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
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2020
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2021
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2022
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2023
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2024
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2025
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2026
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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.