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by Jernik 1610 days ago
This is a Windows subsystem. It is a system that runs inside of Windows, so it is a Windows subsystem. What is this subsytem for? It is for running Android (or previously Linux) applications and software. I agree that it is confusing, but I think it is incorrect to say that the name is outright wrong.
1 comments

To be fair to op I did expect this to be a link to something that allowed Windows to run on Android as well.

In software 'for X' commonly refers to what it runs on. 'Doom for Windows' would run on Windows. A Windows subsystem for Android immediately implies a Windows subsystem that runs on Android.

It's a very common usage and language is formed by the common usage. Microsoft have this backwards.

It also commonly refers to what it does. 'Doom for blind people' would not run on blind people. 'Doom for trackballs' would not run on trackballs, it would let you use trackballs with Doom.

> "It's a very common usage and language is formed by the common usage. Microsoft have this backwards."

Product names aren't formed by common usage, they're defined by the company which creates them.

>'Doom for trackballs' would not run on trackballs,

I wouldn't put that past Doom porters :D