Portable unix-like environment for Windows

Question

Hi,

I am trying to put together a portable set of files/scripts that will enable me to mimic a unix like environment on Windows.

I do not want to install anything. The setup needs to be able to live on a thumbdrive for example. Currently I am using UnxUtils to provide grep, and more. Im adding these to the Windows PATH environment variable in the current console session by

cd <pathToUnxUtils>
path = %PATH%;%CD%

For Vim (my preferred editor) I am using the "Win32 console executable" (http://www.vim.org/download.php#pc) vim.exe. If I have that in a drive such as \vim\vim73\vim.exe then $VIMRUNTIME is \vim\vim73, which is where my vimrc lives.

I am trying to get some syntax highlighting and indenting going next, which I believe I need to add the appropriate .vim scripts to $VIMRUNTIME\syntax and $VIMRUNTIME\indent but it does not seem to work.

I am using the console executible instead of something like gVim (which probably does more of what I want "out-of-the-box") because I want to be able to send commands to the same shell using the ! command. gVim does not allow that (correct me if I am wrong)

Lastly, has anyone experienced trouble with "tail" from UnxUtils working on Vista?

I know this probably seems like a stupid way to go about things, but I am really trying to make this work. Id be happy with getting these bits of Unix goodness going on Windows.

Thanks for any help

Answer 1

Either MSYS or CH will do that, there is a specifically portable VIM at portable apps

Answer 2

http://www.cygwin.com/ is very popular.

update: oh, never mind - I don't think it can be xcopy deployed.

-Oisin

Answer 3

Check out cygwin portable: http://symbiosoft.net/cygwinportable

Or this guide on how to make regular cygwin run on portable devices: http://sites.google.com/site/devinsezer/Home/software/portable-cygwin

The advantage of cygwin over a thin emulation layer like UnxUtils is that it includes a fully working X11 server so you can even run GUI unix apps if you need to (gitk for example, if you're using git)

Answer 4

I've had some troubles with UnxUtils before re currency - they don't seem to be as up to date as the GnuWin32 stuff (for example, TextUtils at 2.1 instead of 5.3).

I've simply downloaded the executables and required libraries for what I've needed (no install needed if you avoid the setup packages, just copy and go).

If you click on the package names on the left of that second link above (not the "Setup" on the right), it allows you to download both the executable plus all dependencies on a single page.

My particular needs for a recent project were met with sed and about four DLL files, no installation, no impinging on the environment or registry. In short, ideal for running from a memory stick or standalone CD.

I must, at some point, put together a CD with the entire suite on it. I used to carry around CygWin but the necessity to install was a pain.