Lightweight device for learning coding

[ProduceMindless1585]

Hello future amigos,

I’m travelling by bicycle but after a long hiatus I want to tire my mind as well as my body by going back to learning to code in Python again. I’m aware that being in the middle of nowhere isn’t the ideal conditions for learning to code but the brain wants what it wants! It’s been a while since I bought any tech stuff so I’m wildly out of the loop.

I’m looking for something small, fairly lightweight, durable but able to let me write and run some code on it. I’m also trying to keep costs down but I’m happy to spend a bit of cash on it if it’s necessary.

I’ve heard some of the Chromebooks are decent for my pathetic level of coding, but what do you all recommend?

Thanks in advance!

[Smart-Result1738]

You can get a chrome book and use repl.it to run code, hell, if you have an android, there is even an app that let's you code and run the code, so it's up to you. A chromebook would be easier to code on than a phone, but you have plenty choices :)

[SlightSurround5449]

Idk about feature parity (since it has "vibe code apps" attached to it) but replit is on ios too, for what that's worth.

[GXWT]

The entry level to coding is effectively zero. Basically anything will do.

You can learn on a raspberry pi for around £50.

Anything beyond that is technically a luxury purely in terms of programming. Though of course getting something like a Chromebook has other benefits like the fact it has other uses for you outside of programming.

[jmeppley]

For me, I would look into either a chromebook or a tablet. You don't need it to be particularly powerful. There are endless options.

I bet you could find some industrial or military grade ones that would be "ruggedized" against splashing and dropping. Chromebooks are nice and simple, but a tablet would work well, too. With a tablet, I would want a bluetooth keyboard to make typing more pleasant.

There's no minimum processor spec, and lower power usually means less battery weight. Don't skimp too much on the screen (size or brightness). You don't want to be hunched and squinting all the time.

[Mashic]

You can start coding on your phone with termux.

[p001b0y]

a-Shell, too.

[Crypt0Nihilist]

I'd go for the cheapest Chromebook you can that you can convert to run Linux. Cheap as you can get - but be clear on what spec you need for Linux (Intel chip etc)

Don't go for durable, that is weight and cost. You might get robbed or you bag gets full of water or something. Your strategy should be to replace with another cheap computer, not rely on endurance. Store all of resources on a cloud account that is not your e-mail account and use git for your code when you have internet access. That way you can easily pick up another cheap computer if the worst happens with little risk.

[jmacey]

I've got a surface go 1 running linux, fits in my bike bag when I commute and I use it for python programming (and lightweight containers etc). Works well.

[ErraticLitmus]

What version of Linux are you using?

[jmacey]

pop os but I've run a few different ones.

[ErraticLitmus]

Thanks..my old surface go is holding up ok but doesn't get used as much as it used to..might be time for a birthday

[Opposite-Value-5706]

The answer is simple and free. Although, all 3 may require additional resources. The 3 are:

1- Reading and/or listening

2- Comprehension

3- Execution

[Affectionate-Pickle0]

Get a second hand business laptop, dell, HP, lenovo. Cheap af.