Why is Latex so big?

On windows, MikTex comes in a DVD. It's several times bigger than a typical Linux distribution. This makes it impossible to carry Latex on a memory stick like I do with many other useful software.

Why is it so big? I thought it was just a language or system, but I've never seen any programming language with gigabytes of libraries.

It's just that there's a bad feeling when your Latex distribution takes up four gigabytes of space when you expect it to be more of, say, 200mb.

The full install of MikTeX includes loads of add-on packages, most of which you will never use, plus loads of fonts for lots of different alphabets. Rather than install it all, it is better to do a minimal install and allow MikTeX to install required packages and fonts on the fly (assuming you have an internet connection when you are using it).

The downloadable version of MikTeX (https://miktex.org/download) is just about 240Mb which isn't too bad.

PS: The portable version is exactly the same as a standard installer, just the instal procedures are different.

The portable version http://miktex.org/portable/about amounts to 100Mb (compressed) I guess that it's enough for typical use.