The author shares their experience of turning off syntax highlighting to code more deliberately and efficiently. Initially feeling weird and slower, the switch eventually led to improved code structure, readability, and a natural adaptation of best coding practices. This unique approach advocates for conditional highlighting, emphasizing only relevant information at a given time, and argues that it can make coding more effective and understandable without external stimuli. The controversial suggestion challenges developers to consider whether syntax highlighting is truly necessary in their tool chain, ultimately promoting a more thoughtful and intentional coding process. Comments on this article can be found on hackernews.
https://dudzik.co/digress-into-development/syntax-off/