Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submitlogin
Ask HN: Would you enjoy using pen/paper over laptop for development?
4 points by rrishi on Feb 22, 2020 | hide | past | favorite | 5 comments
I am more of a pen/paper person than computer. I had 2 ideas on how to create a bridge between laptop and pen/paper :

1. A software existed that could turn a picture of code into code

2. A software that could turn a UML diag to software classes/function/variables etc. The logic can be filled in by the dev actually implementing the feature.



Number 2 has existed for decades and it failed, or at least everywhere I’ve worked that tried it has since abandoned the concept. Have a look at IBM’s Rational Software Architect for an example.


In college I had a UML class and used Rational Rose. I did not like it for software development. I am very happy I have not had to use this for software development in the wild.


Not for writing code, but I do enjoy pen and paper for sketching out high level designs and data flows. I’ve started writing on an A5 sized notebook too - I find the size constraints help with focused thinking.


No, wouldn't use it, sounds at least 10x slower than typing.


I like writing code structure down on a piece of paper before actually coding.




Consider applying for YC's Summer 2026 batch! Applications are open till May 4

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: