Thinking of buying a new computer and not sure of how much RAM you need? No worries, we have been there and have made nearly every possible argument to answer whether 8GB of RAM is enough for programming. Read on to find out how much RAM exactly you need to comfortably suit your software development needs.
What Is RAM?
Before we dive into the question of whether 8GB is enough for programming, it is important to first understand what RAM is and why it is critical for software development.
Simply put, RAM (Random Access Memory) is a type of computer memory that is used to store temporary data while your programs are running. It is different from your primary storage (your hard drive), which is used to store long-term files and is much slower.
RAM is what allows your computer to run quickly and smoothly, as it is responsible for holding all the information that is currently being processed by your software. In other words, the more RAM you have, the faster your programs will run and the more tasks you can complete at once.
Is 8GB Enough for Your Programming Needs?
In short, 8GB should be enough for the majority of your coding needs at the moment. However, you might need to be on somewhat of a “budget” when running your programming apps along with other software on your computer.
As an example, most IDEs (integrated development environments) can work fine with 4GB or 8GB RAM, but simultaneous use of numerous browser tabs and other assisting software may become a problem. As a result, you will need to “budget” you RAM and make sure you are not opening too many applications at the same time.
Another thing to consider when deciding how much RAM you need in your device is the operating system. Due to structure of Mac OS, Apple computers are relatively more efficient with their use of RAM. As such, 8GB of RAM in a Mac is usually quite satisfactory in today’s world, but if you are using a Windows PC, you might want to opt in for 16GB.
Will 8GB RAM Be Enough for Programming in The Near Future?
Many aspects for development are changing, so it is also important to think ahead when choosing RAM for your computer. It is important to ask yourself not only whether 8GB is enough for today’s digital age (it mostly is for now), but also “Will 8GB be enough for coding in a year? What about in 2 years”.
You don’t want to buy a new computer just to find that it has become insufficient in power next year. So, here is where the concept of “future-proofing” you device comes from.
Developer software is quickly advancing, and so do the technical requirements needed to run it. As such, while 8GB is mostly enough for today’s needs, we recommend you getting a computer with higher memory capacity, if you are planning to buy a new device.
If you are thinking of getting a Mac, we recommend getting at least 16GB of RAM to be comfortably above the general programming necessities for now and several years ahead, or 32GB or higher if you are planning on getting a Windows PC. This way you can be confident that your new computer will serve you for years to come without any problems in software development.
How Much RAM Is Spent during Programming?
So, you may be wondering, where does my RAM go to when I am coding and why do I need so much memory. Let’s talk about the operating requirements of popular programming IDEs and code editors and make some basic calculations.
Here is a list of the programming environments you have used/are likely to use as a developer and how much RAM do they eat when operating:
- Visual Studio – 1GB
- XCode – 1GB
- Sublime Text – ~100MB
- Atom – ~80MB
- Notepad++ – ~100MB
Now, let’s look at some of the popular UI design & development applications:
- Sketch – 300MB
- Figma – 500MB
- Adobe XD – 500MB
- Photoshop – 1GB
- Illustrator – 300MB
As you can see, RAM is used in different ways depending on the type of development you are working on. Besides, it is important to know that the usage data above is only approximate and these numbers can go up really quickly when actively using the apps.
In general, it definitely seems like having 8GB RAM is plenty to handle most developmental tools on their own. However, don’t forget that developers don’t usually simply open a window of their favorite code editor and just type code away.
You will need to have your browser open for browsing code documentation and other programming needs, your Microsoft office apps for taking notes/documenting your code, messaging apps like Slack or WhatsApp Web for communication with teammates, and more!
Many developers will also need to take video calls on Zoom while at work or have Spotify or YouTube on the background to enjoy some music for extra focus.
In total, this may quickly result in memory overload and slowing down of your computer quite quickly. Thus, as we have said previously, it’s a good idea to learn to “budget” your RAM if you are using a 8GB machine or purchase a device with higher memory capacity.
