Behind the Screen: My Go-To Software and Productivity Tools

Many curious minds wonder about the gear I rely on for software development and my go-to productivity tools. Dive into this list featuring some my favourite essentials.

Workstation

  • 16” MacBook Pro, 2.6 GHz 6-Core Intel Core i7, 16GB RAM (2019)

    In my tech arsenal, the trusty 16” MacBook Pro takes the spotlight, featuring a robust 2.6 GHz 6-Core Intel Core i7 and a reliable 16GB RAM (2019 edition). While I don't dive into heavy graphics rendering or video production, the Intel powerhouse serves me exceptionally well for general computing and code editing.

  • BenQ EL2870U 4K Monitor | 28 inch

    Swapping out multiple 1080p monitors for a spacious 4K BenQ EL2870U, standing at 28 inches. Embracing a more streamlined approach, this single 4K monitor, coupled with the laptop screen, provides ample real estate without hogging excessive workstation space.

  • Apple Keyboard with Numpad

    While the mechanical keyboard trend gains traction among software engineers, my loyalty lies with the Apple Keyboard. Its seamless integration with the laptop mimics my preferred typing experience, offering a consistent and familiar feel.

  • Apple Magic Mouse

    Opting for the Apple Magic Mouse amid the controversy, I find it to be the ideal companion for Mac workstation endeavors. While lacking some trackpad gestures, it serves its purpose well. The only gripe? The somewhat irksome charging experience.

  • BraZen Puma Gaming Chair

    Originally a budget-friendly stand-in, the BraZen Puma Gaming Chair surprised me with its comfort. Not only does it coax me into maintaining good posture, but its plush feel adds an extra layer of enjoyment to my workspace.

Development Tools

  • PHPStorm

    For all my PHP development ventures, PHPStorm stands as the undisputed champion. It boasts a comprehensive toolkit with built-in terminals, testing utilities, database tools, and multi-language support. The real gem? The refactoring tools, a personal favourite and a constant companion in my coding exploits.

  • iTerm2

    Stepping up from Apple's default Terminal, iTerm 2 reigns supreme as the go-to terminal application for Mac users. With a plethora of customizations, multi-tab and multi-pane support, along with automation features and profiles, it elevates the developer experience to new heights.

  • VSCode

    When navigating diverse file types, VSCode steps in as a formidable alternative to PHPStorm. Overflowing with extensions, robust customisations, and a vibrant developer community, it seamlessly adapts to various coding scenarios.

  • TablePlus

    Transitioning from SequelPro, TablePlus emerged as the natural successor. This versatile database GUI supports an extensive range of databases such as MySQL, Postgres, and REDIS, making database management a breeze.

  • Herd

    In my developer toolkit, Herd takes center stage, replacing the previous combo of Laravel Valet and PHPMon. While it may not be everyone's cup of tea, this setup forms the backbone of my local development environment, delivering a superior application-building experience.

  • TinkerWell

    A recent addition to my toolbox, TinkerWell proves its worth by enabling code execution within projects without the hassle of creating files. From saving snippets to SSH connectivity and inline debugging tools, it's a versatile asset.

  • OrbStack

    As a swift alternative to Docker Desktop on Mac, OrbStack addresses the common sluggishness associated with Docker. Especially beneficial for projects with multiple Dockerfiles, it offers lightning-fast performance and even supports local Kubernetes testing configurations.

Productivity

  • Raycast

    The first order of business on any new Mac setup? Installing Raycast, a Spotlight alternative that outshines Alfred. Lightning-fast and feather-light, it boasts a rich developer ecosystem for extensions and customisations.

  • Transmit

    Navigating the digital highways, Transmit takes the wheel as a fantastic SFTP client with direct connectivity to S3. Its straightforward interface and effective tools simplify file transfers seamlessly.

  • Bear

    For my writing endeavors, Bear stands out as a fantastic Markdown notes app. Offering customization options, tags, folders, and versatile export formats, it's a writer's dream.

  • Private Internet Access

    In the realm of VPNs, Private Internet Access takes the lead with an extensive array of locations for connection. A go-to solution for testing applications across various geographical locations.

  • 1Password

    Security is paramount, and 1Password secures the fort as my chosen password manager. Beyond the basics, it flaunts an impressive set of security features to ensure the use of uncompromised passwords across all devices and applications.