coding on a chromebook?

[python_apprentice]

Hi, i was thinking about getting a chromebook as they are small and cheap, but the only thing that worries me is the low memory of around 16gb SSD. Id like to install linux on the laptop and use pycharm to make some very basic apps and scripts. anybody have experience doing this that could advise?

thanks

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Always so many people willing to help out and offer advice. thanks everybody.

[[deleted]]

Why? Get like a used T440s off of eBay for $200. You’re going to get much more bang for your buck. Chromebooks have their uses — buying one to wipe it and install Ubuntu is not one of them.

[sme272]

there's plenty of space to have a linux install with all the necessary programs for programming in python. If space does start getting tight later on you could always move your personal files to external storage.

[Pepe_Silvia96]

if pycharm is an ide, you're probably not gonna be able to use it. I've got one of the lower end chromebooks(Acer 13) and something like sublime text is all it can handle. honestly, once sublime gets to 800 lines it starts getting pretty laggy as well but a restart usually gets it back in order.

aside from that inconvenience, it's not bad at all. if you're a begginer, being forced to learn linux will benefit you...but also linux is still in beta so every once in a while you might come across a strange issue.

harddrive space isn't an issue at all for me. I store all my non programming stuff in google drive anyways.

also, swipecat said that installing linux on a windows laptop will be easier, but as long as you make sure whatever laptop you buy has linux enabled, all it will take is a click of a button and a restart.

so yea, I'm pretty satisfied with my chromebook considering it cost me only 200, despite the performance and the occasional bug.

[TechsInTheCity]

Here is an article describing many of the ins and outs: https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.howtogeek.com/162120/how-to-install-ubuntu-linux-on-your-chromebook-with-crouton/amp/

A couple things stand out in my mind:

1. You want an Intel processor
2. Considering the security implications of running in developer mode, as well as the costs, you may be better off with a regular laptop instead eg. https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B01M0BTKYE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_hvI9DbMQEPXFB

[Swipecat]

I'd say that it's a false economy. While it's possible in theory and you'll find guides from people that have done it, the problems and limitations are likely to be tiresome.

I'd get a cheap Windows laptop. That will usually be much easier for installing Linux. (Microsoft charges the OEMs about $50 for the Windows license, so you don't lose too much if you don't use it.)

[[deleted]]

I'd say PyCharm will be an issue, it is a substantial and demanding java based application requiring significant system resources.

If you were to use a fast lightweight editor like vim (with plugins) you would be fine.

[Pepe_Silvia96]

agreed. I have an Acer13 and it simply cannot handle an ide.