RAM Requirements for Different Types of Programming
Do all types of programming need the same amount of RAM? Apparently not.
Some programming fields require such memory-demanding tasks as 3D rendering and video processing, which may increase your overall need for RAM. Such fields include video game development, video editing, and 3D modeling.
On the other hand, fields like web development and website design are usually less intensive, and you can often do well with a lower RAM capacity.
Refer to the list below to figure out the minimal recommended RAM requirement for each development area.
- Game development – 16GB
- Machine learning – 16GB
- Web development – 4GB
- Mobile development – 8-16GB (Android studio is quite demanding!)
- Python/Java programming – 8GB
Overall, it is important to keep in mind that the amount of RAM required for your programming needs will depend on the type of work you are doing, the programming tools you are using, and your personal preferences.
That being said, if you want to be sure that your computer is equipped to handle your programming tasks and keep you productive, it is a good idea to invest in a device with 8GB or more RAM, at the very least.
Tips for Optimal Programming with 8GB RAM
If you are on a budget and can’t afford a device with higher RAM capacity, here are some tips to make your computer run fast and lag-free with 8GB of RAM:
- Use fewer tabs in your browser
- Do not play high quality videos
- Do not use torrents
- Do not use video editing software
- Avoid video conferencing or heavy graphic applications
- Close unnecessary background tasks
- Clear your RAM regularly by restarting your computer when you’re done working
- Use a RAM Booster application to manage your memory more efficiently
Overall, with some smart tips and tricks, it is possible to make the most of your 8GB RAM and achieve optimal programming performance.
How Much More Do Stronger RAM Cost?
The cost of RAM is typically dependent on its processing power, speed, and size. Generally speaking, devices with more powerful RAM will tend to be relatively more expensive than those with lower capacity or slower performance.
For example, a device with 16GB RAM is likely to cost an average of $50-$100 more than a device with 8GB RAM. This is not too much of a significant difference, so we definitely recommend getting more RAM if you can.
Signs Your RAM is not Enough
If you are experiencing slow speeds, laggy performance, or a lack of memory capacity when trying to run your programming tasks, it is likely that your RAM is not sufficient for your needs.
Some common signs of insufficient RAM include frequent browser crashes, frozen applications and files on your computer, poor video playback quality, and more.
If you suspect that your RAM is not enough for your programming tasks, we recommend upgrading to a device with higher memory capacity as soon as possible.
Can You Upgrade RAM on Your Computer?
Yes, it is possible to upgrade the RAM on many computers by purchasing additional memory modules and installing them yourself or by consulting with a professional computer technician.
However, before you upgrade your RAM, you should always make sure that your device has an empty slot for extra RAM and is compatible with the type of memory module that you are planning to purchase.
Additionally, be aware that there is a range of factors that can influence the cost and difficulty of upgrading RAM, such as the type of computer and operating system you are using.
Overall, if you are interested in upgrading your RAM to achieve better performance for your programming work, we recommend doing thorough research beforehand to make sure that you get the most value for your investment.
Conclusion
Overall, 8GB of RAM is a good amount of memory for most programming tasks. However, this may not be the case in a year or two.
Due to relatively low costs of RAM, we recommend that you get a higher capacity computer that will serve you for years to come without any problems (16GB or more).
You should pick the memory size that will work best for your subfield of programming (game development, mobile development, web development, etc.), as we have outlined in this post, and use the best practices to run your programming software smoothly.
We wish you best of luck with choosing a new computer and triumphing success in your programming endeavors.
Elmar Mammadov is a software developer, tech startup founder, and computer science career specialist. He is the founder of CS Careerline and a true career changer who has previously pursued careers in medicine and neuroscience.
Due to his interest in programming and years of past personal experience in coding, he decided to break into the tech industry by attending a Master’s in Computer Science for career changers at University of Pennsylvania. Elmar passionately writes and coaches about breaking into the tech industry and computer science in general.