My NYC coding setup

Today I'll show you my work from home programming desk setup, and some of the tech I use on a daily basis as a full-time software engineer.
MY TECH
2020 M1 MacBook Air (I have the 512GB variant): amzn.to/3TTIBsE
AirPods Pro: amzn.to/3sRLUo5
Amp (newer version): amzn.to/3gT5IF3
DAC (newer version): amzn.to/3Wha3lz
Gaming headset: amzn.to/3zwbT8i
Headphones (newer model): amzn.to/3Ub5reT
Keyboard: amzn.to/3FOOOC7
Mouse: amzn.to/3WhMFV9
Monitor: www.dell.com/en-us/work/shop/...
Monitor arm (newer model): amzn.to/3gXnlUa
Webcam: amzn.to/3zxxwp0
Laptop stand: amzn.to/3NuyqZ5
Mouse pad/mat: amzn.to/3U9QFVO
KVM switch: amzn.to/3gZmpP0
PC case: amzn.to/3Fx4Hg5
Under desk drawer: amzn.to/3WloFAo
^ Note for the Amazon links above: as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
ABOUT ME
I'm a professional software engineer working at Amazon in New York City. I enjoy making videos about the tech industry so if you have a question please get in touch either through the comments or any of my socials and I'd be happy to help out. Thanks for checking out the channel!
FOLLOW ME
Website: www.themoderncoder.com
Twitter: / themoderncoder

[@trendstv7284]

Simple and minimalist✨

[@instaminox]

Simple and great! I like it!

[@rubinnitsuh4392]

cool vid, simple and elegant!!

[@alephanull1953]

The reason I like this setup is because I can afford it..lol... :p

[@prashantghimire7783]

I had a similar story with transitioning from Windows to Mac. I used to have PCs when I was back in college. I had to buy two of them in 3 years. During my senior year, I bought a Macbook Pro 2015. It's been working great since then! I don't see myself going back to PCs anytime soon either!

[@ambiperry4850]

Nice to the point and simple 👌🏾

[@Elizabeth-dj4ge]

This is what I needed ! Thanks for the video =)

[@themoderncoder]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ruffneck718]

thank you for sharing

[@chansolkim3609]

Thx bro for sharing it👍🏻

[@supercc66]

simple and useful.

[@dongshuowu3454]

Thanks for the nice video. I’m also considering replacing my old dell 24 inch 1080 monitor. I’m wondering if I should buy your monitor or a 4K.

[@themoderncoder]

Good question. The only really annoying thing about not having a full 4k display is that the MacBook display has a much higher pixel density and so images are notably sharper on my Mac. That being said, at this point I still don't think a full 4k display has the right value proposition. An ~2k display is probably your sweets spot as far as price to value

[@syl6164]

Now this is what I want, minimal, and elegant. Unlike those overkill setups I see on others. edit: so I think I'm the only person who prefer membrane keyboards since I like a more quiet environment.

[@syl6164]

@T9 potato Named John So there are silent switches for mechanical keyboard. Hmm. Interesting. It's not like I really hate mechanical that much, believe me, I like the response of mechanical keyboard, if not only for the loud click. Ok. I'll look into it. Thanks for the info

[@michaelkrenciprock6145]

What about OSes and apps used? Your personal preference. Would love to hear. Thanks and good video.

[@adverspace]

Awesome video man.. what do you code.?

[@yogyarai6115]

Now this is what i call good

[@manuelavendano3891]

Hey buddy, you seem to have a ton of experience with monitors, can you give me a hand? I can't wrap my head around this... I really like the 27-inch display size as my main display for productivity --coding, taking notes with my graphic tablet, and watching educational videos--. Because of that, I would like to have a monitor that complements the 27-inch display...Which resolution would you recommend for the 27-inch display, and which monitor size and resolution would you recommend as a complementing display for the 27-inch display? I was thinking of going 27 at 4k plus a 24 at 1080p Appreciate your suggestions! PS: I don’t do gaming at all!

