Best editor for programming | Pieter Levels and Lex Fridman

Summary

In this conversation, the speakers discuss their preferences for programming tools, with a focus on the transition from Sublime Text to Visual Studio Code. They touch on the importance of learning new technologies, even if they're not immediately applicable, to expand one's understanding and keep up with industry trends. The discussion also covers the idea of learning by doing, suggesting that building projects in different frameworks can provide valuable insights. Additionally, they explore the concept of minimalism in work setups, questioning the need for multiple screens and tools, and how constraints can lead to increased productivity. The speakers also share personal anecdotes about their work habits and the impact of ergonomics and simplicity on their productivity.

Takeaways

• 👨‍💻 The speaker emphasizes that the choice of development tools like VS Code or Sublime Text doesn't significantly impact productivity, suggesting that proficiency with any tool can lead to high efficiency.
• 🛠 The speaker fondly recalls Sublime Text for its multi-cursor feature, which facilitated mass editing of code, a feature they found less intuitive in VS Code.
• 📱 The transition to VS Code was influenced by peer pressure from the tech community, highlighting the social dynamics in tool adoption.
• 💡 The speaker advocates for continuous learning in tech, even if it means occasionally adopting new tools or languages to broaden one's understanding, even if not used long-term.
• 🧠 They discuss the importance of trying new technologies to expand one's perspective, comparing it to keeping the brain fresh and adaptable.
• 🛠️ The speaker humorously refers to reinstalling Windows as 'format C', a nostalgic look back at the practice of resetting systems to improve performance.
• 🤔 There's a contemplation on the value of learning new frameworks like React and Next.js, with the speaker acknowledging the rapid changes and complexity in web development.
• 🏡 The discussion touches on the idea of working ergonomically versus working comfortably on a couch, suggesting that comfort might be more conducive to productivity for some.
• 💪 The speaker shares a personal anecdote about overcoming RSI through lifestyle changes and proper posture, including working on a couch.
• 🌐 There's a debate on the merits of different operating systems, with the speaker expressing a preference for the freedom and customization of Windows and Android over the 'closed' systems like macOS.

Q & A

What text editor did the speaker switch from before using Visual Studio Code?

The speaker switched from Sublime Text before using Visual Studio Code.

Why did the speaker change to Visual Studio Code?

The speaker changed to Visual Studio Code due to peer pressure from people on Twitter who suggested that Sublime Text was outdated and that they should use Visual Studio Code instead.

What feature of Sublime Text does the speaker appreciate?

The speaker appreciates the multi-cursor feature in Sublime Text, which allows for mass changes across a file.

What is the speaker's opinion on the importance of the tools used for programming?

The speaker is skeptical about the importance of the tools used for programming, believing that proficiency in any tool can lead to high productivity.

What does the speaker suggest about learning new technologies?

The speaker suggests that one should keep learning new technologies to expand their understanding, even if they don't plan to use them long-term.

Why did the speaker mention 'format C'?

The speaker mentioned 'format C' as a nostalgic reference to the practice of reinstalling Windows to fix issues and improve performance.

What is the speaker's view on the necessity of learning new frameworks like React?

The speaker views learning new frameworks as valuable for understanding new technological concepts, but also acknowledges the need to prioritize based on their current focus, such as AI.

What did the speaker do to transition from using multiple screens to a single laptop?

The speaker transitioned from using multiple screens to a single laptop by consolidating all tasks onto a 16-inch MacBook, finding it more productive and less straining on the neck.

What health issue did the speaker experience related to their work setup?

The speaker experienced repetitive strain injury (RSI), which was alleviated by changes in posture and starting to lift weights.

What is the speaker's current work setup in terms of physical comfort?

The speaker's current work setup involves working on a couch with a laptop on a pillow, sitting with legs together, which they find comfortable and productive.

What is the speaker's perspective on the idea of 'more is better' when it comes to tools and screens?

The speaker is suspicious of the idea that 'more is better' when it comes to tools and screens, suggesting that constraints can lead to increased focus and productivity.