From Linux to MacOS: A Journey of Surprising Delight
Tags: webdev, productivity, programming
Published: 2023-07-03 16:14:33

In a world where opinions clash and technology fandoms thrive, I found myself as an unlikely critic of all things Apple. From their UI decisions on iPhones to their closed ecosystem, I was known to roll my eyes at the mere mention of macOS. But life has a funny way of challenging our preconceived notions. In a surprising turn of events, I recently embarked on a journey that led me to switch from Linux to macOS. Expecting a bumpy road ahead, I braced myself for the worst. However, what unfolded was a delightful surprise that left me grinning like a Cheshire cat. Join me on this whimsical journey as I share how macOS charmed its way into my heart, turning this once skeptical critic into a happy convert.

## Day 1: A Leap of Faith

As I unboxed my shiny new MacBook Air, a wave of uncertainty washed over me. Holding it in my hands, I couldn't help but ponder the decision I had made. Why would I trade in my powerful, open-source Linux machine, armed with 16GB RAM, a whopping 512GB SSD, and a trusty NVIDIA graphics card, for this seemingly corporate contraption with a mere 8GB of RAM?


![Macbook](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/j2bwafy4jpupakuayhun.png)

With a deep breath, I reminded myself that sometimes stepping out of our comfort zones can lead to unexpected adventures. As I powered on the MacBook Air, I decided to keep an open mind and give macOS a fair chance to prove its worth. After all, who knows what hidden surprises this seemingly modest machine might have in store for me?

One of the remarkable aspects of transitioning from Linux to macOS was the surprisingly smooth setup process. Unlike the intricate steps and time-consuming configurations often required on my Linux machines, setting up my Mac proved to be remarkably efficient and hassle-free.


![Apple Boot screen](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/b89idildnwo2omp71gt2.jpg)

Reflecting on this experience, I realized the value of a system that prioritizes user-friendly setup without compromising functionality. The ability to swiftly get my development environment up and running allowed me to focus more on my work and less on troubleshooting technicalities

## Day 2 to 5: An unforeseen hiccup

As I ventured further into my transition from Linux to macOS, I encountered an unexpected hiccup during one of my Node.js projects. Connecting to an Oracle database required Oracle Library, but unfortunately, there were no compatible versions available for the Mac M1 architecture.

The realization of this limitation brought forth a momentary sense of frustration. The smooth setup experience I had previously praised now revealed a gap in compatibility and availability. It served as a reminder that no operating system is without its constraints and that transitioning between platforms often entails a degree of adaptation. This limitation hindered my progress, but I remained determined to find a solution. I discovered Rosetta—a remarkable feature. Rosetta seamlessly runs software designed for previous architectures on the M1 chip, overcoming compatibility issues effortlessly.


![Changed Architecture using Rosetta](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/lny9tnvzof2fuwfp1csd.png)

Realizing the power of Rosetta was a highlight of my journey. It showcased Apple's dedication to a seamless transition and user satisfaction. The ability to switch architectures with ease demonstrated Apple's engineering prowess and attention to detail.

## Day 5 to 20

During this phase, I discovered an array of developer-friendly features that made my JavaScript development experience truly delightful.

I discovered a powerful macOS-exclusive terminal called "warp" designed for JavaScript developers. It offered features like an AI assistant, similar to "ask warp," and VS Code-like shortcuts and commands. Warp's capabilities deserve a separate blog to delve into its full potential and how it enhances the developer's workflow.



![Warp Terminal](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/vrznla59sk2l2lyxd20g.png)

[Install Warp in your MacOS](https://app.warp.dev/referral/Z963WL)

## Day 21 to 40

As I become more accustomed to the operating system, I'm starting to appreciate its unique features, even though some take a bit of getting used to. For example, the Command button being positioned differently from the standard leftmost position initially seemed strange, but now I find it intriguing.

However, I do miss the Windows button that I used in Ubuntu to quickly view all my running apps. Its absence in MacOS makes it a bit challenging for me to navigate between applications efficiently. Additionally, the gestures initially felt unfamiliar and didn't make much sense, but I'm gradually understanding their purpose and finding them more intuitive.

One thing that still surprises me is the complete absence of Alt+F4, a familiar keyboard shortcut for closing windows. Instead, Extreme Delight relies on the Command+Q combination, which not only closes the active window but also closes all other windows of the same application. It took me some time to adjust to this behavior, as I often found myself missing the simplicity of Alt+F4.

And not only the good things missing, but the bad things missing too hihi the start menu with it sluggish search bar, The almost always bugging out task bar area and a itching edge dominance/defaulting.

The switch from Windows to macOS not only brings the absence of certain positive features but also provides relief from some frustrating aspects. Gone is the sluggish Start Menu search and occasional taskbar bugs that Windows users might have encountered. Additionally, there is no dominant push for a specific browser, unlike Microsoft Edge in Windows. Overall, macOS offers a more stable and reliable experience while respecting user preferences and providing a smoother interface.


![Bad Windows Search Bar](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/1ywtw20pbujll89qol19.jpg)

## The last 20 days

During my last 20 days in macOS after transitioning from Ubuntu, there have been several standout features that I absolutely love. The touchpad has been a true delight, with its incredible haptic feedback and seamless navigation. I also appreciate the Safari integration with a fingerprint-based password manager, which adds convenience and security to my browsing experience. 

And let's not forget about the zsh shell, which is like having a witty and lightning-fast personal assistant in the command line. It's the only shell that can tell a "ls" from an "ls -al" joke without missing a beat.

## Conclusion

In conclusion, my transition to macOS from Ubuntu has been a positive and enjoyable experience. I have discovered numerous features that I genuinely love, such as the responsive touchpad, seamless window transitions, and the convenience of Safari's fingerprint-based password manager. The zsh shell has been a delight to use, adding a touch of humour and efficiency to my command-line interactions. Whether it's the fast-moving mouse pointer or the quick access to the side bar for fun shortcuts, macOS has truly added an element of fun to my computing life and the streamlined installation process, macOS has exceeded my expectations. Overall, these past 60 days have been a delightful journey, filled with both productivity and laughter