[@mattmarkus4868]

Can you explain how you'd set up an xlr mic with audio interface to do conference calls with teammates? I have xlr mics and an audio interface because I'm a musician... but.. how do you talk on the phone or through MS Teams or Skype or whatever you use? Do you just have a stand and get close to the mic so they can hear you? I'm *REALLY* interested in that setup. I want my voice to be super clear and good when on a call. I didn't even think about using my mics for this. Thanks!

[@shosbugs3202]

Can you please tell me how to connect your big dell display with your mac...how it works?? Please tell me in details

[@im4485]

I work with 8 monitors... My motto is the more the better...i truly believe that each application deserves a monitor.

[@Buffarang]

I like the frame you're wearing. Where can I get such frames for my glasses?

[@themoderncoder]

Thanks Shahrukh! I got them from SEE Eyewear in NYC: www.seeeyewear.com/

[@jingbellgood2u]

I'm very curious to know what software you use to make those tech videos.

[@svuy9801]

Please do a video on computer science degree vs computer programmer. Thanks

[@AymanAliAli]

When programming, how do you organize the programs inside the monitors for productivity. Is there is a setup better than the other. for example, do you keep vs code on the left monitor, bigger monitor, etc.. where do you prefer to have your google search results, where do you prefer to test your finished code. I'd love if you share your ideas

[@udaykhalsa]

I'd like to know this too. Was wondering the same thing. What's best ergonomically.

[@MichielWouters]

I use the same microphone but get quite a bit of electrical hum/noise in my recordings. How do you get yours so crispy clean?

[@TokyoXtreme]

Does the Filco work well with your MacBook? I have a few myself, but I recall there being problems trying to make them work with my Mac, so I just put them away in a drawer (I used them back when I was on Windows).

[@alephyao3354]

Filco Ninja Convertible 2 (BT wireless to MacOS) here, I use one keyboard to switch between Linux desktop + MBP, it works but for Mac you need to change key binding to Alt->Cmd Win->Option, very easy.

[@sumanbandopadhyay1183]

How do you work with docker with 8 GB RAM and that config, does your local machine smoothly accepts that?

[@alephyao3354]

Can't find the link for IKEA desk and lamp, the ones in the video seems good. XD

[@highgr6744]

What languages do you work in and do you ever feel limited using 8gb of ram?

[@seungminyoo9492]

How to solve the problem that macbook pro is turned off when the monitor entering the save mode?

[@tenminutetokyo2643]

You need a vintage IKEA GALANT desk from about 12 years ago. Various sizes and configurable. Check craigslist.

[@jztsaurabh8111]

A real setup for real world work

[@aymanehatafi8262]

Hi bro Which keyboard is good for coding is it AZERTY or QWERTY ?? I've tried them both, and so far I think the AZERTY is more useful than QWERTY especially when it comes to symbols which we need during programming I really need your answer, thanks in advance

[@themoderncoder]

I use QWERTY and I honestly didn't even know about AZERTY. The only other key layout I've heard about is Dvorak

[@aymanehatafi8262]

@@themoderncoder and which one would you recomand it to me is it the Qwerty or Dvorak ??

[@themoderncoder]

I've only ever used QWERTY so I guess that's my choice, but someone who has used both would be able to give you a better answer

[@aymanehatafi8262]

@@themoderncoder alright thank you so much for your help, I was quite hesitate about the Qwerty but Since you already used it for programming, I would go for it as my next keyboard layout Thank you once more, I really appreciate it.

[@forbiddenlion7340]

Which cam are you using

[@henokhsatrio8804]

I'm about to order Filco Majestic 2 (Camouflage). Is it really good for a better typing experience? I have a big hands and I don't enjoy blue switch because it's too loud that makes me frustated. Thank you Sir.

[@aaronstark171]

try reds or brown. browns have a more tactile bump tho. you might prefer reds i think. they are linear and smooth.

[@n0zgs]

Do you prefer landscape instead of portrait?

