The Complete Guide To Using One Monitor As A Programmer.
Tags: linux, programming, ubuntu
Published: 2022-04-24 19:44:53

---
cover_image: https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/6p2fmsioliexm71zfcub.png
---

The debate over whether one monitor is better than multiple monitors has been going on for years. There are many factors to consider when deciding which monitor setup is best for you, such as your work environment, the size and type of your display, and the number of applications you use on a daily basis.

No matter what your needs are, there is a monitor setup that will be perfect for you. Monitors come in different sizes, shapes, and resolutions. The most common one ~~is the~~ has around a 30-inch in diagonal size. It’s the standard for most people and provides a standard viewing experience. Multiple monitors allow you to spread out your work on two screens simultaneously, which many argue can provide a better working environment overall because it can help you to focus on what you’re doing. However, this is a matter of personal preference and often depends on the tasks you are performing.

In this article, we are going to discuss some of the key benefits of using one monitor on your daily job, along with keyboard shortcuts to efficiently utilize your monitor. If you are a Linux user, then this article is definitely for you, especially if you are using Ubuntu. If it is not the case, then try to find some alternatives.

## 👉 Table Of Content (TOC). <a name="TOC"></a>

* [Benefits Of Using One Monitor](#OneMonitorBenefits)
* [Hidden Features of Using One Monitor](#OneMonitorFeatures)
* [Linux Keyboard Shortcuts](#LinuxKeyboardShortcuts)
* [Wrapping Up](#WrappingUp)
* [Reference](#Reference)

## Benefits Of Using One Monitor <a name="OneMonitorBenefits"></a>

##### 🔝 [Go To TOC](#TOC). 

It is a common misconception that one monitor is not enough for coding. In reality, it can be very efficient. Although, a lot of people have been using multiple monitors for years now. However, if you're a developer who really codes, there are some great benefits to using just one monitor for coding and development.

The first benefit is that you'll be able to save on desk space. With one monitor, you won't have to worry about clearing off your desk every time you need to code or work on something else. This will allow you to keep your desk clear of clutter and distractions so that it's easier for you to focus on your work.

The second benefit is that if the screen resolution is high enough, it will be easier for you to see the code in front of you without having to scroll back and forth between the two screens.

The third benefit is that your brain will be able to focus on the task at hand because the screen won't be divided into two parts. This means that your work will be easier to track and you'll have more clarity when you're working.I'm going to have one large monitor, but I might use a second monitor for something else (like a browser, for example).

The fourth benefit is that you'll be able to multitask better, because the screen will have a smaller "footprint." This means that the amount of space your monitor takes up will be less, and therefore you won't see two or three windows on one screen. This makes it easier to run multiple applications without constantly closing them. For example, you can have a spreadsheet open and a browser open, and you'll be able to move between them quickly.

The final benefit is that the screen will be easier to read because it'll have smaller borders. This means that your eyes won't need to travel as far across the screen when they're reading something on it, which will make it more comfortable for them.

## Hidden Features of Using One Monitor <a name="OneMonitorFeatures"></a>

##### 🔝 [Go To TOC](#TOC). 

One of the main advantages of using one monitor instead of multiple monitors is that it forces you to focus on one task at a time.

Studies show that multitasking can actually reduce productivity and efficiency[0]. It can also lead to more stress and even physical pain[1]. Using a single monitor reduces the risk of this happening. This is one of the main benefits. It also puts less strain on your eyes when trying to view two screens at once, reducing eyestrain, headaches.

The benefits of using one monitor are numerous. One monitor is cheaper, more convenient, and more useful for multitasking. In addition, it's easier to share what you're doing with others on a single screen than on multiple screens. It's also easier to compare two objects on the same screen.

One of the major disadvantages of multiple monitors is that they are generally more difficult to move and set up than a single monitor, even after being adjusted by an expert. Another disadvantage though is that each screen must be adjusted for the correct position and size by an expert, which is more difficult than adjusting a single monitor.

In the next section, I am going to share a handful list of shortcuts i use on a daily basis that help me to easily navigate between applications and such.

## Linux Keyboard Shortcuts <a name="LinuxKeyboardShortcuts"></a>

##### 🔝 [Go To TOC](#TOC). 

* <kbd>🪟</kbd> + <kbd>↑</kbd>: Maximize the app window.

![Maximize window](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/kyx5j0i1h0gv7y6why13.gif)

* <kbd>🪟</kbd> + <kbd>→</kbd>: Move the app window to the right half of the screen.

![right half](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/c58p7umbdd7olx61eqym.gif)

* <kbd>🪟</kbd> + <kbd>↓</kbd>: Minimize/Detach the app window.

![Minimize](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/0kktfglx6k7j7bzdh2f4.gif)

* <kbd>🪟</kbd> + <kbd>←</kbd>: Move the app window to the left half of the screen.

![left half](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/kzqr1pmzdzt5sveazhh2.gif)
 
* <kbd>ctrl</kbd> + <kbd>alt</kbd> + <kbd>↑</kbd>: Move to the previous workspace.

* <kbd>ctrl</kbd> + <kbd>alt</kbd> + <kbd>↓</kbd>: Move to the next workspace.

![workspaces](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/mlodba9tr8fyoelq6unz.gif)

* <kbd>alt</kbd> + <kbd>tab</kbd>: Move between applications.

![tabs](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/2kk3unlr14ukxsi6naez.gif)

## Wrapping Up <a name="WrappingUp"></a>

##### 🔝 [Go To TOC](#TOC). 

This constitutes our guide on using a single monitor for your daily work. We have discussed the pros of using a single monitor, and the cons of multiple monitors. We also went over a list of keyboard shortcuts that help you easily manage your environment.

As always, this article is a gift to you, and you can share it with whomever you like or use it in any way that would be beneficial to your personal and professional development. By supporting this blog, you keep me motivated to publish high-quality content. Thank you in advance for your ultimate support!

Happy coding, folks; see you in the next one.

## Reference <a name="Reference"></a>

##### 🔝 [Go To TOC](#TOC). 

[0] American Psychological Association, [Multitasking undermines our efficiency, study suggests](https://www.apa.org/monitor/oct01/multitask).

[1] Madore KP, Wagner AD. [Multicosts of multitasking](https://www.dana.org/article/multicosts-of-multitasking/). Cerebrum. 2019;2019:cer-04-19.

[2] Ubuntu, [Windows and workspaces](https://help.ubuntu.com/stable/ubuntu-help/shell-windows.html.en).