Software I use, gadgets I love, and other things I recommend.

I get asked a lot about the things I use to build software, stay productive, or buy to fool myself into thinking I’m being productive when I’m really just procrastinating. Here’s a big list of all of my favorite stuff.

Workstation

  • 16” MacBook Pro, M3 Max, 128GB RAM (2023)

    Transitioning from a 2020 27" iMac i7, the leap to the MacBook Pro has been a revelation. Its performance is a testament to the leaps in technology.

  • LG Ultrafine 27" 5K Display

    The clarity and resolution are indispensable for my work. This display is the perfect partner to my MacBook.

  • Apple Magic Keyboard with Touch ID

    Efficiency meets elegance. The Touch ID is a small touch that makes a world of difference for quick authentication, with the same layout as my MacBook.

  • Logitech MX Master 3

    Something about all the gestures makes me feel like a wizard with special powers. I really like feeling like a wizard with special powers.

  • Herman Miller X Logitech G Embody Gaming Chair:

    It’s where I sit when I embark on 12 hour coding marathons. The ergonomic design ensures that long hours don’t take a toll on my body, allowing me to focus on the task at hand.

Development tools

  • PhpStorm

    This is my go-to IDE for PHP development. It’s reliable and offers just the right balance of features without overwhelming the coding experience.

  • iTerm2

    A step up from the default macOS Terminal. iTerm2 offers a bit more flexibility and customization, which subtly enhances my daily workflow.

  • TablePlus

    An efficient tool for database management. It’s straightforward and powerful, making database interactions simpler and more intuitive.

  • Docker/OrbStack

    These tools are crucial for containerization and managing my development environments. They provide a consistent and isolated setup for my projects, streamlining the development process.

Design

  • Figma

    This tool is essential for my UI/UX design work. Its collaborative features and intuitive interface make designing and prototyping a smoother process.

  • Tailwind CSS

    A utility-first CSS framework that speeds up my styling work. It’s about writing less custom CSS and achieving more, which is a big win in my book.

  • Sketch

    I use Sketch primarily for vector graphics and early-stage design ideas. Its simplicity and efficiency are what keep it in my toolkit.

Productivity

  • Raycast

    Raycast is my launcher of choice. It stands out with its speed and customizability, streamlining my workflow. Whether I’m calculating something on the fly, accessing shared links, or just juggling daily tasks, Raycast makes it all more efficient, making it a preferable alternative to Alfred and macOS’ Spotlight for my needs.

  • Vivid

    Vivid enhances the display brightness on my MacBook Pro, unlocking their full potential.