My Developer Toolkit

This is a curated list of software, tools, and applications I use daily in my tech workflow. I maintain this page both as a personal reference for setting up new machines and as a resource for others who might find these recommendations helpful.

Table of Contents

• Productivity
• Development Tools
• Terminal Setup
• Security & Privacy
• Communication
• Utilities

Productivity

Obsidian - Note Taking

Obsidian is my knowledge management system of choice. I use it for everything from daily notes to project documentation and personal knowledge management.

Why I use it: The local-first markdown approach means my notes are future-proof and portable. The graph view helps visualize connections between ideas, and the plugin ecosystem is incredibly powerful.

Installation:

# macOS (using Homebrew)
brew install --cask obsidian

Things 3 - Task Management

My preferred task management app for its clean design and thoughtful keyboard shortcuts.

Why I use it: Perfect balance of power and simplicity. The natural language date parsing and keyboard shortcuts make capturing tasks effortless.

Installation:

# macOS (using Homebrew)
brew install --cask things

Rewind - Memory Tool

Rewind acts as my second brain by automatically recording everything I see on my screen and making it searchable.

Why I use it: Helps me recall information from past meetings or research sessions that I might otherwise forget.

Installation:

# macOS (using Homebrew)
brew install --cask rewind

Shortcat - Keyboard Shortcuts

Shortcat lets you control your Mac with the keyboard, reducing dependency on the mouse or trackpad.

Why I use it: Saves time by allowing me to navigate and interact with applications using keyboard shortcuts instead of mouse movements.

Installation:

# macOS (using Homebrew)
brew install --cask shortcat

Raycast - Productivity Launcher

A powerful launcher that helps you get things done faster on your Mac.

Why I use it: Superior replacement for Spotlight with customizable extensions, snippets, and workflows.

Installation:

# macOS (using Homebrew)
brew install --cask raycast

Fantastical - Calendar App

A powerful calendar app with natural language processing.

Why I use it: Intuitive interface with natural language event creation and excellent multi-calendar management.

Installation:

# macOS (using Homebrew)
brew install --cask fantastical

Development Tools

PyCharm - Python IDE

My primary IDE for Python development.

Why I use it: Comprehensive debugging tools, excellent code navigation, and intelligent code completion make Python development much more efficient.

Installation:

# macOS (using Homebrew)
brew install --cask pycharm

DataGrip - Database IDE

IDE for SQL development and database management.

Why I use it: Supports multiple database engines, has great schema visualization, and provides intelligent code completion for SQL.

Installation:

# macOS (using Homebrew)
brew install --cask datagrip

GitHub - Version Control

Industry standard platform for hosting Git repositories.

Why I use it: The hub for open source collaboration, with excellent CI/CD integrations and project management tools.

Setup:

# Install Git
brew install git

# Configure Git
git config --global user.name "Your Name"
git config --global user.email "your.email@example.com"

# Generate SSH key
ssh-keygen -t ed25519 -C "your.email@example.com"

# Add SSH key to ssh-agent
eval "$(ssh-agent -s)"
ssh-add ~/.ssh/id_ed25519

# Copy SSH key to clipboard (to add to GitHub)
pbcopy < ~/.ssh/id_ed25519.pub

GitHub Desktop - Git Client

User-friendly GitHub client with visual interface.

Why I use it: Simplifies Git operations with visual diffs and easy branch management for those times when CLI isn't necessary.

Installation:

# macOS (using Homebrew)
brew install --cask github

GitHub CLI - Command Line Interface for GitHub

GitHub's official command line tool.

Why I use it: Streamlines GitHub workflows like creating PRs, issues, and reviewing code directly from the terminal.

Installation:

# macOS (using Homebrew)
brew install gh

Claude - AI Assistant

My go-to AI assistant for writing, research, and creative thinking.

Why I use it: Helps me draft documents, brainstorm ideas, and get unstuck when problem-solving.

Terminal Setup

iTerm2 - Terminal Emulator

A more powerful replacement for the default macOS Terminal.

Why I use it: Split panes, search functionality, and customizable profiles make it much more productive than the default Terminal.

Installation:

# macOS (using Homebrew)
brew install --cask iterm2

Oh My Zsh - Zsh Framework

Framework for managing Zsh configuration.

Why I use it: Provides helpful aliases, functions, and plugins that make command-line work more efficient.

Installation:

# Install Oh My Zsh
sh -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/ohmyzsh/ohmyzsh/master/tools/install.sh)"

Powerlevel10k - Zsh Theme

A highly customizable and performant Zsh theme.

Why I use it: Provides informative and visually appealing command prompts with Git status, execution time, and more.

Installation:

# Clone the repository
git clone --depth=1 https://github.com/romkatv/powerlevel10k.git ${ZSH_CUSTOM:-$HOME/.oh-my-zsh/custom}/themes/powerlevel10k

# Set the theme in your .zshrc file
# Open your .zshrc file
nano ~/.zshrc

# Change the ZSH_THEME line to:
# ZSH_THEME="powerlevel10k/powerlevel10k"

# Then run the configuration wizard
p10k configure

Security & Privacy

NordVPN - VPN Service

My preferred VPN provider for secure internet browsing.

Why I use it: Strong security features, good performance, and a no-logs policy.

Installation:

# macOS (using Homebrew)
brew install --cask nordvpn

Bitwarden - Password Manager

Open-source password manager for generating and storing secure credentials.

Why I use it: Cross-platform, open-source, and offers a generous free tier with premium features at a reasonable price.

Installation:

# macOS (using Homebrew)
brew install --cask bitwarden

Step Two - Two-Factor Authentication

A simple and secure two-factor authentication app.

