Developers have always leaned into new technology in order to make their day-to-day workloads easier. Often times, code is combined with built out libraries and frameworks to give programmers the opportunity to raise the bar of what their code is able to do with the exciting integrations. If a developer isn’t using specific technology to amplify their code, then plenty use tech to make their coding experience more personal and enjoyable. Custom made keyboards, vertical monitors, and even typing gloves designed to take pressure off certain points in the wrist for more comfort during longer sessions are all things you may come across on the average developer’s desk. But one item that you may not find as often is a virtual reality headset. Sure, a few rounds of Beat Saber may be a good way to de-stress. But can virtual reality (VR) tech offer anything more in the world of coding? In this blog post, we will discuss why programmers may find coding in VR could result in a fresh alternative to their work station toolbox.
Why Should You Use Virtual Reality When Coding?
The Scale and Detail of Coding in VR is Unmatched
Not everyone currently writes code on three side-by-side 100” screens. Using VR while coding is a great way to have massive screens in front of you while you work. Being able to multitask in a potential 360-degree workstation surrounded by in-headset screens allows for unmatched scale and detail. In a moment’s notice, you are able to manipulate your viewing space to best fit your current needs in the process. Reorganizing screens beside you, adjusting the sizes of each window in front of you, and having your code all around you is hard to compare with a normal desk monitor.
Focus on What Matters
One of the driving factors using a VR headset is the next-level immersion. With your eyes completely covered from your real-life surroundings, users are effortlessly transported into another dimension in just a few seconds. This immersion is how watching content, playing games, or attending experiences inside a VR headset is such an enjoyable change of pace unlike anything else available on the market today.
When mixing work with virtual reality, that immersion allows for an entirely new meaning compared to what you may enjoy most about a game with friends. It allows an extra layer of focus on what’s in front of you. It’s easy to become distracted while working and getting on a side-track you may not have time for. While working in a VR headset, you’re able to focus on what truly matters in the coding process without having small distractions becoming big time wasters. Random message pop-ups, people walking by, and falling for clickbait celebrity articles one-to-many-times can become a thing of the past. If the distractions are limited, your focus will enhance and so will the quality of code you’re working on.
Change of Scenery
Almost every developer could probably name a few very long nights they’ve had in their careers. Coding is unpredictable. Whether you’re in a deadline crunch time or simply on a creative roll that took you deep into the night hours, one thing is for certain – staring at the same lines of code and screen over and over again can become dull. Coding inside VR is a great way to change your scenery! Giving you full control of your surroundings while still staying on track of completing your work successfully.
Tired of staring at the same screen for hours? Make it a giant screen you can walk around! Are the lights in your office giving you a headache? Go into a virtual futuristic outpost located on Mars to knock out the last hour you have left of work! VR is a great way to combat unenjoyable or monotonous moments for programmers. Throwing your virtual headset on to complete your coding routines may be exactly what you need to keep pace and stay on track.
How to Code in Virtual Reality
Getting started in VR is overall pretty easy. There are just a few items you may need to get and applications to download. Follow these 3 easy steps and you’ll be coding in virtual reality as quickly as possible:
1. Get a Virtual Reality Headset
This one may be obvious. But in order to code in VR you need the most important piece to get you started – a VR headset! There are plenty of options to choose from with different price points and features. Luckily, finding one is the easy part. Most major tech stores near you likely carry a few options to choose from and finding a headset online to have shipped to your doorstep can be done in a few clicks.
Here’s a few things to consider when shopping for a virtual reality headset:
- Lightweight
- Customizable or Replaceable Head Strap
- High Resolution
- Bluetooth Capability
- Wireless Option (Based on personal preference mainly)
Pro-tip: Make sure to check your computer specs before buying!
2. Download the VR Desktop App
As VR technology continues to become more common and easily accessible, a growing list of VR applications becomes available, too. The next step for you is finding the best option for you to use your desktop screens in virtual reality.
The three best desktop screen VR applications to download:
There are a few popular desktop virtual screen applications that may not be listed in this blog post that you may enjoy the features on more. Just like a VR headset, try looking around and seeing which one fits best for you!
3. Get a VR Keyboard
A common feature in virtual reality headsets are on-screen keyboards. This allows users to type easily with the VR controllers. But coding in VR using on-screen keyboards wouldn’t make sense because of how slow and tedious it would become. The next step is getting a virtual reality keyboard!
The Logitech K830 is designed perfectly for keeping you on pace to finish your coding in an immersed surrounding without any extra hassles attached. With this trackable VR keyboard and touchpad, you will have the ability to see exactly what you are typing with on-screen visuals to guide your experience. Simply connect to your headset’s Bluetooth and you are on your way to coding in VR!
Regardless of if you want to code in a virtual landscape or a terminal computer from the year 1959, the first step is knowing how to. At devCodeCamp’s online coding bootcamp, we take adult learners seeking higher education options and transform them into career ready developers in only the matter of weeks. Our graduates can be found in places such as Amazon, HubSpot, IBM, Deloitte, and more. If you are ready to invest in yourself and see what our online classes offer that have the ability to completely change your future for the better, reach out today!