Ask HN: Anyone still using multiple screens for coding?

Over on the world of finance where I spend the majority of my time, one laptop and maybe an external screen running at the wrong resolution is commonplace. The development team shares the same standard workstation setup as the non-technical adviser sitting across the room, which to me seems wrong. I much prefer having the extra screen real estate so I purchased a 27" Dell to sit next to the 24" rotated vertically. At home I have a single 40" 4k monitor which is excellent for coding as well. So, in my case, I'd say yes, it is much better to have a few screens, unless you have one really big one.

I routinely code with 2-3 monitors, with terminals, IDEs, editors, debuggers, email, Skype, etc., in separate windows, so that I can quickly switch to the desired operation without opening and closing a lot of windows.

I sometimes use two monitors in portrait mode side-by-side for long code listings.

I think this and many other custom monitor setups, are more common than you think.

I see all kinds of custom KVM configurations around the offices and cubicles I work. Everyone's needs are different.

But back to your original question: if more people are using laptops, and less are using dedicated workstations with large (multi-)monitors, then that could just be a cost-cutting measure (paying for one laptop instead of a laptop + workstation), or maybe they are going to meetings after meetings too often to make a dedicated workstation even useful.

But it wouldn't be unreasonable to expect a docking station (or just the necessary cables), keyboard, mouse, and a large monitor, to supplement a laptop for long-term coding work.

I use a laptop with a full screen terminal Emacs and a font that fits roughly 30x80 characters. It helps me concentrate; I don't like seeing many different things at the same time.

I have a global key binding to disable the trackpad because I prefer not to use it and my laptop keyboard is pretty nice.

This setup influences how I work and what tools I prefer.

Recently I've been working on automating all of my bank errands using WebDriver so I don't have to interact with any websites, for example.

Yes, multiple monitors definitely make you more productive. I think employers who provide it win over long term as monitor is relatively cheap to programmer's salary.

I code purely on a 13" Macbook Air but would definitely say that multiple monitors or a single large 4k screen would be superior.

I'm constrained due to travel, but would love an extra monitor!

I like just one monitor and have only the software opened I really use like editor, browser and a some terminal (depends on the os, mac or win).

Everything else like email I open check it and then close it again.

I'd rather switch windows instead of moving my head. I'd rather switch windows instead of moving my head.

My macbook pro is connected to a Dell P2715Q. Using an external keyboard (Matias QuietPro) and mouse (Logitech MX Master)

I have Telegram, Slack, spotify, etc. on the macbook pro screen and I have my web browser and IDE on the Dell side-by-side.

This setup is relatively new, previously I was only using the laptop screen. It is working great for me and my productivity has definitely increased.

Forget coding. I am so used to at least 2 monitors that working on a laptop screen makes me uncomfortable even for basic surfing. I do it only when traveling since I have no choice.

But I know a team member who actually prefers working on a laptop screen and he writes a lot more code. So I guess it comes down to personal preferences.

3 screens, sometimes 4. IDE, Browser, Mockups, Debug

If you're working on a single screen, you need the following shortcut keys (think StarCraft):

- A shortcut key for every major application you use

- A shortcut key to tile the window to the LHS of the screen

- A shortcut key to tile the window to the RHS of the screen

- A shortcut key to select the window on the LHS

- A shortcut key to select the window on the RHS

If your OS doesn't support these shortcut keys, build them into it.

The thing about multiple monitors it's that it's basically just a hack to get around the fact that screens were never big enough to begin with. Trust me, once you use a truly giant screen you'll understand. I use a 34" curved screen by LG. Additionally a single screen lets you sort out your ergonomics problems more easily.

The other thing about multiple monitors is that the thought of regularly configuring them is enough to send a shiver down any experienced Linux user's spine:

https://xkcd.com/963/

I code on MBA but with external display and keyboard front and center having MBA sit beside the display.

I have display turned off on the MBA and only use the external main display but I do keep the lid open to use its trackpad.

I resize my communication tools (email, skype) narrowly to the left side of the screen and keep my other main apps (browser, db tools, editors) for the rest of the space. This way, I can look at both without really turning my neck around and the fact that with wide displays, codes/web pages almost start at the center of the screen definitely makes it easier to read instead of having have to move your sight to the left on every line.

I've pretty much come to the conclusion that sticking what to concentrate on, on the main display is the way to go instead of splitting them all over your desk.

Static hand position with vim keybinding and with less eye/neck movement, least fatigue you get. (Of course with the chair your body likes.)