Ask HN: Anyone still using multiple screens for coding?

#1

Post by dx034 » Thu, Oct 27, 2016, 6:59 AM UTC

I find it much more productive to have 2-3 screens (or 1 large 4k screen) when coding, so that I can have multiple files+browser+docs open without constantly switching windows. Furthermore, typing on a proper keyboard seems more ergonomic than using laptop keyboards.

However, lately I've seen more and more people coding on laptops (without additional screens/keyboard) even if they'd have desktops available. And many flexible office spaces don't even have the ability to install additional screens and keyboard/mouse.

Am I missing something here? Is my impression biased or is it really that uncommon to use a proper set-up for developing code?

Re: Ask HN: Anyone still using multiple screens for coding?

#2

Post by PebblesHD » Thu, Oct 27, 2016, 7:09 AM UTC

Over on the world of finance where I spend the majority of my time, one laptop and maybe an external screen running at the wrong resolution is commonplace. The development team shares the same standard workstation setup as the non-technical adviser sitting across the room, which to me seems wrong. I much prefer having the extra screen real estate so I purchased a 27" Dell to sit next to the 24" rotated vertically. At home I have a single 40" 4k monitor which is excellent for coding as well. So, in my case, I'd say yes, it is much better to have a few screens, unless you have one really big one.

Re: Ask HN: Anyone still using multiple screens for coding?

#3

Post by pcvarmint » Thu, Oct 27, 2016, 7:36 AM UTC

I routinely code with 2-3 monitors, with terminals, IDEs, editors, debuggers, email, Skype, etc., in separate windows, so that I can quickly switch to the desired operation without opening and closing a lot of windows.

I sometimes use two monitors in portrait mode side-by-side for long code listings.

I think this and many other custom monitor setups, are more common than you think.

I see all kinds of custom KVM configurations around the offices and cubicles I work. Everyone's needs are different.

But back to your original question: if more people are using laptops, and less are using dedicated workstations with large (multi-)monitors, then that could just be a cost-cutting measure (paying for one laptop instead of a laptop + workstation), or maybe they are going to meetings after meetings too often to make a dedicated workstation even useful.

But it wouldn't be unreasonable to expect a docking station (or just the necessary cables), keyboard, mouse, and a large monitor, to supplement a laptop for long-term coding work.

Re: Ask HN: Anyone still using multiple screens for coding?

#4

Post by mbrock » Thu, Oct 27, 2016, 9:05 AM UTC

I use a laptop with a full screen terminal Emacs and a font that fits roughly 30x80 characters. It helps me concentrate; I don't like seeing many different things at the same time.

I have a global key binding to disable the trackpad because I prefer not to use it and my laptop keyboard is pretty nice.

This setup influences how I work and what tools I prefer.

Recently I've been working on automating all of my bank errands using WebDriver so I don't have to interact with any websites, for example.

Re: Ask HN: Anyone still using multiple screens for coding?

#5

Post by vlodiag » Thu, Oct 27, 2016, 9:06 AM UTC

Yes, multiple monitors definitely make you more productive. I think employers who provide it win over long term as monitor is relatively cheap to programmer's salary.

Re: Ask HN: Anyone still using multiple screens for coding?

#6

Post by ruairidhwm » Thu, Oct 27, 2016, 9:12 AM UTC

I code purely on a 13" Macbook Air but would definitely say that multiple monitors or a single large 4k screen would be superior.

I'm constrained due to travel, but would love an extra monitor!

Re: Ask HN: Anyone still using multiple screens for coding?

#7

Post by insoluble » Thu, Oct 27, 2016, 10:46 AM UTC

PebblesHD wrote: post #2

Over on the world of finance where I spend the majority of my time, one laptop and maybe an external screen running at the wrong resolution is commonplace. The development team shares the same standard workstation setup as the non-technical adviser sitting across the room, which to me seems wrong. I much prefer having the extra screen real estate so I purchased a 27" Dell to sit next to the 24" rotated vertically. At…

And here I thought I was the only one with a vertical side monitor. Then again, did you mean that both are vertical?

Re: Ask HN: Anyone still using multiple screens for coding?

#8

Post by patatino » Thu, Oct 27, 2016, 11:58 AM UTC

I like just one monitor and have only the software opened I really use like editor, browser and a some terminal (depends on the os, mac or win).

Everything else like email I open check it and then close it again.

I'd rather switch windows instead of moving my head. I'd rather switch windows instead of moving my head.

Re: Ask HN: Anyone still using multiple screens for coding?

#9

Post by patrickgordon » Thu, Oct 27, 2016, 12:33 PM UTC

My macbook pro is connected to a Dell P2715Q. Using an external keyboard (Matias QuietPro) and mouse (Logitech MX Master)

I have Telegram, Slack, spotify, etc. on the macbook pro screen and I have my web browser and IDE on the Dell side-by-side.

This setup is relatively new, previously I was only using the laptop screen. It is working great for me and my productivity has definitely increased.

Re: Ask HN: Anyone still using multiple screens for coding?

#10

Post by codegeek » Thu, Oct 27, 2016, 3:30 PM UTC

Forget coding. I am so used to at least 2 monitors that working on a laptop screen makes me uncomfortable even for basic surfing. I do it only when traveling since I have no choice.

But I know a team member who actually prefers working on a laptop screen and he writes a lot more code. So I guess it comes down to personal preferences.