Development

Why I Chose Mac Over Windows for Programming

A journey through OS wars, from Windows to Ubuntu, and why I finally settled on the Apple ecosystem.

Dhruba Baishya

Software Architect

Jan 26, 2026

6 min read

The "OS War" is a rite of passage for every developer. We all go through it. You start with what you have, you experiment with the "hacker's choice" (Linux), and eventually, you settle on what makes you most productive. For me, that final destination was macOS.

But I didn't get here overnight. I spent years on Windows and had a significant (and educational) stint with Linux, specifically Ubuntu. Here is why, despite the high price tag, I believe the Mac is the superior tool for development in 2026.

The Linux (Ubuntu) Chapter

Before I jumped to Mac, I was all-in on Linux. I used Ubuntu as my daily driver.

What I Loved:

Server Parity: My local environment was identical to production.
Package Management: apt-get is legendary.

Why I Left:

Often times in Ubuntu, I ended up crashing it due to some system upgrades or package conflicts. I constantly had problems with Bluetooth and other drivers.

More specifically, when working on Ubuntu, I just didn't feel like it was good enough for the daily productivity that Mac offers. It wasn't just about code; it was about the friction in everything else. I realized I wanted to be a developer, not a system administrator for my own machine.

The Windows Reality

Windows has come a long way, especially with WSL2. But every time I start developing on a Windows machine, I hit a point where I spend hours just trying to make things work.

For example, recently I was working on a dev container with WSL. It was incredibly hard to get a Next.js app running alongside Storybook. I spent hours trying to fix how the workspace synced with the Storybook app—issues that had nothing to do with my code and everything to do with the environment.

I am at a stage where I build solutions using a complex collection of tech stacks and tools. On Windows, I often end up hitting obscure environment issues that even AI can't assist in solving because they are unique to the way Windows bridges into the Linux world.

Why Mac Won Me Over

1.Unix-like Productivity & Stability

With Mac, I get the same benefits of a Unix-like programming setup, but it’s paired with incredible hardware. The stability is unmatched. I have honestly realized how fast I can get things done when the tool just works.

2.The Mobile Development Advantage

This is a huge one. On Windows, you simply cannot build iOS apps legally or effectively. You are locked out of half the mobile ecosystem. On a Mac, I can build, test, and deploy for both iOS and Android. It is the only platform that allows you to target 100% of the mobile market without compromises.

3.Hardware & Gestures

The trackpad gestures and window management on macOS feel like an extension of my brain. It seems more productive because the OS navigation is so fluid. Coupled with the M-series chips, the performance is just there, always ready, without the fan noise or heat.

4.The Apple Ecosystem

It’s not just the Mac; it’s how it talks to everything else. Copying on my iPhone and pasting it onto my Mac, or using my iPad as a seamless second display with Sidecar—these aren't just gimmicks. They are workflow accelerators. The synergy between macOS, iOS, and iPadOS removes friction I didn't even know I had.

A real-world example: Medical insurance reimbursements. I can now simply open a folder on my Mac, right-click to "Import from iPhone" > "Scan Documents", and instantly snap photos of my bills and prescriptions. They appear directly on my Mac as PDFs, ready to upload to the portal. No third-party scanner apps, no emailing photos to myself, no WhatsApp workarounds. It just works.

But... I Still Keep a PC

Don't get me wrong, I still love my Windows PC—for gaming. I'm a huge fan of open-world games. You will catch me playing FIFA, GTA, F1, or Red Dead Redemption 2. And yes, I unironically love driving my truck around in Euro Truck Simulator to relax. But when it's time to work, the PC stays off, and the MacBook opens up.

Conclusion

I’m not saying Ubuntu or Windows are bad operating systems. They work for millions of people. But for me, they presented friction that I wasn't willing to deal with anymore. macOS has simply made me much more productive.

Is a Mac expensive? Yes. But consider this: when I was looking for a laptop that offered true portability without sacrificing performance—crucial for programmers and editors—I realized that premium Windows machines are just as pricey. The price gap narrows significantly when you compare specs for specs.

But beyond the initial cost, consider the ROI (Return on Investment). For a professional developer, your computer is your primary instrument. macOS provides the stability of Windows with the power of Linux, wrapped in hardware that is generations ahead. It allows me to focus 100% on building software, not fixing my tools. That peace of mind, and the hours saved from debugging driver issues, pays for itself ten times over.