Microsoft has announced the open source development of the WSL subsystem (Windows Subsystem for Linux), allowing you to run Linux-applications in WindowsIt is noted that anyone can now build WSL from source code and participate in its development. Among other things, Microsoft has begun accepting patches and new features from community members. The code is published under the MIT license. A website, wsl.dev, has been launched for developers interested in contributing to the project.
WSL provides a virtual machine with a full kernel. Linux (based on the 6.6 branch), which can run distributions LinuxThe core includes WSL-specific changes, such as optimizations to reduce startup time and memory consumption, the ability to revert Windows released LinuxMemory and configuration processes to eliminate unnecessary drivers and subsystems. The system is installed in a separate disk image (VHD) with an ext4 file system and a virtual network adapter.
WSL kernel-related components Linux and the wslg graphics stack, used to run GUI applications on Wayland and X11, were initially developed as open source, but all associated tooling remained proprietary. The following components have now been open sourced:
- The command line utilities wsl.exe, wslconfig.exe, and wslg.exe used to interact with WSL.
- The wslservice.exe service is used to start and activate the virtual machine in it. Linux-environment and mounting of file systems.
- Background processes running in Linux-environment for accessing WSL functionality. For example, the init process for initialization, gns for setting up network access, and localhost for port forwarding.
- Plan9 process with implementation Server Plan9, used in WSL for shared access Linux-files from Windows.
Remain part Windows and are not currently open:
- The Lxcore.sys kernel driver used to run ELF executables through the compatibility layer.
- The P9rdr.sys driver and the p9np.dll library, which provide redirection of access to the file system "\\wsl.localhost" when accessed from Windows к Linux.
At the same time, Microsoft opened the source code of its console text editor Edit, written in the Rust language and aimed at being delivered by default in 64-bit versions, under the MIT license. WindowsIn the coming months, the editor will be available for review and testing in builds. Windows Insider Program, after which it will be included in the standard delivery Windows 11.
The editor attempted to implement a modern interface with VS Code-style control. The stated goal is to provide an interface that would be clear and easy to use even for those who have no experience working in the terminal. The editor is compact and takes up only 250kB on disk. The following features are mentioned: a menu system, keyboard shortcuts or mouse control, support for tabs and simultaneous work with several files, search and replace operations, and automatic text wrapping mode.
Additionally, it can be noted that this issue was fixed in the May update. Windows an error that made it impossible to load some Linux- systems in dual-boot configurations, in which both operating systems are used on one computer Windows и LinuxThe issue arose in August last year and was only recently fixed (previously, the fix required manually deleting the SBAT data installed in UEFI). The gist of the bug is that Microsoft wanted to block the ability to bypass Secure Boot mode using vulnerable versions of GRUB on computers that only use Windows, but didn't take into account the nuances. As a result, the change led to a disruption in the boot process for users of dual-boot systems using distributions Linux with non-updated SBAT parameters and GRUB boot loader.
Source: opennet.ru
