JetBrains Mono released its typeface in January 2020, and its continued popularity is a testament to its ingenious design. It is simplistic, functional, and intelligently optimized to make reading large volumes of code easier. In short, it’s a must-have for developers.
The typeface offers several features tailored to developers. Increased letter height makes long lines of code easier to read. Oval-shaped symbols are straightened to make the typeface more uniform. Italics are optimized to be easily visible without causing a distraction.
One of the typeface’s unique features is its use of 142 code-specific ligatures. Common symbols merge together to save space and reduce noise. This means the brain needs to process less information, making it easier to code for long periods without strain on the eye.
JetBrains Mono automatically merges common symbols to reduce noise and save space.
The team behind JetBrains Mono has also taken the time to ensure every letter and symbol is distinct. The dot inside the zero means it can be easily distinguished from the letter ‘O’. The comma is sized differently from the period, making it easy to tell them apart, even at a small font size.
All in all, the attention to detail of JetBrains Mono means it stands out from the competition as the ideal typeface for web developers. In case you need another reason to test it out in your own coding applications, it’s also open-source, so you can modify it and redistribute it as much as you like.