Dev Tools Debate

This cluster centers on debates about the value, impact, and appropriate use of developer tools in programming, including whether over-reliance on tools signals poor skills, the need to master tools intimately, or if tools themselves are the problem.

➡️ Stable 0.7x Other
8,615
Comments
20
Years Active
5
Top Authors
#7823
Topic ID

Activity Over Time

2007
12
2008
36
2009
91
2010
148
2011
208
2012
292
2013
295
2014
276
2015
352
2016
448
2017
443
2018
426
2019
519
2020
689
2021
821
2022
807
2023
864
2024
695
2025
1,091
2026
102

Keywords

MS PHP UltraEdit IT IMO IBM TBH DO MacBook e.g tools tool use tools understand use tools use tools like developers solve problems latest solve

Sample Comments

packetlost Jan 2, 2024 View on HN

No, you're likely just a better programmer than those relying on these tools.

__m Jun 23, 2025 View on HN

It's like developers obsessing over their tools, so i get it.

nxpnsv Dec 21, 2022 View on HN

Tooling matters, pretending that it doesn't isn't really going to help you. But you do you...

jasonjmcghee Nov 23, 2022 View on HN

Seems short-sighted to jump to conclusions about people's output based on the tools they use.

xfer Sep 11, 2021 View on HN

Tools are also problems for some people, they don't exist magically. If nobody cared about tools we would be writing machine code.

sigmonsays Feb 9, 2021 View on HN

everyone is ranting about complexity, but these tools are built for a reason. We learn to use the tools to improve the efficiency of the job at hand. Not all tools are useful, but lets make better ones!Also, All tools are not for everyone, so developers should be comfortable not working with specific tools.

mrcsd Dec 24, 2024 View on HN

How can we make better tools if we don't blame tools?

ativzzz Mar 29, 2020 View on HN

Well it's more like using the tools other developed to help you solve your problems faster. If you're spending more time understanding the tools you're using, reconsider your tools.

mkesper Jan 19, 2018 View on HN

Because real programmers don't use such tools?

he0001 Sep 19, 2019 View on HN

Reduce the number of tools, use them to the max, and know those tools intimately. When it falls short consider a new tool.