[@themoderncoder]

The answer is I definitely need landscape orientation as my primary monitor but for a 3rd monitor I almost always prefer that to be landscape as well just because I don’t like straining my neck and looking up and down a large surface, I’d rather scan side-to-side. Vertical monitors just never felt comfortable to me, and they weren’t worth the extra vertical real estate for coding or terminal output or whatever.

[@mattmarkus4868]

why do you convert to analog audio, what does it do to the sound? That's a lot of effort and cost so I assume it must be a significant improvement. Thoughts?

[@mephiles6432]

Just being a hipster, absolutely useless... having an audio interface is only useful when producing music and mastering.

[@mattmarkus4868]

Mephiles I know that, I have one,. But my question was about the sound. If what you say is true, then that’s silly. I assume people, especially developers, although lately I’m not so sure, do things for a specific reason. Not for fashion. However, one look at the framework churn makes me reconsider

[@nkm4fun]

I never used mechanical keyboard. Which one is the best for a reasonable price. May be below $50-$60

[@bobbysingh5666]

Get a red dragon

[@75fx8]

What u use for coding web or programm

[@edfloreshz]

Nice video! Have you ever tried coding in Linux? I know you use a MacBook and macOS is great but you should definitely try it out sometime if you haven't already.

[@khwajataha6024]

You connected your laptop to monitor through HDMI cable?

[@themoderncoder]

My monitor has display port so I used that to connect my laptop to my monitor

[@maxthecat1235]

What is your main programming monitor, the laptop screen or the large monitor? What do you use the laptop screen, when you are docked?

[@themoderncoder]

Usually the laptop is the terminal screen and the main dell monitor is the coding screen.

[@maxthecat1235]

What if you want to watch a KZbin video while coding? Do you stop coding and watch it on big monitor or do you watch it on laptop monitor and keep coding on big screen. What terminal programs are you running I am new to progamming

[@maxthecat1235]

what if you want to see a youtube video while coding which monitor do you use? An which monitor do you do to preview your coding?

[@KN-bo5cb]

What IDE or text editor do you use?? Also what language do you typically write in

[@anirudhvee]

It is Atom as it has the white top bar

[@andrewkibe6079]

Why did you decide to switch to a MAC? Why would you not switch back to Windows? Would be interested in hearing your opinion. Even if you opinion is that you just like the UI better, haha.

[@thedeveloper4207]

It is because it is a Unix based OS similar to Linux... So developers always prefer Mac or Linux.... Mac has better softwares for web design and development too

[@nixlad]

A UNIX system with better hardware and software support than a distribution of GNU/Linux. A very good and stable choice for certain developers.

[@mattmarkus4868]

@@thedeveloper4207 _"So developers always prefer Mac or Linux"_ Uh....really? What about the millions who use Windows? Silly statement.

[@thedeveloper4207]

@@mattmarkus4868 Millions of people are poor... 80 20 rule.... 80 % use windows because they are broke or are gamers..... 20 % of people use Unix based systems..... REAL Developers use Mac or Linux.... Period

[@mattmarkus4868]

Dev God you’re a fucking moron. You’re discounting all the windows developers, including Microsoft engineers. lmao. What a foolish thing to say.

[@guptajitendra108]

Perfect setup. No unnecessary shit...

[@golmatolgaitonde9535]

Did you connect your monitor to your lap

[@24aman]

Which software you use for programming??

[@the_xoja9345]

I think he coding web app on visual studio code (black theme)

[@syedacodes]

What about CPU?

[@thisisreallyme3130]

Nice coding setup... any updates?

[@themoderncoder]

Yeah quite a few! Check it out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jmbWp3l3fZqbd9U

[@tomsmith5656]

So why Mac Pro ?

[@magicalhazzard6672]

when the blue yeti is actually black 😂

[@ihatestairss4651]

Why cherry brown over other keyboards?

[@karu6111]

ScatteredFilms they’re mech switches tactile bump without the clicky noise, ideal for office spaces

[@tisurmaster]

2 monitor is a must. One monitor pisses me off.

