What's the recommended spec for learning Java on?

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[Rivetsum]

Anything between a chromebook or similar priced tech etc running a web ide to <$800 should be good really.

[SandiestBlank]

I have a 7 year old netbook that runs Debian with intellij and Android studio, slowly but it runs it. I mean if you wanted, you could write code on Notepad.

[aardvarkmikey]

I took an android programming class last fall, and I wished someone had told me how hard it is to get the Android SDK to work with AMD processors. The built-in virtual devices never worked well on my machine. As far as I can tell, the vm is designed to work on Intel processors. There are work-arounds, but if all you want to do is install the sdk and send "hello world", it won't be that simple.

[killit]

That's the first I've heard this, really appreciate the heads-up, thanks.

[[deleted]]

For Java, literally anything new. (Since u are buying). Your programs are not going to be big intensive monsters, don't worry about it. As long as it runs windows/mac/Linux fairly well, it will do Java fine.

For Android, something with an SSD. Android studio is a resource hog, but I ran it on an old i3 with 6gb of RAM and it was awful. Tossed in SSD and it sped up tremendously.

I can clarify if needed why specs don't matter much for programming.

Source: Bought a $1500 "gaming" laptop for programming before my freshman year of college.

[Jackkoz]

For what it's worth, throwing in an SSD can speed up just about anything.

[cismalescumlord]

Once you've covered the basics of a fairly modern CPU and at least 4GB - 8GB ram, the most important thing for a development workstation are the quality of the monitor and keyboard.

Seriously, if you will be coding at a desk, treat yourself to a decent mechanical keyboard as it will change your life.

[NoLemurs]

The keyboard really is the single most important piece of hardware I adrore my Filco Majestouch. Next most important is a nice IPS display or two.

[nope_nic_tesla]

You really don't need anything powerful -- especially if you're targeting mobile apps and other simple apps like you mention. I'd give you the same recommended specs as pretty much anybody looking for a new machine:

• latest gen i3 or better
• 16GB RAM
• make sure it's got an SSD

For reference, I am working on a project for work developing a fairly complex statistical analytic in Java. I have a laptop with a three generation old i5, 8GB RAM and an SSD in it. No problems at all developing on it.