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Developer Desk Setups: What Do YOU Consider Truly Indispensable?

Cesar Castillo on February 09, 2026

What’s the One Thing You Can’t Code Without? Essential Developer Desk Items and the Linus Torvalds Reality Check We all spend hours — so...
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Julien Avezou

I recently got a standing desk and it makes a difference for my energy level to stand up more.

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Cesar Castillo

Sounds great! Have you noticed any downsides? I still need to stop and stretch sometimes, so I’m curious how it feels after a few hours

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Julien Avezou

I alternate standing up with sitting down sessions which also helps break up coding sessions. Switching also reminds me its time to drink water.

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EmberNoGlow

This all sounds like fiction! I have:

  • A chair with a backrest and a cushion.
  • A small wooden table.
  • A weak all-in-one computer (Intel Core 3, Intel HD Graphics 4000, Ivy Bridge, 1600*900, 8 GB VRAM).
  • A bright lamp.
  • A window that's constantly drafty.
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Cesar Castillo

It’s not about the gear, it’s about the person behind the screen. Keep grinding💪

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👾 FrancisTRᴅᴇᴠ 👾

Nice Post! The things you listed are more of my dream setup. The only thing I got is an L-shape Desk with a laptop :p

Other than that, nice!

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Cesar Castillo

If it compiles, that's all that matters! And it sounds like you have plenty of room with that L-shaped desk; you'll fill it up bit by bit 🤩

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Jess Lee

Bare bones: monitor that's eye level (either external or propped up), which results in an external keyboard (where my elbows are 90 degrees) and a mouse (ideally ergonomic). So my one thing really leads to three total necessities. And since most desks aren't going to be the perfect height to accomplish these things...then I need an adjustable desk 😄 Feeling very high maintenance all of a sudden!

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Cesar Castillo

Jess, thanks so much for commenting 🙌

Love your ergonomics chain reaction: eye-level monitor - keyboard - mouse - adjustable desk. You're spot on it's not high maintenance, it's just smart for long-term health.

My own must-haves are a wireless mouse, a comfy chair, and a wireless headset :D
Thanks again for the insight and for building this incredible community!

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Cesar Castillo

I completely agree, Richard. even if it doesn't seem like it, it makes a huge difference, and your eyes will thank you! 😊