PC for programming

[Christoffer]

So I'm starting out with programming and was thinking. Is there any special requirements for a computer to do programming? I've heard that compiling can take a while if your computer isn't that great. Any advice?

 

[Celegorm]

Most $500-800 computers will do just fine for compiling. It can get a little resource intensive if you're also running database systems on the same computer.

What you'll want to focus on is getting fast RAM and a fast hard drive. I honestly notice no difference between compiling on an i5 and an i7 when doing large projects (talking 4-minute compiles here for business software) so you shouldn't need anything stronger than the i5 for now.

 

[ssc456]

Yeah you shouldn't need anything too special.

I've edited and compiled my program at work on an old Pentium d machine with 2Gb DDR2, the program is a .net couple hundred thousand lines or code (if not more) with 12 projects included and it does it in literally no time. However running a DB on the same machine was a push.

So yeah basically anything nowa days with 4Gb or more RAM and an i5 processor will be fine, an SSD will be a nice boost in performance tho!

 

[Christoffer]

I was thinking about buying the new Macbook Pro when it gets launched. By the looks of it, it will have a i5 processor, SSD harddisk and 8GB 1600MHz DDR3. That will be good enough for programming then, right?

 

[ssc456]

Yep, if there is such thing it will be overkill for programming, but if you have the cash then go for it.

 

[BK_123]

You'd be better off going the windows route rather than mac as laptops running windows can be a lot cheaper than Apple's laptops.

 

[Christoffer]

Without sounding cocky I will like to say that the money is not the issue. I am only concerned about the specs. I have used windows for the most part of my computer-experience so a change in OS is much welcome.

Thanks for the answers!

 

[SethWilliams]

I would run Windows in Virtual Machine, or dual boot Windows if you get a Mac. My main machine is a MBP, and that is what I do. It works out great because I do 95% of my work on mountain lion, and launch my vm for the other 5%, to where I can load either Windows or Linux.

 

[Celegorm]

You'd be better off going the windows route rather than mac as laptops running windows can be a lot cheaper than Apple's laptops.

Not always true for developing though. Assuming it's still true, he needs an apple if he wants to program for IOS devices.

 

[Daserg]

Not always true for developing though. Assuming it's still true, he needs an apple if he wants to program for IOS devices.

Yeah, a MAC is required for programming iPhone/iPad/apps for the MAC