I tried coding on a Chromebook for 7 days

Using a Chromebook as my primary device for coding wasn't something I thought possible until I tried it. While the baseline chrome book is able to only run Chrome Based Applications, you can unlock a Developer Mode with a Linux Console Shell that let's you install everything from vscode to git and much more.

Since I have a computer, laptop and tablet for website development, I found coding and swapping devices sort of difficult especially with the fact that most environments require me to sync github in order to get back to coding my so important HTML, CSS and JS.

I have the chromebook a proper test over 7 days to test out different methods for programming, as people might be using it for many different applications. I would recommend this device for people looking to learn programming via freeCodeCamp or working on applications such as on React, Angular, Vue, etc.

If you're looking to do mobile application development such as on react native or flutter, this might not be the device for you

#chromebook #coding #development

I got the Lenovo Chromebook for this project, you can find below if you're interested

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[garynelson]

Interesting video. Some of the issues you faced were due to a lack of knowledge rather than issues with ChromeOS itself. You didn't need to enable developer mode. To get VSCode running you only needed to enable linux and then download the correct version of VS Code and then right click to install from the downloads folder. Most of the other issues were really due to the ARM/Intel processors. This is an issue with Macs (M1) and Windows (Surface Pro X) as well. TBF, you did stick with it. Finally, you kind of limited yourself with a cheaper Chromebook. I use a Lenovo C13 16gb RAM for development every day and it handles everything (Python/Node) well.

[imaperson]

Before I got a (high end) Chromebook I thought I'd only use it for school related stuff. But once I installed Linux and started using it for coding it's hard to go back to Windows.

[nandojkcolas]

I appreciate that you didn't give up on the first hurdle. It's almost like instead of just deciding that the Chromebook wouldn't work for coding, you took time to learn how to use a Chromebook, and were able to get a lot done. Funny how that works.

[dedse]

I learned how to code with my chromebook while I was on my graduation. It was really easy to set up somethings, others took days... But in the final picture, was a unexpectedly great experience: I carried a chromebook with me for 5 years, from High School to University.

I used a Chromebook with 32GB of storage, 4GB RAM and an old Intel Pentium

[drewbird]

I really appreciate the way that you mixed a vlog format with an explainer. A lot more engaging than a simple talking-head with stock videos. Thank you for putting in all the effort. 🙂

[drumworld]

0:58
Actually Intel based Chromebooks can run almost all linux based app
Where arm powered Chromebook can only run a few

[KevinTofel]

I definitely appreciate your effort to learn if a Chromebook can be used for coding. You sort of took the hard way though: Going in Developer Mode opens up potential security holes that aren’t there when Developer Mode isn’t enabled. And, as you learned, there’s really no need to use it: Chrome OS started offering the Linux container in 2018. I started using it in beta back then and it became available on the Stable Channel by the end of 2019. I’ve used it for undergrad and graduate CS classes in Java, Python, web/JS/React, etc this way. Your choice of device made this a little more difficult too though. While all new Chromebooks since 2020 support the Linux container, choosing an ARM-based Chromebook means you may not find all of the Linux apps and packages you need as there’s far more x86 support. And, you’re essentially coding on a device that uses a smartphone chip; not even a flagship one. My daily driver for work and coding is a Core i5 Chromebook with 16 GB of memory; I’ve never run into package support issues and performance is top notch. So I sort of disagree with the final sentiment that “if you need more to code, look at Windows or macOS”. There are Chromebooks just as performant as those with some costs lower and some higher, depending on the configuration. Again, I appreciate your learning experience here. Good luck with the Lenovo Duet 5 and your coding efforts!

[shikhar]

Interesting video! Just want to point out few things regarding linux:
1. Git is installed by default on almost every linux system.
2. You can use Ctrl+L to clear the terminal instead of pressing multiple Enter.
3. You could've easily installed compatible vscode directly from your terminal.

[jessedotexe]

Web, Godot, and Flutter development for me on ChromeOS has been fantastic the past two years. I highly recommend getting an Intel/AMD & 8GB Chromebook for dev work. Otherwise it will be a bit underpowered. Jetbrains IDEs and VSCode both work flawless with the beefier specs.

[yziquamizzle]

Getting a functional Usb-c hub is also a great way to extend the functionality of this type of chromebook. Allowing students to connect additional monitors, a proper keyboard and mouse and extra USB ports.

[gakster]

This was a very nice and professional video! I can see this channel going far!

[juanmacias]

All I could think of, "man, my back would kill after being in that posture for a prolonged period". But I guess that's the same for any laptop.

[llamavert]

Interesting Video Adrian! Keep up the great work

[mendelsphotography]

not a Bad Idea. Chromebooks Are pretty powerful for manny things. Plus you can pick them up from about $100 and up.

[leonhma]

I have the exact same (duet 5) in addition to a desktop. It's quite nice to have something portable, and with the linux environment you get most features (vscode, python, node, ts, git, ...). The battery life is stellar (like 15h+ for me) and the oled screen is also great! If you don't go for the lowest spec, there's also no really noticable hit in performance. I found that puppeteer doesn't work though.

[giropa]

I use my chromebook every day for programming. I have my own vscode server installed on a develop server. And I can use a browser to program, and I don't depent from software installed on my computer. And yes always need internet connection, but where you don't have connection today...

[Dakkidaze]

Chromebook is actually a good device for Linux beginners(command line of course) too. Containered Linux instance, no need to worry about reinstalling if you fscked up. If you are familiar with Linux cli, you can run just everything Linux has (on a x86 one of course) without the need to install and setup Linux environment yourself.

[RobertoRaymon]

I've used codeanywhere for development for the past 3 years and I love it SO much more than sublime text. I originally started using it because of my google pixelbook but now I use it on my windows machine also

[nathanieljoseph]

I really want to be like you man. Thanks for the hard work and satisfying contents.

[sanchittiwari]

You can buy a used windows laptop and install Chrome OS Flex on it and it can perform a lot better