I'm considering getting a MacBook for programming, especially the one with the M4 chip. I've heard a lot about how powerful the M chips are, but I'm concerned about compatibility with various programming tools. Specifically, I keep hearing that .NET apps don't run well on Macs, although I don't currently do .NET development. As a software engineering student, I'm looking for a reliable laptop for productivity and I'm used to working with Windows. Should I stick with Windows or is it worth switching to a Mac?
3 Answers
I wouldn't recommend getting a Mac for .NET development. Windows is generally the better option since you can utilize both Windows and a Linux subsystem. Macs are great if you need a portable laptop or are developing specifically for Apple's ecosystem. But when it comes to heavy-duty programming like Cuda, Windows has the edge. Just my two cents!
But what issues have you faced with .NET on a Mac? I'm just curious about the differences!
MacBooks are awesome! I have a 14" MacBook Pro with the M4 Pro chip and it handles software development tasks beautifully. The design is ergonomic and the battery life is solid—just keep the brightness in check. While .NET can run on a Mac, certain enterprise tools might trip you up, so you might need a VM for some specific tasks.
What kind of programming are you aiming to do? If you're focusing on web development, a Mac will serve you well. But for Windows desktop apps using .NET, you’ll definitely need Windows. I mainly use my Mac for robotics, but I keep a Windows machine for other specific applications.
Thanks for the insight! I’m mainly looking for a versatile laptop as a student.
I get what you're saying, but I've actually had a pretty good experience with .NET on a Mac. The development process feels similar to what I do on Linux at home!