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  3. What is the best font for programming?

What is the best font for programming?

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  • C CaptainSeeSharp

    I've just rediscovered the beauty of color on black for programming environment. More information can be expressed with this type of color scheme. I like how numbers, strings, operators, identifiers all have a unique color that makes things much easier to sort through. The massive reduction of strain on the eyes is good also. Now I am looking for the best font to go with it. For those who customize their programming environment, what font do you use? What color scheme do you use? What is the best? I kind of like fonts that remind me of programming in DOS, however fixedsys and terminal are too big. I'm looking for something really really great that is specifically designed for programming.

    Watch the Fall of the Republic (High Quality 2:24:19)[^]

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    horia67
    wrote on last edited by
    #60

    I've yet to see a font that beats Bitstream Vera Sans Mono. And for Visual Studio settings, I use 2008-DarkGrey. But this is pretty much a matter of personal preference...

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    • V Vikram A Punathambekar

      Screen size and resolution?

      Cheers, Vikram. (Cracked not one CCC, but two!)

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      Judah Gabriel Himango
      wrote on last edited by
      #61

      31" for first monitor, 28" for the 2nd. Both are running at 1920x1200.

      Religiously blogging on the intarwebs since the early 21st century: Kineti L'Tziyon Judah Himango

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      • C CaptainSeeSharp

        I've just rediscovered the beauty of color on black for programming environment. More information can be expressed with this type of color scheme. I like how numbers, strings, operators, identifiers all have a unique color that makes things much easier to sort through. The massive reduction of strain on the eyes is good also. Now I am looking for the best font to go with it. For those who customize their programming environment, what font do you use? What color scheme do you use? What is the best? I kind of like fonts that remind me of programming in DOS, however fixedsys and terminal are too big. I'm looking for something really really great that is specifically designed for programming.

        Watch the Fall of the Republic (High Quality 2:24:19)[^]

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        Noel Paricollo 2
        wrote on last edited by
        #62

        Lucida Console 9pt Background black Keyword green Identifier yellow comment cyan strings a kind of orange

        NoelPV2

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        • C Christian Graus

          Well, sure. BUT, there's a ton of fonts out there, which would satisfy that problem. Just setting the colour scheme and font size, will do that. To suggest there's an optimal programming font, is the height of ignorance.

          Christian Graus Driven to the arms of OSX by Vista. Read my blog to find out how I've worked around bugs in Microsoft tools and frameworks.

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          ely_bob
          wrote on last edited by
          #63

          Christian Graus wrote:

          To suggest there's an optimal programming font, is the height of ignorance.

          -- common FONT related issues: Zero's that look like O's, 1's that lool like l's, or I's or |'s ..(i like that here in this font they do..) other issues... Commas which lack definition to be differentiated from (.)/(,) or (~)/(-), or(o)/(c) or (v,u)...I could go on.... Ohh did I mention that i am dislexic... so I can go on and on.. Fo_nt_ IS a serious issue.. :-\ Companies spend thousands of dollars developing a font for a product, which will help set either a mood or a branding... There are Degree's in which font, and typesetting are whole year upper level courses...!

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          • C Christian Graus

            This is hilarious. You think your font choice is going to make you a better programmer ?

            CaptainSeeSharp wrote:

            I'm looking for something really really great that is specifically designed for programming.

            :wtf:

            Christian Graus Driven to the arms of OSX by Vista. Read my blog to find out how I've worked around bugs in Microsoft tools and frameworks.

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            Wasserspeier
            wrote on last edited by
            #64

            I once spent hours trying debug code that had a typo where a upper case "O" was replaced with a zero "0". I would say in this case the right font would have made it obvious.

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            • C CaptainSeeSharp

              I've just rediscovered the beauty of color on black for programming environment. More information can be expressed with this type of color scheme. I like how numbers, strings, operators, identifiers all have a unique color that makes things much easier to sort through. The massive reduction of strain on the eyes is good also. Now I am looking for the best font to go with it. For those who customize their programming environment, what font do you use? What color scheme do you use? What is the best? I kind of like fonts that remind me of programming in DOS, however fixedsys and terminal are too big. I'm looking for something really really great that is specifically designed for programming.

              Watch the Fall of the Republic (High Quality 2:24:19)[^]

              K Offline
              K Offline
              Kizul Emeraldfire
              wrote on last edited by
              #65

              I personally use 9pt Fixedsys — failing that, 11pt Courier New. Fixed-width font is <3. :)

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              • C Christian Graus

                Well, sure. BUT, there's a ton of fonts out there, which would satisfy that problem. Just setting the colour scheme and font size, will do that. To suggest there's an optimal programming font, is the height of ignorance.

                Christian Graus Driven to the arms of OSX by Vista. Read my blog to find out how I've worked around bugs in Microsoft tools and frameworks.

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                ormonds
                wrote on last edited by
                #66

                May I suggest your reply also displays some ignorance? It is well known, for instance, that serifed fonts have about a 7% better uptake in understanding than san serif. Font choice is probably very personal - but it is also possible that one font will relax the eyes more. The retinal nerve uses an appreciable fraction of the brain's 10 watts power, so maybe the right choice of font will allow longer work periods.

