Autocomplete in code is the single most annoying thing I've ever experienced. While I do have a fantastic memory, I don't feel like it makes a huge difference? I don't quite understand the workflow using autocomplete, I suppose. If I'm typing something I know what I'm trying to achieve (with or without a more concrete implementation plan), the general context of the code I'm working with, and it is quicker and far more enjoyable for me to just type instead of dealing with a minefield of never ending pop ups from autocomplete. I know the types/fields/classes/language features/whatever because I have to in order to do whatever I'm doing. I reference the relevant code, open in other tabs in my editor. I also reference documentation. I don't really find myself wanting for more. I don't understand how using auto completion would impact needing to know that stuff anyway? I get that it's annoying and maybe less efficient to have to type out all the params and types and other predictable stuff by hand but you have to know it to make sure the option you've chosen from the potential many options suggested is correct anyway, right? It feels like less mental and physical effort to me to just type exactly what I mean instead of having to review options and double check I've chosen the right one, but I can kinda understand why that's a minority opinion. I still fuck it up or end up changing my implementation and having to revise it anyway but I definitely prefer to type.
Before I figured out how to configure Sublime Text (I used Atom until it was killed) to have JUST go-to-definition and no other LSP features enabled, I'd just do a quick couple of searches across a code base or file. It was fine tbh. Yes, a single key press is much nicer but it really wasn't that annoying to not have it. I got just go-to-definition working and was able to turn literally everything else off and I'm really happy with it.
For context, I've worked in all kinds of code bases with all kinds of quality and organisation (including lack thereof) in a variety of languages and frameworks, and I've not really felt the NEED to change. I do try VSCode and/or using more of these typical IDE features maybe once a year in an attempt to leverage these features that seemingly every other programmer feels they gain a lot from but I just HATE it. I can't stand it. I really have tried! I do assume I'm leaving some quality of life and productivity gains on the table but I've never been able to make it work for me.
> While I do have a fantastic memory, I don't feel like it makes a huge difference?
I'd say it does. Particulary for names based on English words with synonyms, if I recall the wrong synonym for this particular library, at least autocomplete is faster than searching the docs for all the synonyms. But not as fast as scanning the method/function list should the docs have that (and far too many miss it out).
If you can remember which word for the concept the method you're after uses, then you don't need autocomplete.
BTW only Jetbrains (and other heavy Java IDEs?) get autocomplete right IMO. The basic form in VSCode doesn't cut it in my experience, and gets in the way.
Good insight! I probably take my memory for granted. With your synonym point I can definitely see the friction that could cause.
You're spot on with jetbrains etc.. I have also tried it and a few other highly specific and focused best-possible-experience full IDEs along the way. Early in learning a stack I felt needlessly burdened by the nuances between autocomplete options (which put me at risk of ending up stuck in an documentation hole happily reading about shit I didn't need to for hours) and once more confident I just went back to regular annoyance. In some code bases I'd probably have used it more, as the suggestions were so much more refined and useful. You're totally right in that it's a whole different league from VSCode.
I forgot to mention that I also have linting issues and other gutter icon things completely turned off as well. I have a code formatter installed ...I think? Those are things that I could probably turn on without wanting to pull my hair out but again I've not felt the need. Typing my imports manually is mildly annoying in a small handful of areas but not enough to make me do something smarter about it lol
Before I figured out how to configure Sublime Text (I used Atom until it was killed) to have JUST go-to-definition and no other LSP features enabled, I'd just do a quick couple of searches across a code base or file. It was fine tbh. Yes, a single key press is much nicer but it really wasn't that annoying to not have it. I got just go-to-definition working and was able to turn literally everything else off and I'm really happy with it.
For context, I've worked in all kinds of code bases with all kinds of quality and organisation (including lack thereof) in a variety of languages and frameworks, and I've not really felt the NEED to change. I do try VSCode and/or using more of these typical IDE features maybe once a year in an attempt to leverage these features that seemingly every other programmer feels they gain a lot from but I just HATE it. I can't stand it. I really have tried! I do assume I'm leaving some quality of life and productivity gains on the table but I've never been able to make it work for me.