[@videoproductionhacks5443]

html users with mac! lol im still rocking windows a good pc is better than wasting my money. Although i have a mac lol

[@paulhermes990]

Well UNIX is really nice for programmers but you could just load some Linux distro on an old ThinkPad it someone...

[@karu6111]

four letter word UNIX

[@avinashjadhav2746]

Why programmer use dual monitors...?🤔

[@devsalmont]

basically you can have more space to work with the code and the layout/browser

[@avinashjadhav2746]

thank you sirrr.......

[@flol3266]

i5 and only 8gb ram? This really works out?

[@syl6164]

Yep.

[@flol3266]

Syl bought an MacBook Pro with i5 and 8GB RAM for myself last week. Compiled my current project from work without backend but two main Frontend apps and getting over 7gb and already using swap. It is close but it works out for private projects. For work and larger projects I would recommend the 16GB. But I don’t know what happens if Mac OS uses swap for running processes as this is my first MacBook Maybe it will only getting slower and if this is true, the 8GB would be fine, because it is soooo much faster than my delll i7 same generation and 16GB RAM Windows Laptop. Really fast. Like 70-120% faster compile times with much slower cpu and half the ram.

[@syl6164]

​@@flol3266 I don't know why that happens on your mac on why it is using 90% of ram, what kind of apps are you developing? I didn't have any problems with my projects before because it's all circling around web development. It will start to lag if you develop games but it still depend on what type of game. The one time I upgraded my laptop was jumping to 16gb, Idk about your windows, I fresh installed mine to remove the unnecessary apps that eats ram space when I'm still using 8gb. I haven't tried any apple products yet because I don't think it is necessary since I don't get projects that is targeted to mac or ios, but if you said that yours is faster compared to your dell, perhaps the mac has ssd in it or just have higher ram speed. But I get the idea on the difference on you are talking about since I also use Linux Mint, and I swear, Windows is slow. Lols, but that didn't bother me that much before.

[@flol3266]

Syl I am mostly developing enterprise angular apps with c# or java in the backend. In my last project we had a big docker environment to run locally and in my current project I have to compile the backend via visual studio to develop my Frontend accordingly. On Windows I am currently using around 11-12gb Ram while developing. But also running all the other things like chrome, Spotify, fork, outlook, OneNote and my other tools. For example opening a stack blitz environment or similar stuff doing in the browser (which happens a lot) is eating ram like candy

[@nixlad]

Why not use Vim or Emacs?

[@themoderncoder]

I've tried both, and still do use VIM for minor file editing and such; however, I like the functionality a fully featured IDE provides. Currently I use VS Code

[@nixlad]

The Modern Coder Nice, the past year or two I have been experimenting with editors. I eventually settled on emacs, and I configured it to work with git, c++ debugging, syntax highlighting, etc, and vim keybindings. I’m in love with it currently. Also good videos! I am subbed already

[@themoderncoder]

That's awesome. I'm sure if I devote the time to learning all the keyboard shortcuts and plugging in some extensions vim/emacs could be blazingly fast for development. Sounds like you've got your setup the way you like and thanks for sub!

[@durpybxnker1]

His audio goes into the Shit "Shit what poo"

[@errrzarrr]

Your didn't talked about the monitor

[@benjaminmathew289]

he did

[@errrzarrr]

@@benjaminmathew289 as far as I noticed he didn't, he talked about the stand

[@benjaminmathew289]

@@errrzarrr oh yea he dint shit

[@emmanuel1547]

this dude: Macbook me: ight, imma head out

[@kmvr6046]

shit stack LMAO

[@meditating010]

playfully - cherry mx blue *ONLY* for office ... sure to make your neighbors walk over for time wasting chit chat - way to get promoted - no one else performs better than you

[@stanfarshtei1291]

Why all those coder looks like such a freaking nerds and geeks... Can't you guys just work out and be more confident?!

[@omarb155]

Trump 2020!!!!!