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                • C CaptainSeeSharp

                  I've just rediscovered the beauty of color on black for programming environment. More information can be expressed with this type of color scheme. I like how numbers, strings, operators, identifiers all have a unique color that makes things much easier to sort through. The massive reduction of strain on the eyes is good also. Now I am looking for the best font to go with it. For those who customize their programming environment, what font do you use? What color scheme do you use? What is the best? I kind of like fonts that remind me of programming in DOS, however fixedsys and terminal are too big. I'm looking for something really really great that is specifically designed for programming.

                  Watch the Fall of the Republic (High Quality 2:24:19)[^]

                  K Offline
                  K Offline
                  Kevin McFarlane
                  wrote on last edited by
                  #67

                  CaptainSeeSharp wrote:

                  I've just rediscovered the beauty of color on black

                  I hate that.

                  CaptainSeeSharp wrote:

                  The massive reduction of strain on the eyes is good also.

                  I find the opposite. It's colour on black that gives me strain.

                  Kevin

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                  • C Christian Graus

                    This is hilarious. You think your font choice is going to make you a better programmer ?

                    CaptainSeeSharp wrote:

                    I'm looking for something really really great that is specifically designed for programming.

                    :wtf:

                    Christian Graus Driven to the arms of OSX by Vista. Read my blog to find out how I've worked around bugs in Microsoft tools and frameworks.

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                    Synaptrik
                    wrote on last edited by
                    #68

                    You really are a pratt at times Christian. You insist on badgering Josh even when he posts reasonable material. Why bate him like this? You do a great disservice to this site when you troll in this manner and I find it reprehensible.

                    This statement is false

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                    • C Christian Graus

                      Well, sure. BUT, there's a ton of fonts out there, which would satisfy that problem. Just setting the colour scheme and font size, will do that. To suggest there's an optimal programming font, is the height of ignorance.

                      Christian Graus Driven to the arms of OSX by Vista. Read my blog to find out how I've worked around bugs in Microsoft tools and frameworks.

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                      S Offline
                      Synaptrik
                      wrote on last edited by
                      #69

                      Christian Graus wrote:

                      To suggest there's an optimal programming font, is the height of ignorance.

                      You used to be a personality here bent on helping people. Now you're reduced to complaining about the quality of questions and trolling Josh. Nietzsche has some interesting insights regarding staring into the abyss you might do well to digest. It suggests that it won't be long before we see no difference between you and what you think you're combating.

                      This statement is false

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                      • C Christian Graus

                        He's an idiot. And he's taken to creating you tube videos that slander me. "I'm looking for something really really great that is specifically designed for programming. " This is ridiculous, I am sorry. The font that suits you, is a personal choice. There are no fonts created FOR programming, or universally the BEST for programming.

                        Christian Graus Driven to the arms of OSX by Vista. Read my blog to find out how I've worked around bugs in Microsoft tools and frameworks.

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                        Synaptrik
                        wrote on last edited by
                        #70

                        No need to lower yourself and be a jerk in response. I hate to say it, but after watching your parlance for the last couple of years with Josh has convince me that you have asked for what you've got. Seek and find.

                        This statement is false

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                        • S Shog9 0

                          Christian Graus wrote:

                          He needs to choose something he likes.

                          Or Comic Sans. Someone here must be using that...

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                          Synaptrik
                          wrote on last edited by
                          #71

                          I actually used that in the 90s for about a week. heh

                          This statement is false

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                          • C Christian Graus

                            This was exactly my point. There is no magical 'programming font'. He needs to choose something he likes.

                            Christian Graus Driven to the arms of OSX by Vista. Read my blog to find out how I've worked around bugs in Microsoft tools and frameworks.

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                            Synaptrik
                            wrote on last edited by
                            #72

                            Christian Graus wrote:

                            He needs to choose something he likes.

                            Kinda arrogant isn't it, to presume what another needs... I think you need to get over it.

                            This statement is false

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                            • C Christian Graus

                              He's an idiot. And he's taken to creating you tube videos that slander me. "I'm looking for something really really great that is specifically designed for programming. " This is ridiculous, I am sorry. The font that suits you, is a personal choice. There are no fonts created FOR programming, or universally the BEST for programming.

                              Christian Graus Driven to the arms of OSX by Vista. Read my blog to find out how I've worked around bugs in Microsoft tools and frameworks.

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                              Walveranta
                              wrote on last edited by
                              #73

                              What's with all this bickering? The original poster just wanted to know what would be a good programming font. Yes, many fonts work for programming, but some are better for that purpose than others. Personally I find it interesting to optimize my tools: utilities, applications, and also the visual helpers such as fonts. Oftentimes comments that I read either bring nothing new, or they reiterate something that I already use/know (or have tested and have decided is not working for me). But every now and then this kinds of threads (less all the complaining) introduce some new idea, utility, application, and why not, a font that then becomes a nice addition to my toolset. Personally, I like Pragmata and Andale Mono. Since different applications render fonts slightly differently I tend to choose - for programming purposes - one or the other. The main utilities of such fonts are: good differentiation of similar-looking characters and the that they are monospaced. I can't stand writing code with a proportionally spaced fonts.

