[burntsushi]

What don't you get about it? I can understand you having a different preference. That's normal, we all like different things. But not getting it at all? That's just weird.

I'll explain why for me. On my 24" 1920x1200 monitor, I want to be able comfortably fit two editor windows side-by-side where neither window auto-wraps the code. 79 columns works well for that. This is a function of my ability to read the text, which in turn is a function of font size, monitor size and viewing distance.

(I actually have many more horizontal pixels than you too, because I have three 24" 1920x1200 monitors. My center monitor typically is where my code lives, while my other monitors have other terminals open doing other things, like searching or compiling code.)

[semi-extrinsic]

I suppose I phrased it badly - I meant I don't get why anyone would have a limit as low as 80 unless they're coding on an Apple II or a 10" netbook. But you fill your 24" 1920x1080 with 160 characters and change? That's like font size 18, just sounds huge to me. But hey, it's your display.

Also, I do quite a lot of numerical code where it's more important to me to line stuff up so that physical symmetries are reflected in the code, makes coding much easier and less bug prone. So I guess that also explains my bias.

But like you say, we all like different things.