The Best Monitor Setup for Programming & Coding

Programmers spend the majority of their day in front of their computer screens. When your professional career depends on an efficient ergonomic screen setup, it’s essential to invest in the best! As a developer, you may need more screens to accommodate multiple windows, complex software, and dialog boxes. That can truly be a hassle.

This is where extra screens may come in handy to increase productivity, workflow, and efficiency. Let's look at a guide to help you achieve the best programming monitor setup.

Multi-Monitor VS Dual Programming Monitor Setup

To achieve the best programming monitor setup for your space, you’ll first need to decide if you want a dual monitor or multi-monitor setup. 

Programming with a Dual Monitor Setup (One extra screen)

Adding just one extra screen instead of multiple monitors has the benefit of being much more travel friendly; it's easier to carry around just one extra monitor in your laptop bag than having to carry multiple—which would be the ideal monitor setup for coding.

A dual monitor setup also takes up much less desk space and may work well for people with space constraints, especially students living in dorms or studio apartments. While a multi-screen setup can be overwhelming and distracting, adding just one extra screen won’t be as much of a problem and allows you to focus on a minimal amount of tasks at a time if you’re prone to distraction.

However, a dual setup may not be enough to screen real estate for most developers and programmers, limiting you to a few tasks or tabs at a time and may not allow for maximum efficiency.

Programming with a Multi-Monitor Setup (2+ monitors)

A multi-monitor setup provides maximum screen space for those developers working on complex, bigger tasks. It's one of the best monitor setups for programming if you’re often working within multiple programs or documents at once.

Programming and coding are difficult tasks, often requiring multiple screens to work cohesively on one task; having more than one screen allows you to have all their work on display at once. A multi-monitor setup makes it easy to switch seamlessly between tasks and screens. It improves workflow and efficiency for "tab jugglers."

However, space may be the biggest concern when opting for more than two screens at a time. Multiple screens require ample desk space, which may not be readily available. Having too many screens can sometimes lead to losing focus on the task, especially if you use them to check emails or as a form of entertainment simultaneously.

A dual monitor setup may be the best option for people who travel often or like to switch up their workspace. Single screens are more convenient and portable in that regard. However, portable laptop monitors can combine the portability of a single monitor and the efficiency of multiple screens into a single product designed to maximize productivity. 

The TRIO MAX is a portable, detachable, and travel-friendly multi-screen setup compatible with all Windows and Mac OS. With the TRIO max, you can work from anywhere without compromising productivity because your multi-screen setup is now on the go!

Must-Have Accessories for Your Coding & Programming Monitor Setup

When most of your day is spent sitting on a chair in front of a screen, the long-term health effects can be detrimental; worrying about your posture when you are engrossed in work is counterproductive. Therefore, it's advisable to invest in an ergonomically friendly workstation.

A spacious desk, ergonomic keyboard, and comfortable chair offering good spine and neck support is an excellent place to start when transforming your workspace to be conducive to your health. A wireless mouse can also help improve ergonomics and reduce cord clutter on your desk.

In this age of technology, especially post-pandemic, most of us have moved on to remote working options or meetings conducted on the go. For that, it’s essential to have an efficient webcam or smart camera for video conferencing.

When setting up the ideal programming workstation, it is important to consider all the factors discussed above. Multiple screens, ergonomic accessories, and upgraded hardware are essential for maximum productivity and efficient workflow.

If you’re looking to further enhance your programming productivity, read more about how Mobile Pixels can help you program more productively.