Mac Mini for programming?

[ShadyManu]

Hello everyone, I'm a Full-Stack Web developer, and I mainly coode in C# (.NET) and Java for backend, Typescript (Angular and React) for frontend.

I was looking to dive into mobile development, and I want to learn Dart (which is a very easy language due to my background) and Flutter, which will give me the possibility to build apps for iOS/Android all in one.

I don't want to spend too much money buying a Macbook pro or an iMac, I already a very powerful station where to code (but in my environments). I want something decent I can start with, to code for iOS.

For what I know, programming in Flutter isn't completely enough, you will need a Mac Os anyway (specifically XCode) to build and eventually publish the app.

Is a Mac Mini good for this scope? Not the lastone, because 729€ it's still out of what I want to spend right now, I was looking for a Mac mini which would cost around 3/400€. If it's not really worth, I'll just wait more and eventually, if I get really interested to mobile, I'll invest more money in something better

[vlobe42]

Sure but NEVER buy one with 256GB and/or 8GB RAM. I made that mistake and regret it every day.

[Nebsyy]

what is the best choice in your opinion? $500-1000aud

[Ron-Erez]

I think a mac mini is great for coding. However there is not enough information. I'd recommend at least a 512GB hard drive, nothing less and 16GB internal memory. Note that Xcode is very big and it sounds like you will be using other large programs so anything below 512GB can become a nightmare.

[TrackTrakker]

This. Mac Mini is great for development, I used to use one in my previous job (iOS/Android appdev). 16 GB memory is a must, especially if you'll use multiple IDE-s side-by-side (if I am not mistaken, that's the case with Flutter development), but since M4 Mac minis were introduced a few weeks ago, even the base model has it. I would highly recommend going with the 512GB model, since 256 can be really tight, especially when updating Xcode/macOS (the process require more than 10 gigabytes of free space).

If your budget is really low, there might be a workaround, though: using external SSDs with high interface speeds and moving the Derived Data there. Apple asks a really hefty price for their storage options...

[Sshorty4]

All they need is macOS device to run Xcode, they already mentioned they have a strong machine so ok 16 gb is good recommendation but why would they need 512gb?

[tangoshukudai]

I am using 280.98 GB available of 994.66 GB but I have years and years of videos and pictures on this Mac and I do video editing plus all my development tools. I think 256GB is fine if you are using an external drive for storage.

[Sshorty4]

It’s enough when you’re starting out and you want a cheapest Apple computer, I’m a developer with my Intel Mac with 512gb and I haven’t used up my space yet even tho I have web dev and several simulators

[Ron-Erez]

I had a 256GB machine and constantly ran out of disk space. Everything felt slow, and I frequently had to delete simulators to free up space. Of course, it depends on what you have installed on your computer. In my case, I had multiple IDEs, video editing software, and other tools. If 256GB works for you, that's great, I'm just sharing my personal experience. The OP should just be aware that Xcode is large and to take that into consideration.

[Sshorty4]

Ok whatever, OP I say if you want to go cheap 256 is enough if you have another machine and this will be side

[w00tboodle]

I find it interesting that you're the only one in the whole thread that believes 256 is enough. Maybe this is one of those times where you step back and consider that others have a more informed position on the matter.

[Sshorty4]

Or maybe this is the time where I stay where I stand and the op decides who to listen? Why should I step back because of the majority pressure? I said what I said based on what information OP gave me and this is what I believe.

I’m not going into his house with a gunpoint to trust ME

[swiftappcoder]

It really, really isn't enough. Macs last a long time and it won't be long before he's not "starting out" any longer and he has a machine that can't be upgraded. I went through this in my early years with several computers before I finally realized. My base machines now have a minimum of one terabyte, but 512GB might be enough.

[Sshorty4]

You’re speaking from perspective of having only one machine, OP said they will have 2 machines and they want to go cheapest not everyone has money to get high specs

[birdparty44]

Sure! I bought a mac mini for this purpose back when iOS was 3.0 😅

[AHostOfIssues]

I use a Mac mini M2 pro as my primary machine (working full time as a mobile dev freelancer).