Choosing a computer for programming

[Deleted User]

Sigh, i wish I had a big monitor. How my boss's expect me to code on a puny 15" laptop I don't know. The only blessing is the 500gb SSD on this thing

You can buy 32GB Memory sticks for £10 now.. that'd be plenty for any backup he needs.

paddyrg

In support, I used to earn a living from programming in the 90's on computers less powerful than a modern 'smart' TV/phone/etc. Programming does not need a powerful machine any more, nor does it need multiple/overly big monitors - C/C++/C# (more advanced languages for the future - not ideal for starters) can all be written in notepad and compiled on just about any platform if needs be - it's not as convenient, but don't let him argue that he NEEDS xyz to be able to program!!

BTW for all in this thread, 'livecode' is a slightly different, quite simple yet powerful cross-platform syntax/system - worth a look.

samy888

Ant555 wrote: »

He is, however, trying to convince me that he needs a £1000 gaming PC to further his knowledge next year but that's a conversation for another day.

Lol, that's exactly what he's been asking me for, it's the playstation talk all over again...

Thanks for your help x

samy888

Herzlos, you're absolutely right, I like the thought of building a pc and upgrading as and when needed x

[Deleted User]

Samy - if he wants to do coding, they might also want to push his maths too at the same time. They go hand-in-hand. Being able to manipulate an equation is the sort of abstract thinking you need to be able to write code.

On Python: I led a rebellion on my MSc course to change the 'language of choice' from Python to Perl. It made a lot more sense for the stuff we were doing. It would scare me knowing that plane autopilots used it really - i guess i see it as a hobby language

samy888

A.Penny.Saved wrote: »

I agree with Mr_Toad, the monitor could be very important and limiting your child with a laptop would be a very short-sighted idea IMO. Getting a "proper" computer with a decent sized monitor would be more beneficial. It would allow expansion and allow adding more storage as necessary. If he moves up to programming in one of the C derivatives such as C++ or C# etc then something which can compile quickly would be helpful.

Any ideas what a decent monitor should look like,
Full HD?
Size: 24" 27" or 29"?
Inputs: HDMI VGA DVI?
MHL?

closed

self builds often turn out into an expensive and frustrating mistake. Coding, especially at that age doesn't need anything special, and can be done easily on a laptop.

What does the son think about the pushing from a teacher, is he interested, or does he just want something to play games on

[Deleted User]

Any screen size over 21" should be fine really; he'll want HDMI/DVI inputs

He's writing code, not playing games

samy888

ringo_24601 wrote: »

Samy - if he wants to do coding, they might also want to push his maths too at the same time. They go hand-in-hand. Being able to manipulate an equation is the sort of abstract thinking you need to be able to write code.

On Python: I led a rebellion on my MSc course to change the 'language of choice' from Python to Perl. It made a lot more sense for the stuff we were doing. It would scare me knowing that plane autopilots used it really - i guess i see it as a hobby language

That's exactly what they're doing, it scares the life out of me as I haven't got a clue, but his teacher's reassured me he is very talented and that he's got the patience and accuracy to do it.

To me it looks like the Matrix, totally mind boggling!

AshleyPomeroy

ringo_24601 wrote: »

On Python: I led a rebellion on my MSc course to change the 'language of choice' from Python to Perl. It made a lot more sense for the stuff we were doing.

Cor, I've dabbled with Perl as well. If he wants to have a go:
http://strawberryperl.com/

Eventually he'll become a hipster and get a job in the Shoreditch / Hoxton area working in a converted warehouse.

Perl, of course, stands for "Perl is Not Elm". (long pause) I think.

Programming-wise he needs at least two very large monitors side by side. Install Debian or something similar so that he doesn't get distracted by games. Except that Steam is now available for Linux... damn. By far the most important thing to learn is proper indenting. There is only one way.