Can I be a web developer from a public library? | Hacker News Reader

Can I be a web developer from a public library?

4 pointsjameshines1010 comments

Is it possible for me to make a living as a web developer if I ONLY have internet access from a public library?

It depends on the type of web development you're doing. If you're doing client work where the hours are fairly predictable, then absolutely. If you're at all involved in sysadmin stuff, where you need to be able to restart / configure servers when they go down at odd hours, you'll need some internet access outside of the library's working hours.

Public libraries are one of the greatest public works in our society. I'd love to see more web entrepreneurs utilize them.

Yes! Why don't libraries get used as subsidized co-working spaces?

I hear a Chicago library is try something like this out.

http://gigaom.com/2013/07/08/why-public-libraries-should-fol...

Dont forget wifi other places.. fast food establishments, Starbucks, etc. Pop in, open the laptop, connect to wifi, leave when ready.

Lots of people work at these establishments.

I even goto the public library when I am itching to get out of my house but need to work...

Remember to buy something every so often in those places, don't be a laptop hobo.

indeed. I always need coffee.

Absolutely! You'll want an online development environment. I recommend Cloud 9 (c9.io) for basic stuff and Nitrous (https://www.nitrous.io/) for more involved projects.

...Or an offline development environment so he can continue to work when not at the library.

Presumably the comment you're replying to is assuming the OP will be using a library computer as well, in which case an online development environment would be preferable.

Sorry, I should have mentioned in my earlier comment. Yes, I'm assuming that OP will be using a library computer.

Does it allow full/decent network access? A location which blocks SSH, for instance, will either be untenable or require workarounds.

Have you _tried_ the library you're thinking of?

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