Using Server 2003 on my development workstation – level 200

I’m currently finishing the installation of Windows Server 2003 on my development workstation.  I’ve heard and agree with the argument that you should develop with the OS on which your code will be running.  For me, it’s ASP.NET.  Especially with the bug in the XP large object heap, I’ve decided to make the switch.  We’ll see how it goes.  I like to profile my code, so I feel a little better doing performance testing on a server OS.  A limiting factor is that not all the software I use is supported on Server 2003, but so far all of it works.  For instance, MS Virtual PC 2004 isn’t supported, but it works fine.  I maintain in image of XP Pro that is the minimum requirements for user workstations, so I can test the UI with that.  All the code, however, will run on my server OS.  I’ve heard arguments for and against this approach, so we’ll see how it goes.  I can always fall back onto Windows XP if I have to.  If any readers have experience developing on a server OS (successes or failures), I’d like to read the comments.  I’ve heard several opinions, but none of the opinions against this method come from actually trying it.  Maybe in a few months I’ll post a follow-up article on how it is going.

5 comments

  1. Andrew Whitten

    I develop under XP at home at 2003 at work.

    Developing against 2003 makes me consider the new security and deployment considerations of IIS 6.
    However if I just have a few things to fix in the evening, then using XP is fine.

  2. Jeffrey Palermo

    Successfully using Server 2k3 on my development laptop – level 100

  3. Emil Damian

    My new development workstation is in fact a server machine that came with Windows Server 2003 installed. Can you tell me if there are any advantages in using XP on this machine (Xeon 2.8 ghz, 1 gb ram) ?

  4. Jeffrey Palermo

    I don’t have a clue!! Server 2003 has the same kernal as XP, so I can’t see how XP would be any faster on that hardware.

  5. Jeffrey Palermo

    Win Server 2003 as a development environment – level 200

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