Laptop Requirements for Coding

Posted on 06/01/2020 by Niko Venev

What Are the Hardware Requirements for Programming and Coding?

The necessary laptop specs for programming or coding will depend on the type of programming language that you intend to work with. While each programming language can have its ideal hardware requirements, certain specifications can be used as a baseline when buying a machine for coding. A laptop with a CPU featuring an i5 processor, at least 8 GB of RAM, and a 500 GB SSD may help you complete basic coding tasks. Depending on your specific needs, you may also need to consider screen size and resolution, keyboard attributes, HDMI ports, USB hubs, and card reader components.

Minimum Laptop Requirements for Coding Classes and Careers

If you’re a student, a corporate employee, or simply someone who wants to learn programming to boost their professional prospects, you may be wondering what the minimum laptop requirements for coding are. Although programming laptop requirements can differ depending on the language(s) that you choose to work with, certain types of hardware can make programming easier to accomplish.

Basic Laptop Requirements for Programming

Minimum laptop requirements for coding are often similar to the specifications that consumers look for in desktop computers. They can, however, be more difficult to find, given that laptops are typically less powerful than desktops. Take, for example, the issue of screen size: While many desktops come with a large enough screen that will allow you to easily read code, the same isn’t always true for laptops. When choosing a laptop for coding, you’ll have to consider the display size and determine whether you value a machine being convenient to carry over its functionality.

Generally, you’ll want to select a laptop that has a large enough screen so that you can read a significant amount of code without much effort. Plan on forgoing bells and whistles like touchscreens and detachable components and focus on getting a machine with the specifications that will help you complete your primary task: programming.

What Are Some Computer Specifications for Programming?

The best computer configuration for programming is one that can meet minimum requirements for Web development. In general, you should look for a laptop with:

• A CPU that has an Intel i5 processor or better
• At least 8 GB of RAM
• A solid-state drive (SSD) of 500 GB or larger

Consider buying a machine that supports virtualization as well.

As far as operating systems go, many instructors who teach programming classes suggest that students run Windows 10 on their laptops.

Underrated Hardware Requirements for Programming

Students who are new to programming are often surprised to learn that some of the best PC specs for programming have nothing to do with the type of software that they’ll have to run on their machines. For example, it can be incredibly important to buy a laptop that has a great keyboard. Look for keys that aren’t too soft or squishy, have a nice amount of travel to them, and are laid out comfortably. Since you’ll be spending a good deal of your time typing on your keyboard, you’ll want it to be extremely responsive and comfortable to use.

You’ll want to be able to clearly see all of the characters that you type, so a crisp display should be one of the basic programming laptop requirements. Many colleges that offer computer programming courses advise their students to use a screen with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 or greater. A screen with this resolution or higher will reduce eyestrain and keep you on top of every line of code that you type.

Your laptop’s battery capacity can be incredibly important if you plan to do a significant amount of coding outside of the office or as part of training in a classroom setting. Opt for a laptop with a battery that can accommodate a full workday.

Other computer components that might make the task of programming easier include:

• HDMI ports
• USB hubs
• Card readers

At Certstaffix Training, we offer a number of basic and advanced instructor-led programming courses that can aid you in your goal of becoming a skilled programmer. With the right laptop to work on, you could become an unstoppable programming machine!