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Last active January 23, 2024 11:54
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Programmer fonts, sorted by how well they're explained
Raw
readme.md

Typefaces for software developers

Sorting criteria

  • how well official website or README.md shows and explains the following:
    • what exactly authors did with the font
    • what advantages has it exactly
    • how is it different from some of most popular competitors
    • what rendering tech does it use
  • what is the total amount of such official information
  • etc.

Isn't quality of explanation subjective? Yes, hence it's a gist rather than a repo.

History

  • 2024: updated Inconsolata, Hack, Input; didn't notice any changes in Consolas and Source Code Pro; didn't check the rest (i.e. it's quite possible that they need updating too)
  • 2022: created
Raw
programmer_fonts.md
  1. JetBrains Mono — Features, advantages, comparisons, gifs, the size of x-height is explained, it has everything.
  2. FiraCode
  3. Go — Explanation is almost text-only (no gif, almost no pics) but at least it exists.
  4. Input — The information on readability specifically is somewhat low on specific details and is intermixed with a extensive explanation of overall philosophy and other considerations. But at least it's there.
  5. Hack — The prioritized range of sizes is made very clear. Also the 3 most noticable/impactful decisions are included (in the same sentence). Otherwise, nothing is explained.
  6. Victor Mono — Only the overall idea is explained, not particular small decisions.
  7. The Julia — Many examples and screenshots, not much explanation.
  8. Iosevka — Mostly stating the technical aspects, not much explained.
  9. Inconsolata — Aspects of beauty, inspirations and details are explained. However, almost nothing in "down to earth" sphere is explained (e.g. when a choice is expressed, it's not clear how much is it supposed to assist clarity or whether it's only for beauty).
  10. Cascadia Code — As expected from Microsoft, almost nothing is explained. At least it'a a progress over total lack of information about Consolas.
  11. Plex Mono — The family overall is very explained. But zero information specifically about programming or the monospaced variant.
  12. Terminus — Almost nothing is explained.

P.S.: I found zero explanations for these programming fonts:

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