> Markdown version of [/videos/2080-my-ongoing-quest-to-code-in-vr](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2080-my-ongoing-quest-to-code-in-vr). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # My ongoing quest to code in VR Think hand gestures are the future of coding in VR? Andreas proves that tactile keyboards and terminals like Neovim still rule the ultimate distraction-free, spatial computing workflow. - **Speakers:** [Andreas Taranetz](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/@andreas-taranetz) - **Event:** World Congress 2026 Europe - Virtual Stage - **Published:** July 2, 2026 - **Duration:** 33:08 - **URL:** https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2080-my-ongoing-quest-to-code-in-vr ## Summary Software developer Andreas shares his ongoing quest for the perfect, ergonomic, and subscription-free development setup—one that functions like a good pair of glasses by invisibly enhancing capabilities without requiring active thought. The journey begins with hardware optimizations, emphasizing that keeping smarts natively on QMK firmware-enabled mechanical keyboards ensures your workflow remains completely portable across any workstation. However, he advises against adopting hyper-optimized, non-QWERTY layouts to ensure you maintain tactile compatibility with the real world. To overcome the physical limitations and window-management constraints of traditional monitors, the setup naturally evolves into spatial computing. By leveraging VR and MR headsets alongside apps like Immersed and Horizon Workrooms, developers can spawn expansive virtual displays that act as visual noise canceling, effectively blocking out distracting environments whether at a cluttered home desk or on a crowded train. Despite the spatial computing advancements, the VR marketing hype of relying on arcane hand gestures falls short for actual coding productivity, proving that tactile input remains king. The ultimate realization is that keyboards and terminals still rule the modern development environment. By utilizing SideQuest to sideload Android APKs like Termux directly onto a Meta Quest headset, developers can bypass expensive, cloud-tethered browsers and run a fully standalone Linux environment. Paired with terminal-centric tools like Neovim, Code Server, and Lazy Git, this lightweight approach builds deep muscle memory and frictionless tooling, proving that even as we transition into virtual reality, the most reliable IDE setup remains firmly rooted in keyboard-driven workflows. **Keywords:** VR coding setup, QMK firmware keyboards, termux terminal emulator, neovim keybindings, standalone VR development, visual noise canceling, offline IDE setup, spatial computing workspace, mechanical keyboard customization, lazy git integration, AR display glasses, android APK sideloading, horizon workrooms alternatives, immersed virtual monitors, terminal-driven workflow ## Chapters 1. **Evolution of early development setups and hardware** (00:00) — The constraints of early computing hardware paved the way for exploring mobile coding solutions. 1. **Defining requirements for an ideal developer environment** (02:06) — An ideal coding setup relies on ergonomic, offline-capable utilities avoiding restrictive software subscriptions. 1. **Customizing keyboards with mechanical switches and custom firmware** (04:26) — Programmable mechanical keyboards with customizable firmware enable highly portable typing experiences. 1. **Managing screen real estate and monitor configurations** (08:26) — Balancing workspace visibility through ultrawide displays and multi-monitor layouts highlights the physical limits of traditional desk setups. 1. **Comparing hardware options for augmented and virtual reality** (11:16) — Selecting the right spatial computing headset requires evaluating optical clarity, tracking systems, and computational limits. 1. **Expanding virtual desktops with immersive workspace applications** (17:32) — Virtual reality applications create flexible, visually isolated workspaces by rendering multiple high-resolution displays. 1. **Transitioning to terminal-based coding for standalone headsets** (22:34) — Replacing resource-heavy browser IDEs with terminal editors ensures offline functionality directly on standalone portable devices. 1. **Sideloading terminal emulators and local development environments** (27:11) — Installing Android terminal emulators on a spatial computing device creates a fully offline local development ecosystem. 1. **Evaluating the practicality of virtual reality development** (31:35) — Although current hardware limits continuous comfortable usage, integrating portable VR setups offers flexible alternatives to standard desks. ## Related Moments - 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