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                              • C CaptainSeeSharp

                                I've just rediscovered the beauty of color on black for programming environment. More information can be expressed with this type of color scheme. I like how numbers, strings, operators, identifiers all have a unique color that makes things much easier to sort through. The massive reduction of strain on the eyes is good also. Now I am looking for the best font to go with it. For those who customize their programming environment, what font do you use? What color scheme do you use? What is the best? I kind of like fonts that remind me of programming in DOS, however fixedsys and terminal are too big. I'm looking for something really really great that is specifically designed for programming.

                                Watch the Fall of the Republic (High Quality 2:24:19)[^]

                                D Offline
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                                DrFrankenstein90
                                wrote on last edited by
                                #74

                                I quite much like Envy Code R.[^] My second choice would be Consolas or Vera Sans Mono (tie). Third... hmm... I'd say Monaco.

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                                • C CaptainSeeSharp

                                  I've just rediscovered the beauty of color on black for programming environment. More information can be expressed with this type of color scheme. I like how numbers, strings, operators, identifiers all have a unique color that makes things much easier to sort through. The massive reduction of strain on the eyes is good also. Now I am looking for the best font to go with it. For those who customize their programming environment, what font do you use? What color scheme do you use? What is the best? I kind of like fonts that remind me of programming in DOS, however fixedsys and terminal are too big. I'm looking for something really really great that is specifically designed for programming.

                                  Watch the Fall of the Republic (High Quality 2:24:19)[^]

                                  D Offline
                                  D Offline
                                  darktrick544
                                  wrote on last edited by
                                  #75

                                  I've switched a bunch of times but always come back to Courier New at 10 pt I've used color on black ever since my Turbo Pascal days. When I sit with someone that has a white bkgd, I have trouble picking out what's what.

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                                  • C CaptainSeeSharp

                                    I've just rediscovered the beauty of color on black for programming environment. More information can be expressed with this type of color scheme. I like how numbers, strings, operators, identifiers all have a unique color that makes things much easier to sort through. The massive reduction of strain on the eyes is good also. Now I am looking for the best font to go with it. For those who customize their programming environment, what font do you use? What color scheme do you use? What is the best? I kind of like fonts that remind me of programming in DOS, however fixedsys and terminal are too big. I'm looking for something really really great that is specifically designed for programming.

                                    Watch the Fall of the Republic (High Quality 2:24:19)[^]

                                    J Offline
                                    J Offline
                                    Jim SS
                                    wrote on last edited by
                                    #76

                                    One more reason not to like Eclipse. I can't figure out how to set the background color.:mad:

                                    SS => Qualified in Submarines "We sleep soundly in our beds because rough men stand ready in the night to visit violence on those who would do us harm". Winston Churchill "Real programmers can write FORTRAN in any language". Unknown

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                                    • C CaptainSeeSharp

                                      I've just rediscovered the beauty of color on black for programming environment. More information can be expressed with this type of color scheme. I like how numbers, strings, operators, identifiers all have a unique color that makes things much easier to sort through. The massive reduction of strain on the eyes is good also. Now I am looking for the best font to go with it. For those who customize their programming environment, what font do you use? What color scheme do you use? What is the best? I kind of like fonts that remind me of programming in DOS, however fixedsys and terminal are too big. I'm looking for something really really great that is specifically designed for programming.

                                      Watch the Fall of the Republic (High Quality 2:24:19)[^]

                                      S Offline
                                      S Offline
                                      SohjSolwin
                                      wrote on last edited by
                                      #77

                                      Personally, I use Ragnarok blue. link[^]

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                                      • S Shog9 0

                                        Christian Graus wrote:

                                        He needs to choose something he likes.

                                        Or Comic Sans. Someone here must be using that...

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                                        W Offline
                                        Ware Work
                                        wrote on last edited by
                                        #78

                                        I have used this on and off at various times.

                                        WarePhreak Programmers are tools to convert caffiene to code.

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                                        • C CaptainSeeSharp

                                          I've just rediscovered the beauty of color on black for programming environment. More information can be expressed with this type of color scheme. I like how numbers, strings, operators, identifiers all have a unique color that makes things much easier to sort through. The massive reduction of strain on the eyes is good also. Now I am looking for the best font to go with it. For those who customize their programming environment, what font do you use? What color scheme do you use? What is the best? I kind of like fonts that remind me of programming in DOS, however fixedsys and terminal are too big. I'm looking for something really really great that is specifically designed for programming.

                                          Watch the Fall of the Republic (High Quality 2:24:19)[^]

                                          B Offline
                                          B Offline
                                          BrainiacV
                                          wrote on last edited by
                                          #79

                                          My favorite is OCR A Extended. It is monospaced and since it is designed to be machine readable, it makes each character unique in form. I force my minions to use it because you can tell double quotes (") from single quotes (') when there is a line of nested quotes.

                                          Psychosis at 10 Film at 11

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