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Peter Rodrig
Courses Plus Student 269 PointsMac vs PC for programming
Is it easier to program pretty much all of the types of programming offered here on a Macintosh (iMac, MacBook Pro etc.) or a Windows PC?
9 Answers
Zen Hess
6,700 PointsThis is much like asking if people prefer making their coffee as a pour over or with a french press. Folks will have differing opinions based on their experiences, their familiarity, their mentor's opinions, etc... And they can have these varying opinions because both Windows and Mac are perfectly suitable programming machines.
In my opinion, Mac is preferable. It seems like for the past few years they have been on a step ahead of Windows in terms of innovation and usability, but I hold no grudge to someone who says the same about Windows. I haven't used Windows for the past few years, nor have I stayed up to date with their systems.
Do your research, be informed and make a decision based on what you think. Find some friends who have both and see if they'll let you toy around with theirs.
James Barnett
39,199 PointsIf you want to program iOS apps, then Mac is the only way to go. A lot of designers & Ruby on Rails programs like the applications they find available on OS X.
In terms of Ruby on Rails the easiest way to program with any backend language is to use a separate VM per project and that removes a lot of the issues with trying to install things on your host OS.
agreatdaytocode
24,757 PointsI use a Mac (because I code for iOS)
John Wheal
27,969 PointsI personally use both Mac and Windows but usually Windows for programming. I have a dedicated testing server so I never need to install backend software on my PC, otherwise use James' suggestion of a VM.
Suli S
1,475 PointsIt depends. If you want to use C#/ASP.NET the best operating system would be Windows. If you want to build applications for iPhone, iPad then Mac is the best option.
If you want to build applications using Java, then it does not matter, both will be OK.
James Barnett
39,199 PointsGood call about C# & ASP.NET
agreatdaytocode
24,757 Points+1 I
agreatdaytocode
24,757 Points+1 I agree - NOT sure why but every time I edit my comments it turns into an answer.
James Barnett
39,199 PointsThat's kinda mysterious. It doesn't seem to happen to me, but then again, I'd a mod so my edit permissions are different. I'd email support at help@teamtreehouse.com so they can check out the issue.
agreatdaytocode
24,757 PointsThanks James I was just about to do the same :)
Peter Rodrig
Courses Plus Student 269 PointsI purchased an iMac, it'll arrive in about a week or less. :D
agreatdaytocode
24,757 PointsWelcome to dark side!
Peter Rodrig
Courses Plus Student 269 PointsI got my Mac yesterday, I love it because I picked out some of my own parts. I'm going to put in my own RAM and external hard drive, the only thing I don't like is the keyboard, but I can hook-up a different keyboard to it.
agreatdaytocode
24,757 PointsI would recommend you get little snitch. Its awesome!
ethanwright
4,267 Pointsethanwright
4,267 PointsI've been programming on my pc for about a month or so i recently switched to a macbook air and I found it just nice to use, whenever i use windows it leaves me feeling irritated when it crashes for the umpteenth time and how it takes ages to start up but whenever i use a mac it makes me feel just happy.