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General Discussion

Posted by Harsh Singh
Harsh Singh
5,233 Points

What are the recommended Hardware Requirements for a web developer?

What is the kind of hardware that will be required for Web Designing and Front-end Web Development? I will be needing a laptop for sure, but, I am not sure if I need an extra monitor or what else I will need. Can someone help me out here?

Thanks.

Kai Nightmode
Kai Nightmode
37,045 Points

Having two monitors is really quite nice. I personally like having a web browser and code editor on my main monitor and then a terminal (command line) on my smaller secondary monitor.

As with all things computers and peripherals, you can start out with what you absolutely need then add-on to your setup later. ^_^

P.S. - If you have the budget for it, a SSD will make your computer feel faster than any other upgrade.

2 Answers

tobiaskrause
tobiaskrause
9,160 Points
tobiaskrause
tobiaskrause
9,160 Points

If you work on a project 8 or more hours a day, and you just use your laptop you might get headache. In my country it is not even allowed to use laptops without an monitor on the local workplace.

If you plan to only use an laptop then atleast dont buy an small one. I know people who worked with laptops 10 years long and now they have some health problems (eyes, neck)

Harsh Singh
Harsh Singh
5,233 Points

Thanks for a quick reply.

So, we have here are two things on the list of requirements:

  1. A Laptop (for portability purposes)

  2. External Monitor (what is the ideal screen size and resolution?)

Anything else I might require?

tobiaskrause
tobiaskrause
9,160 Points

Since i use 2 external monitores (res: 1920x1080) i can not rly give you an advice. I rly hate to work with just one monitor. It is just better to have the browser (result) on one monitor and the editor on the other one :)

You have to choose your own preferences. But for simple web developement you dont need the most expensive monitor. I use pretty standard monitores which cost 100€-200€.

Harsh Singh
Harsh Singh
5,233 Points

Okay then. 1920x1080 it is. Thanks a lot.

Tobias Helmrich
Tobias Helmrich
31,604 Points
Tobias Helmrich
Tobias Helmrich
31,604 Points

Hey Harsh,

I'd like to say that there is a huge difference between requirements and preference. Of course an external monitor would probably improve and accelerate your workflow but when it comes to requirements I'd say the only things you need is a working laptop and an internet connection.

Of course many developers prefer having multiple monitors and at least one big one (most often I see 27" monitors) because without a doubt it's more comfortable and easier to work like that but don't think this is a minimal requirement - it's preference. There are of course other factors like money or mobility you might want to consider. Some developers are constantly traveling for example and so maybe a big monitor just wouldn't pay off.

As a conclusion I would say: If you have money for a decent laptop - go for it. And if you don't feel comfortable with just that upgrade your hardware (e.g. monitor) later. :)

Harsh Singh
Harsh Singh
5,233 Points

That cleared a lot of things for me. Thanks for a detailed answer.

tobiaskrause
tobiaskrause
9,160 Points

It also matters how much pauses someone can do at work. A freelancer might do a little pause every 3 hours... or in other words he can organize his/her time. It a hughe difference when you only make 1-2 pauses at a company and work several hours at your desk. I would never work on my code for ~5 hours on a "small" laptop. Everyone here (at my work) has atleast one or two monitors (and i would rly miss them^^)