How to Download and Install Cygwin?

What is Cygwin?

Cygwin is like a bridge that lets Windows computers talk to Linux. It comes with tools that make Windows feel more like Linux. Inside Cygwin, there is a special piece called cygwin1.dll, this piece helps Windows understand Linux-style commands, and with Cygwin, you can use typical Linux tools either through its own bash shell or through the regular Windows Command Prompt.

We can imagine Cygwin as a box of tools having llvm (which has GCC compilers), Clang (with Clang compilers), GDB (a debugger for both compilers), make/cmake (tools for saying how to build C++ programs).

Advantages of Using Cygwin over Command Prompt or WSL

• Cygwin is a tool that lets Windows understand UNIX commands. It adds a "UNIX command center" to your Windows, allowing you to use handy tools from the UNIX/Linux world on your Windows computer.
• Cygwin saves you from installing a whole Linux system if you just want to use a few Linux tools on your Windows. It lets you use these tools directly within Windows.
• Cygwin is smart at using your computer's power. It's designed to work well with Windows, essentially creating a "make-believe Linux layer" on your Windows. This makes using Linux-like tools smooth and easy.
• Cygwin is great for tasks like testing or building projects with these special tools on your Windows.
• Cygwin is a great choice if you're on an older version of Windows.

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How to Download Cygwin?

• Go to the official Cygwin website https://www.cygwin.com/ and look for the "Install Cygwin" button.
• Click on the link to access the Cygwin download page.
• It's usually labeled as "setup-x86_64.exe" for 64-bit systems or "setup-x86.exe" for 32-bit systems).
• Choose a location on your computer to save the Cygwin download installer file.
• You have to remember this location, as you'll need to run the installer from here.

Installing Cygwin

• Run the executable file you downloaded earlier. This will start the setup program, as you can see in the image below and just lick "Next" to move ahead.

• You'll be asked about where to install Cygwin and whether it's for "All Users" or just you. Then, select "Next" to move forward.

• Now, the setup will ask you where to put the package files you're going to download. By default, it points to your computer's "Download" folder. If you prefer a different location, you can specify it here. Subsequently, select "Next" to continue with the setup.

• For most situations, "Using System Proxy Settings" is good for downloading packages. But if you don't need a proxy and want to directly connect to the Internet, choose "Direct Connection." and just press the "Next" button to continue.

• Next, you'll be prompted to choose a mirror. This is where Cygwin will fetch its package files and if there's a mirror near your location that can provide a faster connection, select that. If you're not sure, any mirror from the list will work. Click "Next" to proceed.

• Cygwin offers many UNIX/Linux tools for Windows. Not all of them are installed by default. Only the most important ones are included.
• In this step, you can customize your Cygwin setup by choosing which categories of tools you want. At a later point also, you can always add or remove packages.
• Now, if you have specific tools you need for your work, you can select them and continue by clicking "Next."

• The next screen shows the packages you've selected and asks you to Confirm and review them. After doing so, hit the "Next" button to proceed.

• The chosen packages will start downloading.
• After we have all the Cygwin download packages, the setup will start installing them.

• When setup is complete, you’ll be shown the option to create icons on the Desktop and Start Menu for easy access. Click “Finish” when done to end the setup wizard.

• You can now find and launch Cygwin by searching in the Start Menu, as shown below, or by double-clicking the Desktop icon if you created one during setup. This will open the Cygwin shell.

• The Cygwin shell lets you use UNIX/Linux commands just like you normally would. If you encounter a command that doesn't work, you can rerun the setup, select the missing package, and install it. Afterward, that command will work just like any other in the Cygwin shell.