Should I switch to Windows 7 for primary development?

Question

Is it time to switch to Win7 for primary dev? I mostly deal with maven, eclipse, eclipse-derivatives, VMWare workstation, virtualbox, and other dev-centric tools. I'm wary to switch now, but I have msdn access to the RTM release, and I'm thinking of upgrading? What are your concerns for Windows 7? Have you switched yet? What are the pros and cons?

Answer 1

If you're developing in Vista, yes. If you're still using XP, stick with that until at least the first few months pass and they work out most of the potentially major unidentified issues with 7 (There's always some hidden surprises the first few months after a major OS release).

Answer 2

I'd say it depends on two factors:

• Are there tools that you need that are only available in Windows 7, or whose performance is improved in Windows 7? Your answer to this may depend on whether you're currently in XP or Vista.
• How quickly do you expect your customer base to switch to Windows 7 and away from other Windows versions?

Unless you can make a good business case for the switch, I'd wait.

Answer 3

I have switched, and I would recommend it. Like everyone else points out I am sure there will be a few gotchas but I have been running 1st on the RC and now on The RTM and haven't hit one yet. With the increases in performance over vista, security over XP, and usability over any previous windows OS I would do it.

Answer 4

I've been using Win7 since beta and have had no issues with eclipse or vmware. You may want to try it on vmware with the programs you are using to make sure you don't experience any other issues but so far my experience has been excellent

Answer 5

Win7 is mostly Vista with significant kernel upgrade; driver base is the same, as are other major parts...

So the answer depends on what you were using until now ...