Why I use it: Clean interface with iCloud sync, making 2FA management seamless across Apple devices.

Installation:

# macOS (using Homebrew)
brew install --cask steptwo

Okta Verify - Identity Verification

Multi-factor authentication app from Okta.

Why I use it: Secure push notifications and integrations with corporate identity systems.

Installation:

# macOS (using Homebrew)
brew install --cask okta-verify

Opal - Digital Wellbeing

App blocker and screen time manager for focused work.

Why I use it: Helps maintain focus by intelligently managing distractions and creating healthy digital boundaries.

Installation:

# macOS (using Homebrew)
brew install --cask opal

Communication

Signal - Secure Messaging

End-to-end encrypted messaging service.

Why I use it: Strong privacy focus with excellent security practices and open-source code.

Installation:

# macOS (using Homebrew)
brew install --cask signal

Slack - Team Communication

Real-time messaging platform for team collaboration.

Why I use it: Industry standard for workplace communication with robust integrations and features.

Installation:

# macOS (using Homebrew)
brew install --cask slack

Utilities

Bartender 5 - Menu Bar Management

Organizes and hides menu bar items on macOS.

Why I use it: Keeps my menu bar clean and organized, especially useful on MacBooks with notches.

Installation:

# macOS (using Homebrew)
brew install --cask bartender

WaterMinder - Hydration Tracker

Helps me track and maintain proper hydration throughout the day.

Why I use it: Visual reminders and tracking help ensure I'm drinking enough water during long coding sessions.

Installation:

# Available on the Mac App Store
# Or using mas-cli with Homebrew
brew install mas
mas install 1121012695  # WaterMinder app ID

Spotify - Music Streaming

Music streaming service to keep me in the zone while coding.

Why I use it: Extensive music library with great discovery features and focus playlists for productive work sessions.

Installation:

# macOS (using Homebrew)
brew install --cask spotify

Arc Browser - Web Browser

A modern browser reimagined from the ground up.

Why I use it: Innovative workspace management with spaces, split view, and command bar for efficient web navigation.

Installation:

# macOS (using Homebrew)
brew install --cask arc

Synology Drive - File Synchronization

Client for syncing files with Synology NAS devices.

Why I use it: Reliable file synchronization with my personal NAS for secure cloud-like storage.

Installation:

# macOS (using Homebrew)
brew install --cask synology-drive

Google Drive - Cloud Storage

Google's cloud storage and file synchronization service.

Why I use it: Seamless integration with Google Workspace and great for collaboration.

Installation:

# macOS (using Homebrew)
brew install --cask google-drive

Complete Setup Script

Here's a complete script to install all the command-line installable tools mentioned above:

#!/bin/bash
# Install Homebrew if not already installed
if ! command -v brew &> /dev/null; then
    echo "Installing Homebrew..."
    /bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"
    
    # Add Homebrew to PATH based on architecture
    if [[ $(uname -m) == 'arm64' ]]; then
        echo 'export PATH=$PATH:/opt/homebrew/bin' >> ~/.zshrc
    else
        echo 'export PATH=$PATH:/usr/local/bin' >> ~/.zshrc
    fi
    
    # Source zshrc to update PATH in current session
    source ~/.zshrc
    
    echo "Homebrew has been installed and added to PATH"
else
    echo "Homebrew already installed, updating..."
    brew update
fi

# Install command line tools
echo "Installing development tools..."
brew install git
brew install gh

# Install applications using Homebrew Cask
echo "Installing applications..."
brew install --cask obsidian
brew install --cask things
brew install --cask rewind
brew install --cask shortcat
brew install --cask raycast
brew install --cask fantastical
brew install --cask pycharm
brew install --cask datagrip
brew install --cask github
brew install --cask iterm2
brew install --cask nordvpn
brew install --cask bitwarden
brew install --cask steptwo
brew install --cask okta-verify
brew install --cask opal
brew install --cask signal
brew install --cask slack
brew install --cask bartender
brew install --cask spotify
brew install --cask arc
brew install --cask synology-drive
brew install --cask google-drive

# Install mas-cli and App Store apps
brew install mas
mas install 1121012695  # WaterMinder app ID

# Install Oh My Zsh
echo "Installing Oh My Zsh..."
if [ ! -d "$HOME/.oh-my-zsh" ]; then
    sh -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/ohmyzsh/ohmyzsh/master/tools/install.sh)" "" --unattended
else
    echo "Oh My Zsh is already installed"
fi

# Install Powerlevel10k theme
echo "Installing Powerlevel10k theme..."
if [ ! -d "${ZSH_CUSTOM:-$HOME/.oh-my-zsh/custom}/themes/powerlevel10k" ]; then
    git clone --depth=1 https://github.com/romkatv/powerlevel10k.git ${ZSH_CUSTOM:-$HOME/.oh-my-zsh/custom}/themes/powerlevel10k
else
    echo "Powerlevel10k theme is already installed"
fi

# Modify .zshrc to use Powerlevel10k theme
if grep -q "ZSH_THEME=\"powerlevel10k/powerlevel10k\"" "$HOME/.zshrc"; then
    echo "Powerlevel10k theme is already configured"
else
    sed -i '' 's/ZSH_THEME=".*"/ZSH_THEME="powerlevel10k\/powerlevel10k"/' "$HOME/.zshrc"
    echo "Powerlevel10k theme has been configured"
fi

echo "Installation complete! Please restart your terminal and run 'p10k configure' to set up your terminal theme."

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How I Maintain This List

This list is regularly updated as I discover new tools or change my workflow. If you have suggestions or questions about any of these tools, feel free to open an issue or reach out to me directly.

License

This documentation is open-source and available under the MIT License.