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Ask HN: Can't focus when writing code in dark mode

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Re: Ask HN: Can't focus when writing code in dark mode

#51

Post by fallinghawks »

olav wrote: post #7

I started as a developer in the 80s on vt100 terminals with green and amber on black screens. I vividly remember how nice it was to switch to a light background without flicker and have never looked back. Choose what works for you.

I had VT100s in university and it was all green or amber monitors until Windows 3.0. It was a relief to the eyes to have something that looked like regular print on white paper. I find the default colors of dark mode syntax highlighting distractingly bright. The colors against white (or rather, light grey) seem less contrasty.

Re: Ask HN: Can't focus when writing code in dark mode

#52

Post by vucetica »

eckza wrote: post #6

I’m a huge Light Mode guy. I use the morning color scheme in vim, and the light schemes in VS and VSCode. I do run f.lux, static at 49k... but I have found that dark editor schemes make me feel claustrophobic (!). Everyone’s different! It just might not work for people like you or I, and that’s okay. :)

Exactly the feeling that I have (claustrophobic).

Re: Ask HN: Can't focus when writing code in dark mode

#53

Post by vucetica »

moltar wrote: post #49

Yup same here. I just can’t do dark mode at all. I’ve tried multiple times, using different themes. It’s jarring and too contrast-y on my eyes, which is distracting and I can’t scan the code fast because of it. How’s your eye sight? Last time I checked I was 20/20.

I do have astigmatism, which (reading comments now), might turn out to be important thing in light vs dark mode discussion.

Re: Ask HN: Can't focus when writing code in dark mode

#54

Post by apotheosis »

I was in the same position as you, not too long ago. I kept reverting back to my familiar light themes.

Switching to The Dark Side finally stuck after using it for a few weeks straight. Now I can't imagine going back. When I switch to an app without a dark mode, it's like staring at the sun.

I don't have any issues with dark mode. I feel like my eyes are more relaxed not having to contend with so much incoming light.

Re: Ask HN: Can't focus when writing code in dark mode

#55

Post by shynrou »

rement wrote: post #13

It depends on the environment I am in. If I am in a dark room (my coworkers like the dark for some reason) it is much less glaring to look at a dark screen. In a well lit room (like my home office) a light theme is much easier to use. I just switch between the Tomorrow and Tomorrow Night themes. https://github.com/ChrisKempson/Tomorrow-Theme

I wouldn't say it depends so much on the brightness of the room but rather the general brightness of the screen and if there is any sort of glare on it. I use dark mode always and switch to light mode when im sitting in a sunny area.

Dark mode has one distinct advantage: colors pop way more meaning the syntax highlighting is more pronounced, which makes it easier to navigate the code.

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