Test-Driving a $200 Coding Font: Operator Mono

DevelopmentObjects

Nov 8

As programmers, typefaces surround us — everything we do, build, manage, and orchestrate is typically encoded with a pleasant and comforting monospace typeface emanating from our console or editor of choice.

Which Typeface to Use?

I've invested a lot of time in optimizing my development environment and workspace — and typefaces are a large part of that.

Over the years, I've cascaded through a number of monospaced typefaces for coding, including— Monaco, MS Consalas, Inconsolas, Inconsolata-dz, and Ubuntu Mono.

Ubuntu Mono was my favorite monospaced typeface, used longer than any other, until I started using Operator Mono about six months ago.

The Hoefler & Co. type foundry released Operator Mono around this time—a very thoughtfully handcrafted typeface inspired by the pica-ruled days of typewriters. It is beautiful, and I have found it to be a pleasure to use.

Operator Mono for Programming

I find that different typefaces (as well as color schemes) both set the mood for my development environment, as well as offer utility in the way that I parse programmable text.

While using Operator Mono, I found that I scan entire words as I read code more easily; while in other typefaces, my parsing style is often more letter-by-letter.

This observation could be written off as a subjective one, but I am all about the subjective, above all else — especially when it comes to my environments.

Feature: Italics in Script

The most unique feature of this font is that it includes an italicized typeface that uses monospaced script characters.

While perhaps appearing novel at first, I have found that using this (beautiful) script typeface for code comments has improved both the quality of tone and frequency of my code annotations — something which I highly value.

Is it worth it?

That's totally up to you.

This is a designer typeface from the most influential and prestigious type foundry in the world. Much like an Hermès Edition Apple Watch, it is an entirely unnecessary expense that may bring great subjective joy to your life.

To me, that's all that really matters.

P.S. This blog post was written entirely with pen and ink—surprisingly fun.