I'm a senior in high school looking to buy a laptop for dual enrollment and eventually college, where I plan to major in computer science. However, I don't know much about programming yet and would appreciate any advice. I tried using my dad's iMac for practice, but I didn't want to mess with his files or settings, and I found Apple's security features confusing and restrictive. I'm wondering if a MacBook is a good choice for learning programming, or if it's better to go with something else, especially since I'm budget-conscious (ideally under $900). Please be patient with me as I'm still understanding the basics!
2 Answers
I think a Windows laptop could also be a great option, especially if it supports Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL). This would give you exposure to both Windows and Linux environments, which can be very useful later on. There are many online tools that allow you to experiment with coding in your browser without needing to set up a local environment right away. So whichever you choose, you have plenty of options!
Definitely, MacBooks are solid machines for programming, and a lot of professionals use them. You really don’t need a high-end model to start; even a basic MacBook will work well for learning. They have great support for many programming environments, plus you can easily use Linux tools if needed. Just remember to check if your school has specific software requirements that might be Windows-only! Good luck in your journey!
Thanks! So WSL would let me run Linux applications on a Windows machine? Sounds interesting!