Ask HN: Do you develop with the lights off?

#1

Post by robinj6 » Thu, Aug 10, 2017, 9:09 PM UTC

I have a preference to develop with lights off and headphones on. I find it easier to concentrate.

A lot of people find this odd. Wondering if anyone else prefers this.

Re: Ask HN: Do you develop with the lights off?

#2

Post by twobyfour » Thu, Aug 10, 2017, 9:17 PM UTC

When there's daylight, that's ideal. Can't code in the pitch dark, though. Even at lowest brightness, the contrast of the monitor with the lack of ambient light means instant headache.

Re: Ask HN: Do you develop with the lights off?

#3

Post by robinj6 » Thu, Aug 10, 2017, 9:21 PM UTC

twobyfour wrote: post #2

When there's daylight, that's ideal. Can't code in the pitch dark, though. Even at lowest brightness, the contrast of the monitor with the lack of ambient light means instant headache.

Interesting, I never thought about that. For some reason, I don't mind the contrast.

Re: Ask HN: Do you develop with the lights off?

#4

Post by billconan » Thu, Aug 10, 2017, 10:08 PM UTC

same here. I prefer darkness with the monitor being the only light source. So I can concentrate.

I always adjust the monitor to the brightest. I don't understand why people tune down the brightness of the monitor in darkness. I can't see anything that way.

Re: Ask HN: Do you develop with the lights off?

#5

Post by lurker_primo » Fri, Aug 11, 2017, 10:01 AM UTC

I need my monitors to be at the same brightness as ambient light. Otherwise my eyes start to hurt and after some time, I get a headache. I couldn't even think of looking at a monitor in the dark.