On why good developers should use bad computers

A good friend sent me this video a couple of days ago. In the video, a person mentions that developers should use low-resource computers because end users can’t afford computers with the same capacity as developers.

I disagree.

To begin, developers require different development software to create their products. For example, I need two main things in Android app development to make a simple app: an IDE and a device or emulator. Both require computer resources to compile the code, conduct tests, and launch the apps. The specific resource requirements depend on the type of product being developed. For example, products based on artificial vision, e-commerce, social media, or video games have varying resource needs

The average computer has at least 8GB of RAM. Android Studio (IDE) requires a recommended RAM of 16GB to compile code properly. If I use the same resources as the average, I may experience issues with compilation time and running the emulator.

One reason I disagree is that when you hire a professional such as a construction worker, plumber, or electrician, you’ll notice that they have specialized and often expensive tools. However, these tools help reduce complexity and save time in their work. The same principle applies to developers.

I acknowledge the importance of subjecting the software to use case and stress tests. It is vital to consider that certain user’s devices have limited capacities, such as system operating compatibility and RAM. Nevertheless, it is worth noting that software specifications often outline minimum requirements for proper functionality.