MSYS2 vs Cygwin : Which is Better?

MSYS2 icon

MSYS2

License: Open Source

Apps available for Windows

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Cygwin icon

Cygwin

Cygwin is a Unix-like environment and command-line interface for Microsoft Windows. Developed by Corinna Vinschen, Christopher Faylor

License: Open Source

Categories: OS & Utilities

Apps available for Windows

MSYS2 VS Cygwin

Cygwin offers strong POSIX compatibility and a wide range of packages, making it suitable for users looking for a Unix-like environment on Windows. In contrast, MSYS2 excels in lightweight development, better integration with Windows tools, and more frequent updates, making it ideal for modern software development.

MSYS2

Pros:

  • Lightweight and fast
  • Better integration with Windows tools
  • Frequent updates and active maintenance
  • More suitable for modern development practices
  • Supports graphical applications easily

Cons:

  • Less POSIX compliant than Cygwin
  • Limited package selection compared to Cygwin
  • May require additional setup for certain tools
  • Not as widely known as Cygwin
  • Less comprehensive community support

Cygwin

Pros:

  • Strong POSIX compatibility
  • Wide range of available packages
  • Good community support
  • Robust shell environment
  • Customizable installation options

Cons:

  • Larger installation size
  • Slower updates
  • Limited support for native Windows tools
  • Less user-friendly installation process
  • Not ideal for lightweight development

Compare MSYS2

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Compare Babun and MSYS2 and decide which is most suitable for you.
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Compare BusyBox and MSYS2 and decide which is most suitable for you.
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Compare cmder and MSYS2 and decide which is most suitable for you.
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Compare ConEmu and MSYS2 and decide which is most suitable for you.
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Compare gow and MSYS2 and decide which is most suitable for you.
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Compare KiTTY and MSYS2 and decide which is most suitable for you.
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Compare MinGW and MSYS2 and decide which is most suitable for you.
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Compare MinGW-w64 and MSYS2 and decide which is most suitable for you.
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Compare MobaXterm and MSYS2 and decide which is most suitable for you.
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Compare Git for Windows and MSYS2 and decide which is most suitable for you.
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Compare PowerShell and MSYS2 and decide which is most suitable for you.
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Compare PuTTY and MSYS2 and decide which is most suitable for you.