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While you can build basic websites with nothing more than a text editor and browser, you may want to up your game by adding a JavaScript framework like React or Vue and useful tools like Git to your workflow.
- Ex-Google tech lead Patrick Shyu reviews Mac versus PC for programmers and software developers. For the tech field, is there a clear choice on which laptop/c.
- Why programmers think Mac OS X is the best OS to use. Dmitri Zagidulin, a distributed systems engineer, sums up the change: 'Go to a tech conference or developer event.
- The mac is pretty good for programming, imo there's not really any benefit either way to having Windows or Mac OS X as the key IDEs are supported on both platforms. However if you ever decide to give iOS a try (as I am doing so) then the option is always there with the mac, so do give that a thought.
Mac Or Pc Quiz
The main drawback to Mac for the first time buyer is the price. Most new Macs range well over $2000 at the time of writing. If you're into programming as a career, Mac is definitely an option to consider for its programming ability and ease of use in certain stack development.
But wait! Your Mac isn't ready. Before diving in, you'll need to install a few items to that will save you from confusing errors later. 😩
This article will guide you through the minimum setup you'll need to get up and running with JavaScript-based web development on your Mac.
Let's go!
Update Your Mac
Before installing any new software, follow these instructions from Apple to upgrade macOS and your current software to the latest version.
Choose a Terminal App
Since you'll be interacting with your Mac using the command line in this article, you'll need a terminal app.
Any of the following are good options:
- Visual Studio Code's integrated terminal
- Terminal (the default app that comes with your Mac)
If you aren't sure which one to pick, choose Hyper.
Command Line Developer Tools
The first thing you'll need to install from the command line are your Mac's command line developer tools. Installing these now will prevent weird errors later.
To check if the tools are already installed, type the following command in your terminal app and hit return:
If the result is not a version number, install the tools with this command:
A dialog will appear asking if you'd like to install the tools. Click Install and the package will download and install itself.
When the installation finishes, confirm the tools are now installed by rerunning the first command:
The result should now be a version number.
Homebrew
Instead of installing the next few tools by going to each tool's website, finding the download page, clicking the download link, unzipping the files, and manually running the installer, we're going to use Homebrew.
Homebrew is a tool that lets you install, update and uninstall software on your Mac from the command line. This is faster and safer than the manual approach and generally makes your development life easier.
First, check if Homebrew is already installed:
If you don't see a version number, install Homebrew with this command:
I promise that's the weirdest command you'll see in this article! 😅 Thanks to Homebrew, the rest are simple.
Before moving on, confirm Homebrew is now installed:
Node and npm
Node.js is a tool that allows your Mac to run JavaScript code outside of a web browser. If you want to run a JavaScript framework like React or Vue on your Mac, you'll need to have Node installed.
Node also includes npm (the Node Package Manager), which gives you access to a giant library of free code you can download and use in your projects.
First, check if Node is already installed:
If not, install it with Homebrew:
Finally, confirm Node and npm are now installed:
Git
Git is a tool that helps you track changes to your code and work with other developers on shared projects.
Using Git on all every project is a great habit to develop and will prepare you for future projects where Git may be required. Some tools (like GatsbyJS) also depend on Git being installed on your Mac, so you'll need it even if you don't plan to add it to your workflow.
Once again, start by checking if Git is already installed:
If not, install it:
And confirm the installation worked:
Pc Or Mac For Development Professionals
Update Everything
Once in a while, run the following command and everything you've installed with Homebrew will update automatically:
Virtual Mac For Pc
That one command is all you need to keep your system up to date. 🙌 I usually run it when I start a new project, but feel free to do so whenever you like.
(When you run this command, if Homebrew suggests additional commands for you to run, go ahead and run them. If a command begins with sudo and you are prompted for a password, use your Mac's admin password.)
That's it for the command line!
Code Editor
While you can write code in any text editor, using one that highlights and validates your code will make your life much easier.
Any of the following are good options:
If you're just getting started, choose Visual Studio Code.
Browser
As you code, it helps to view the app or website you're building in a browser to confirm it works. While you can use any browser for this, some include extra developer tools that show you details about your code and how to improve it.
Mac Or Pc For Web Development 2018
Either of the following are good options:
If you're just getting started, choose Chrome.
Finder
A quick tip here: you'll want to show the files your Mac hides by default. (For example, git files are automatically hidden, but sometimes you'll want to edit them.)
The easiest way to show your Mac's hidden files is with the keyboard shortcut ⌘⇧. (command + shift + period). This will alternate between showing and hiding these files so you can access them when you need them.
Conclusion
You're all set! 🎉
That's all you need to get up and running with JavaScript-based front-end development on your Mac.
To prevent confusion, I left out any items that aren't strictly required. If you'd like to dive deeper into optional ways you can further customize your Mac for web development, check out the links below.
Further Reading
- Setting up a Brand New Mac for Development by Tania Rascia
- Setting up a MacBook for Front-End Development by Ben Honeywill
- Leaving Homestead: Finding the Best All-Around Local Development Environment by WebDevStudios (in case you need a PHP setup as well)
Hi Everyone,
I have a question please:
In general, is a Mac computer better for a web developer, in terms of performance, over a normal PC?
I notice a lot people use Mac's and wanted confirmation whether it was due to a Mac's performance, or because of how they look and their brand appeal?
Thanks,Gareth
There's no real performance difference, you should use whatever you feel most comfortable using.
