Best OS for Development

macOS

• Mac Mini or M1 Mac Mini:
  • "I'd probably go with a M1 Mac Mini instead of a Hackintosh. They should get cheaper now and you’ll have more official support."
  • Pros: Official support, reliable for dev work, works well with Xcode.
  • Cons: Cost, limited flexibility compared to Windows/Linux alternatives.
• MacBook Air or M2 Mac Mini:
  • "I’m running a big project on M1 Pro with 16GB of ram. No reason to upgrade, but if you want to go for it, ram upgrade would help the most."
  • Pros: Efficient for iOS development, reliable, runs Xcode smoothly.
  • Cons: Limited upgrade options, potential high cost for upgraded specs.

Windows

• Windows Operating System:
  • "WSL2 is now supported."
  • Pros: Compatible with various development tools, WSL for Linux functionalities.
  • Cons: Some compatibility issues with Apple-specific software, may require workarounds for certain tasks.

Linux

• Ubuntu or Debian-based distros:
  • "Use Linux mint for dev… Mint zero issues. Works great."
  • Pros: Stability, good Nvidia support, ideal for web development.
  • Cons: Requires manual driver installation in some cases.
• Nobara OS or CachyOS:
  • Pros: Stability, easy to use installer, good support for Nvidia graphics.
  • Cons: Limited user feedback available, may not suit all development needs.

Follow-up Resources

• OSDev Wiki: Comprehensive information on OS development topics.
• Operating Systems: Three Easy Pieces: Free online book with accompanying projects.
• Swift Resources: Swift Tour, Swiftful Thinking, Sean Allen's course for iOS development.
• AI Tools: ChatGPT, Sonnet 3.5, CodiumAI for code suggestions.
• Online Guides: 100 Days of Swift, 100 Days of SwiftUI for learning Swift and SwiftUI.

Additional Advice

• Budget-friendly suggestions: Consider refurbished or used Mac devices to start development.
• Learning Resources: Focus on Swift, SwiftUI, and UIKit for iOS development.
• Career Transition: Explore new skills in operating system development for a career change.
• Recommendations: Mac devices are favored for iOS development, but Linux and Windows are viable options with specific considerations.