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A year ago, I gave up my multi-monitor/multi-tasking. I was deluding myself that it was more productive. I now do everything (including code) in a single windo

A year ago, I gave up my multi-monitor/multi-tasking. I was deluding myself that it was more productive. I now do everything (including code) in a single window that is no larger than the focus of my field of vision. I keep all my windows stacked in the center of my screen and CMD-Tab through them. I have become very fast with CMD-Tab (and related shortcuts). I used to code with multiple windows -- IDE, preview, logs, StackExchange, etc. all open in multiple places. The lack of focus made it less productive for me. Now, I keep a small log window open in the lower right section of my screen, then have my code editor and preview window stacked. My workflow is basically: code, code, code, CMD-s (save), CMD-tab to preview window, CMD-r (run/refresh), CMD-tab to the log window so I can view the errors, then back to code to start bug fixing. My head never moves. My neck is always at the right height and my eyes are always in the right place. I use a standing desk and this setup has helped prevent neck and shoulder pain. Another big benefit: I am 100% as productive when using my the 27inch monitor at my desk as I am at my laptop 13inch screen - the workflow and screen setup is exactly the same.

coding123 9y ago
This is how I operate too. I have had additional monitors in the past, but they always just seem to sit there with never changing content. I am now just on a 15" laptop all the time.
thijsvandien 9y ago
Have you tried multiple desktops/spaces? If so, how do they (not) fit into your workflow?
- busymichael 9y ago
  Yes, I use osx's built in workspaces. I have 2. One for coding and one for email/office apps. That limits the number of windows active in any workflow. I also use hyperswitch, which improves cmd-tab on osx.
cjf101 9y ago
I'm really similar. I hit a point with multiple monitors where I realized that the extra space was more of a distraction than a help. I now use a single monitor/full screen 90% of the time. I use Contexts.app to search through all of my windows and so that task switching becomes more consistent/muscle memory-ish, which was really nice for staying in flow. I also use Spectacle so that I can easily window arrange for those times when side by side windows is useful.
- busymichael 9y ago
  I just downloaded Contexts.app -- I am using hyperswitch right now, but Contexts has some interesting tricks. I never have too many windows open, so I don't know if window search is necessary for me, but I like the CMD-Tab implementation on Contexts.
- jrowley 9y ago
  I already use Spectacle but have never heard of Contexts. Looks really handy. Thanks for the tip!
- coding123 9y ago
  Just downloaded Contexts - thanks - do you know if there's any way for it to cmd-tab through your Chrome tabs? It looks like it can for Safari from the screen shots.
  - cjf101 9y ago
    I think they are just using the Ctrl-Shift-Tab and Ctrl-Tab shortcuts to browse through tabs. Those work in Chrome and Safari, so you can keep your fingers on the keyboard. I haven't found a way to use Contexts to introspect tabs (I suspect it would need some soft of browser extension to do so). The Quick Tabs extension does a pretty good job if you don't mind invoking it after you get to Chrome. It's not quite as elegant as finding windows, but it's pretty good. From anywhere at all: Contexts: Hold Fn, type "Chr" Chrome: Cmd-E Quick Tabs: Type tab name, Enter

coding123 9y ago

This is how I operate too. I have had additional monitors in the past, but they always just seem to sit there with never changing content. I am now just on a 15" laptop all the time.

thijsvandien 9y ago

Have you tried multiple desktops/spaces? If so, how do they (not) fit into your workflow?

busymichael 9y ago
Yes, I use osx's built in workspaces. I have 2. One for coding and one for email/office apps. That limits the number of windows active in any workflow. I also use hyperswitch, which improves cmd-tab on osx.

cjf101 9y ago

I'm really similar. I hit a point with multiple monitors where I realized that the extra space was more of a distraction than a help. I now use a single monitor/full screen 90% of the time. I use Contexts.app to search through all of my windows and so that task switching becomes more consistent/muscle memory-ish, which was really nice for staying in flow. I also use Spectacle so that I can easily window arrange for those times when side by side windows is useful.

busymichael 9y ago
I just downloaded Contexts.app -- I am using hyperswitch right now, but Contexts has some interesting tricks. I never have too many windows open, so I don't know if window search is necessary for me, but I like the CMD-Tab implementation on Contexts.
jrowley 9y ago
I already use Spectacle but have never heard of Contexts. Looks really handy. Thanks for the tip!
coding123 9y ago
Just downloaded Contexts - thanks - do you know if there's any way for it to cmd-tab through your Chrome tabs? It looks like it can for Safari from the screen shots.
- cjf101 9y ago
  I think they are just using the Ctrl-Shift-Tab and Ctrl-Tab shortcuts to browse through tabs. Those work in Chrome and Safari, so you can keep your fingers on the keyboard. I haven't found a way to use Contexts to introspect tabs (I suspect it would need some soft of browser extension to do so). The Quick Tabs extension does a pretty good job if you don't mind invoking it after you get to Chrome. It's not quite as elegant as finding windows, but it's pretty good. From anywhere at all: Contexts: Hold Fn, type "Chr" Chrome: Cmd-E Quick Tabs: Type tab name, Enter