Apple users tend to only mention Apple related tools when developing. Really wish there were more windows developers/references to get started with.

I actually have both and prefer to use my Windows machine ever since dialing it in.. works like a charm and has stayed snappy for years, with some upkeep.

Just be sure to monitor/scrub your system after each Windows update. I really think testing is just another four-letter word for the folks that are sending them out..or a way to force you to get a new computer after they "force-break" it.. not sure at this point. A "full fubar" update is an ever-present threat.. but I digress

For other Windows developers that come along, there's 3 tools that'll have everything you'll ever need (or, that I've ever needed anyway):

For Developing with Laravel/PHP:

(when valet is mentioned)

Laragon

For Pulling In Development Tools:

when Homebrew is mentioned, pretty straightforward and easy to use

Chocolatey

...or a very handy alternative, but may be a bit overkill for a new developer

Scoop

Scoop update: Back when I'd originally posted this, scoop generally required one to manually compile/track down the "buckets" that one would make use of. There's now a convenient way to search through the apps/buckets they provide: Apps: https://scoop.sh/#/apps?s=0&d=1&o=true Buckets: https://scoop.sh/#/buckets

And you're all set to go

btw.. wsl is a great concept but ive always found it to be garbage when compared with other alternatives out there. One mans opinion.

Initial Environment Setup and Composer

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