The interaction between the software and hardware is unlike anything you can find on a Windows or Linux machine. And because it is based on Unix, it feels familiar and relatively easy for developers migrating from Linux compared to Windows devices, as Command Prompt has limited functionality.

But what does this have to do with programming?įirst of all, macOS is recognized as the most minimalistic and intuitive yet visually stunning operating system. With the newer lineup of MacBook models, Apple strikes the perfect balance between software and hardware. MacBooks are one of the most portable, stylish computers with a premium build that defy the notion that only bulky devices offer top-notch performance. What this translates to in terms of user experience for a software developer is a device powerful enough to complete tasks at a consistently snappy rate while remaining energy efficient and cool to the touch. MacBooks can generally maintain their performance for extended periods, keeping the CPU temperature lower than most Windows laptops while pulling the least amount of power and generating very little noise. For example, the 14-inch MacBook Pro with the M2 Pro chip promises excellent results in single and multi-core workloads. With the switch from Intel CPUs to Apple Silicon, MacBooks are now in a league of their own with the powerful M1 and M2 chips that provide a significant leap in performance. How long and conveniently it takes your computer to run these heavy-duty tasks depends on your computer's processor. But the true test of a computer's performance occurs when it's necessary to compile code, run multiple applications and virtual machines, and test for concurrencies. For the most part, a decent processor may be good enough to write code.

Ubuntu vs mac for development