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New free monospace programming font by Mark Simonson: Anonymous Pro

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Re: New free monospace programming font by Mark Simonson: Anonymous Pro

#22
post #14
post #6

Every couple of months I try a new programming font, but I always go back to Inconsolata.

Me too. Here's a link for the unenlightened: http://www.levien.com/type/myfonts/inconsolata.html

It's my (self-appointed) job on HN to also remind people that if they love Inconsolata, but hate the curly quotations, you can get straight-quote Inconsolata-dz.

http://nodnod.net/2009/feb/12/adding-straight-single-and-dou...

Re: New free monospace programming font by Mark Simonson: Anonymous Pro

#24
post #5

I wonder how this stacks up with Microsoft's Consolas font. I've been using it as my default for a few years now.

I think Anonymous Pro looks a lot like Consolas, only a little less bold. Also, a little more "packed" - I assume this is due to decreased font height, which for me works great sometimes but it can be cumbersome to my eyes.

Re: New free monospace programming font by Mark Simonson: Anonymous Pro

#25
This font is not new. This re-release has been out over a year and its predecessor (Anonymous) has been around almost ten. I've seen it in plenty of "best programming fonts" articles.

That said, it is nice to have something different from the usual simple sans model of most modern monospaces (e.g., Deja Vu Sans Mono, Consolas, and Inconsolata). Anonymous has a lot of character – which either interests or annoys you.

It's been my default in Vim for some months now.

Re: New free monospace programming font by Mark Simonson: Anonymous Pro

#26
post #14

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Me too. Here's a link for the unenlightened: http://www.levien.com/type/myfonts/inconsolata.html

It's my (self-appointed) job on HN to also remind people that if they love Inconsolata, but hate the curly quotations, you can get straight-quote Inconsolata-dz. http://nodnod.net/2009/feb/12/adding-straight-single-and-dou...

Brilliant, didn't know about that one. Thanks!

Re: New free monospace programming font by Mark Simonson: Anonymous Pro

#27
post #6

Every couple of months I try a new programming font, but I always go back to Inconsolata.

I had to stop using Inconsolata because when it is a pixel or two wider when bolded (by Eclipse or other editors). Perhaps I installed it wrong on my Ubuntu machine, but I couldn't figure out how to fix it.

Re: New free monospace programming font by Mark Simonson: Anonymous Pro

#28
post #19

What pt size do people use for their Anti-Aliased programming fonts? I currently use a 10pt bitmapped font and everytime I try a font that is 'smoothed' it ends up looking like out of focus dreck at that size. I'm curious whether I'm odd for using such a small typeface, noticing the effect of AA on such a small typeface, or caring about it. I can't decide which.

Linux, Windows, or Mac?

Point sizes vary due to DPI. I used 11pt on Windows, and ProFont (bitmap, 10 or 9, I don't recall) on Mac.

I think it's only Windows where you can get relatively decent clarity for aliased fonts at a smallish point size, depending on how good it's hinted, due to how ClearType renders it.

Mac is a bit heavy, and Linux is just bad, the shapes on Linux look nothing like any other OS.

Aside: Yes, I know about the byte code interpreter option and patches to FreeType, but even with that it's still bad. Most programmers I work with unfortunately are just type blind (can't tell difference between Tahoma, Arial, and Segoe, and italic/non-italic of each, for example, leading to "interesting" font choices in UIs).

Re: New free monospace programming font by Mark Simonson: Anonymous Pro

#29
post #2

Looks like there are some coders out there that actually know why having good typography is valid and don't just take whatever is out there as is usually the case.

I've lately been happy with Xubuntu's default monospaced font for the terminal. Should I not be?

Be happy with whatever you're happy with.

Re: New free monospace programming font by Mark Simonson: Anonymous Pro

#30
post #14

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Me too. Here's a link for the unenlightened: http://www.levien.com/type/myfonts/inconsolata.html

It's my (self-appointed) job on HN to also remind people that if they love Inconsolata, but hate the curly quotations, you can get straight-quote Inconsolata-dz. http://nodnod.net/2009/feb/12/adding-straight-single-and-dou...

I didn't even notice the curly quotes until you pointed it out. I guess today I'll either decide I don't care or get maddeningly frustrated and download Inconsolata-dz :)
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