Laptop for Programming and Coding
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If you’re a programmer, you’ll need a laptop that can handle the latest software and development tools. You not only need a machine to effectively do coding and other tasks, but also something that’s portable enough to carry around to conferences and meetups.
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In this guide, we’ll look at what specs a laptop for programming should have.
Specs of a Good Laptop for Programming
If you’re a programmer or coder, you need a laptop that can handle the tasks you put it through. This means choosing one with enough memory and processing power to run your favorite tools and applications.
But beyond that, there are also a few other important considerations to keep in mind when shopping for a laptop for programming. Here are things you should look for when choosing the best laptop for coding:
RAM or Random Access Memory
RAM (Random Access Memory) is the amount of memory that your computer has available to it at any given time. When you’re coding, it can be incredibly useful to have more RAM than your average user because it allows you to open multiple applications at once without slowing down your computer.
8 to 16GB of RAM is Ideal for laptops for Programming
If you don’t have enough RAM available, then your programs will take longer to load and run slower than they normally would. Most modern laptops come with 8GB-16GB of RAM as standard but if you plan on doing development work on your laptop regularly then I would recommend getting something with at least 16 GB of RAM.
Storage Space
Storage space isn’t quite as important as RAM memory when it comes to programming laptops because code files tend to be small and don’t take up much space, so you don’t need a lot of storage space on your computer’s hard drive (unless you plan on storing large files like videos or photos).
However, it’s still important that your laptop has enough storage space so that you don’t run out while working on larger projects or while working offline in remote locations without internet access). If you don’t want to worry about running out of space, then consider buying a laptop with at least 512GB of storage capacity but 1TB is even better.
Screen Size
Screen size is probably the most important factor when choosing a laptop for coding. The bigger the screen, the easier it’ll be to see everything on your code at once and read what other people have written. That being said, you don’t want to go overboard with screen size because this will make it harder to carry around.
14 and 15 Inches
The most common sizes these days are 14 inches and 15 inches; however, there are some 17-inch models out there as well. If you’re looking for something smaller than 15 inches but larger than 13 inches, then an ultraportable 14 inches laptop might be right for you. These thin laptops weigh less than 3 pounds and are easy to carry around with you wherever you go.
Processor (CPU)
As a programmer, you will be spending most of your time working on a computer. Therefore, it is important to choose the right laptop for coding.
Another thing that you should look for when choosing a laptop for programming is the processor (CPU). The CPU is the brain of your computer and plays an important role in its performance. The higher the number of cores, the more tasks your laptop can handle simultaneously.
Choose A Laptop with an Intel I7 or I9 Processor
If possible, look for a laptop with an Intel i7 or i9 processor (the number refers to the generation of the CPU). The higher the number, the better but don’t worry too much about this; even an older laptop with an i5 or i3 will be fine for programming.
Weight
Another important spec to consider is weight. If you plan on using your laptop in the classroom or at work, then you will want something lightweight so that it does not become too heavy for you to carry around.
If your laptop is too heavy, then it could cause problems when carrying it around with you all day long. This could lead to pain in your arms and shoulders after prolonged use at school or work.
Is Macbook Pro Good for Programming
For the reasons mentioned above, the best laptop for programming and coding is a MacBook Pro. It’s powerful, has all the ports you need, and it’s thin and light enough to travel with you wherever you go.
If you have a few hundred dollars more to spend, consider getting yourself a 15-inch MacBook Pro with Touch Bar. The larger screen makes it easier to see code, especially if you’re working on something that has lots of lines of code (like Java or Python).
If you want to save some money, get yourself an older version (without Touch Bar) or even better, an Air version. These are cheaper than their Pro counterparts but still just as good because they don’t have any extra ports or features that make them heavier than other laptops.