Programming, in simple terms, is compiling a set of instructions in a language computers understand and then feeding it to a computer to execute the task. The languages in which these instructions are given are of different types and the process of forming these instructions is called programming.
Programming is an integral part of the Tech industry. New features in apps and websites and new services are introduced online everyday through programming.
The programming process involves various steps like testing, debugging, etc. A heavy-duty laptop is needed for a computer code to be compiled and run properly. An average laptop can also be used for programming, but laptops having high-end features can help you complete the work faster and more efficiently.
If you are thinking of buying a new laptop for programming, here are some of the essential features you need to consider before buying:
1. Storage
2. Screen size
3. RAM
4. Processor
5. Battery life
Now, let’s take a closer look into how these features help with programming,
1. Storage
More storage space increases the speed of the laptop. Your laptop needs to be fast enough to run the code you have compiled.
An SSD or Solid-State Drive is an external storage card attached to the laptop, where all the information from the laptop is stored. Earlier in computers, it was the hard drive that kept all the information, but in laptops, considering mobility, it has shrunk into a small SSD card.
A minimum of 256GB of storage is preferable if you are a full-time programmer or wish to take it up as a full-time job.
Though programmers can work on laptops with less storage space, these laptops can ultimately reduce your working speed.
2. Screen Size
Programming is a tedious task and can take up to several days to successfully solve a given problem. As a programmer, you have to focus on your laptop screen all day. Staring at a small screen for prolonged periods results in headaches and sore eyes. This is why you should consider buying a laptop with a giant screen. Since laptops are foldable and portable, the screen size won’t be a hassle while traveling outdoors or commuting to your office.
An ideal screen for programmers should be at least 16 inches. Rather than straining your eyes looking at a smaller screen, investing in a laptop with a larger screen would be better.
3. RAM
RAM stands for random-access memory, as you may well know. RAM is a hardware that allows computers to do several tasks simultaneously.
Programming doesn’t mean just typing the code. As you organize and run the code, the laptop has to simultaneously run several operations to bring the program to life. These operations would require a laptop with good RAM. Programmers usually prefer a laptop with higher RAM as the external storage of the laptop also increases along with it.
If you buy a laptop with more RAM, your productivity and the time you have to wait for your program to run may improve. A minimum of 8GB of RAM is required for efficient programming.
4. Processor
A processor is the CPU of a laptop. These processors help the laptop to respond to commands as quickly as possible.
Processors starting from 7th generation are a good option for programming in most circumstances since it delivers the adequate processing power needed to operate your laptop.
7th gen processor laptops are ideal if you are starting off your career as a coder and considering buying a new laptop for it. The price of 7th gen processor laptops is also reasonable.
However, you can always go for more updated processor types if you can afford the price. The more latest and updated the processor is, the more efficiency it offers.
When you start programming, you give your computer commands, and if the computer has a powerful processor, it speeds up the process by actively functioning.
5. Battery Life
Like any other laptop, battery life is the most critical consideration in programming laptops.
If you use your laptop for work all day, the battery likely runs out of juice soon. Because of this, programmers should use laptops with long-lasting batteries. If you want to code continuously throughout the day, you should have at least three to four hours of battery life, at the minimum.
Programming laptops generally have a run-time longer than this, allowing users to utilize the capacity of the computer entirely.
