-highlighting.git ${ZSH_CUSTOM:-$HOME/.oh-my-zsh/custom}/plugins/zsh-syntax-highlighting
git clone https://github.com/zsh-users/zsh-autosuggestions ${ZSH_CUSTOM:-$HOME/.oh-my-zsh/custom}/plugins/zsh-autosuggestions

Edit the Zsh configuration file:

nano ~/.zshrc

Find the plugins= line and modify it:

plugins=(git zsh-syntax-highlighting zsh-autosuggestions)

Save and exit (Ctrl + X, then Y, then Enter), then apply the changes:

source ~/.zshrc

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4. Install Powerlevel10k for a Beautiful Terminal

Download Powerlevel10k Theme

git clone --depth=1 https://github.com/romkatv/powerlevel10k.git ${ZSH_CUSTOM:-$HOME/.oh-my-zsh/custom}/themes/powerlevel10k

Set Powerlevel10k as the Default Theme

1. Open the Zsh configuration file:

   nano ~/.zshrc

2. Find the line:

   ZSH_THEME="robbyrussell"

   Replace it with:

   ZSH_THEME="powerlevel10k/powerlevel10k"

3. Save and exit.
4. Apply changes:

   source ~/.zshrc

5. Restart your terminal to begin Powerlevel10k configuration and follow the prompts.

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5. Install Neovim for an Improved Terminal Editor

Install Neovim

sudo apt install -y neovim

Set Neovim as the Default Editor

echo "export EDITOR=nvim" >> ~/.zshrc
source ~/.zshrc

Enhance Neovim with Plugins

1. Install vim-plug (plugin manager for Neovim):

   curl -fLo ~/.local/share/nvim/site/autoload/plug.vim --create-dirs \
       https://raw.githubusercontent.com/junegunn/vim-plug/master/plug.vim

2. Open Neovim and edit the config file:

   nvim ~/.config/nvim/init.vim

3. Add the following basic plugin setup:

   call plug#begin()
   Plug 'morhetz/gruvbox'
   Plug 'tpope/vim-sensible'
   Plug 'junegunn/fzf.vim'
   call plug#end()
   
   syntax on
   colorscheme gruvbox
   set number

4. Save and exit (Esc, then type :wq).

5. Install the plugins inside Neovim:

   :PlugInstall

6. Restart Neovim for changes to take effect.

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6. Sync VS Code Extensions Between Windows and WSL

To use the same extensions in both environments:

1. Open VS Code on Windows.
2. Sign in to your GitHub or Microsoft account to enable Settings Sync.
3. Open VS Code inside WSL using:

   code .

4. Sign in again and enable syncing.
5. Your extensions and settings should now be synced!

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7. Difference Between Zsh and Neovim

• Zsh is an interactive shell for running commands, while Neovim is a powerful text editor.
• Zsh helps with command-line efficiency, auto-suggestions, and plugins.
• Neovim is optimized for coding, with syntax highlighting, plugins, and customization.
• Using Both: You can configure Neovim as your Zsh editor by setting:

  export EDITOR=nvim

  This allows you to edit files inside your terminal seamlessly.

Pros: ✅ Neovim as default editor in Zsh streamlines workflow. ✅ Zsh enhances command-line experience.

Cons: ❌ Using both might be overwhelming for beginners. ❌ Requires time to configure properly.

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✅ Now you have the perfect dual-terminal setup: Windows for daily tasks & Ubuntu for development! 🚀