Ok, thanks James. I hoped this was the case but just wanted confirmation.
Thanks,Gareth
For pure web development, check out the Chromebooks, too. I haven't used one myself for any kind of development (and I can't use it for Android dev), but the super affordable price might be worth it if you can get away with web-based dev. Here's an review from a few months ago:http://www.infoworld.com/d/open-source-software/why-i-left-my-macbook-chromebook-205705
I'm very excited by the Pixel and think this will be a viable option by the time I'm ready for my next computer.
Hi Gareth,
Conclusion
You're all set! 🎉
That's all you need to get up and running with JavaScript-based front-end development on your Mac.
To prevent confusion, I left out any items that aren't strictly required. If you'd like to dive deeper into optional ways you can further customize your Mac for web development, check out the links below.
Further Reading
- Setting up a Brand New Mac for Development by Tania Rascia
- Setting up a MacBook for Front-End Development by Ben Honeywill
- Leaving Homestead: Finding the Best All-Around Local Development Environment by WebDevStudios (in case you need a PHP setup as well)
Hi Everyone,
I have a question please:
In general, is a Mac computer better for a web developer, in terms of performance, over a normal PC?
I notice a lot people use Mac's and wanted confirmation whether it was due to a Mac's performance, or because of how they look and their brand appeal?
Thanks,Gareth
There's no real performance difference, you should use whatever you feel most comfortable using.
Ok, thanks James. I hoped this was the case but just wanted confirmation.
Thanks,Gareth
For pure web development, check out the Chromebooks, too. I haven't used one myself for any kind of development (and I can't use it for Android dev), but the super affordable price might be worth it if you can get away with web-based dev. Here's an review from a few months ago:http://www.infoworld.com/d/open-source-software/why-i-left-my-macbook-chromebook-205705
I'm very excited by the Pixel and think this will be a viable option by the time I'm ready for my next computer.
Hi Gareth,
For web development really it doesn't matter what computer you have. Although each system with you are asking a Mac vs a PC you are dealing with two ver different environments. Yes, they functions similar but can be very different (windows vs OSX). Also you have to look at software. What software do you have is it for a pc or a mac.
I have always used a PC up until 5 years ago and I bought my fist Mac and I tell you I will never go back to a PC. Now if I still need to run something in 'Windows' I loaded bootcamp onto my Mac and can run my windows app without issues. So yes you can have the best of both worlds.
Think about what you want to do and what you might do. Do you want to get into iOS programming? Then you would need a Mac. Are you trying to save money well with PCs you can get one pretty cheap as there are so many manufacturers out there trying to compete with costs. Which sadly brings down the quality of the machines. Where as Mac has no Mac competition and they build a very High Quality machine.
Hope this helps.
Micahyah
Thanks Ben & Micahyah,for your helpful feedback,
Ben: I checked out that review plus the new Chromebook Pixel and they look fantastic, both quality and price! I will definitely consider this when I upgrade my laptop, thanks.
Micahyah: That is good to hear your feedback, especially as I noticed on the Treehouse mobile developers course that you need an Apple computer to start iOS programming - I wasn't aware of this.
I think for now, I will continue with my PC as it does the job sufficiently and also decide after I've completed the mobile dev course, because then I can determine whether it is iOS or Android dev I want to pursue and thus which computer and/or laptop to buy.
Pc Or Mac For Development Software
Many thanks for your rapid feedback - absolutely loving the Treehouse experience - nothing like it anywhere else!
Cheers,Gareth
Key things to remember is you want a system that is fast enough to handle any program you throw at it. If you are using Photoshop, Illustrator, Dreamweaver, Indesign etc, you are going to want a strong processor with a good amount of Ram at least 8gigs. You also want your computer to have a strong graphics chip. I personally use a macbook pro and I upgraded some of the components to handle the intensive apps I use but you can get a quality PC that will function just as well. Just remember to review the specs of any machine you consider.
- You need a good amount of Ram, 8 gigs or more.
- You need a strong Processor like an Intel 5 or 7 with 2.5ghz or more
- A big hard drive, 750gig or more
- Solid Graphics Chip
- Laptop ( Good Battery Life )
Hope this helps.
Thanks Joel - that's brilliant advice!
I will refer back to this when in the market to upgrade computer.
Many thanks again, I really appreciate it :)
Gareth
Hey Gareth How are you?
Now I am in the same situation, I would like to buy a new computer but I don't know which one (Mac or Pc)
What did you choose? How is the performance of your computer?
Cheers
Hi Darwin,
I'm good thanks and hope you are too.
I haven't progressed from this thread, in other words - I am still using my old Dell laptop! Not good!
However, when I do go to purchase a proper desktop machine, I think I will opt for a Windows PC. My reason is that I am simply used to it and it is significantly cheaper. I wouldn't mind trying a Mac one day but only when I've got the spare cash.
I should add that my old work PC (HP), which was a high spec one at the time, was very good and more than adequate for my needs. I guess it comes down to your budget and taste.
Hope this helps,Gareth
I did my own research and I came to the same conclusion, With around $1,300 I can get a better computer.
Thanks for replaying.
Pc Or Mac For Web Development
No probs Darwin, glad to help.
All the best, Gareth
Would you all say the processor in a MacBook Air is good enough for web development? The processors say 1.3 or 1.7 with 'turbo boost' of up to 2.6 or 3.3, but I'm not entirely sure what the turbo boost means.
Pc Or Mac For Game Development
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