The Tools That Actually Make Me Productive

After 15+ years of collecting tools, here are the ones I actually use daily.

Beyond the Code Editor

Everyone has their VS Code setup. But productivity extends beyond the editor.

Terminal

Warp

I switched from iTerm to Warp and haven't looked back. AI command suggestions, blocks for output, modern UI. It just feels better.

Oh My Zsh

Plugins I use:

  • `git` - Git aliases (`gst` = `git status`)
  • `z` - Jump to frequently used directories
  • `docker` - Docker completions
  • `node` - Node/npm completions

Homebrew

On Mac, Homebrew manages everything:

brew install node postgres redis
brew install --cask firefox figma discord

One command to update everything: `brew upgrade`

Note Taking

Obsidian

All my notes in markdown, stored locally, synced via git. No lock-in.

I use it for:

  • Daily notes
  • Project documentation
  • Learning notes
  • Blog post drafts

Notion

For structured data - project management, databases, team wikis. Different tool for different purpose.

Communication

Discord

Where I spend most of my time. Running Coder Life, chatting in other dev communities.

Slack

For work, unfortunately. I don't love it but it's universal.

Design

Figma

Even as a developer, I use Figma to:

  • Mock up ideas before coding
  • Create diagrams
  • Design social media assets

Excalidraw

Quick sketches and architecture diagrams. The hand-drawn style keeps it informal.

Staying Focused

Rectangle

Window management on Mac. Keyboard shortcuts to snap windows.

Focus (Mac App)

Blocks distracting sites during work hours. I need this more than I'd like to admit.

What I've Stopped Using

  • **Evernote** → Obsidian
  • **Postman** → Thunder Client in VS Code
  • **Separate terminal** → Warp integrated terminal
  • **Physical notebooks** → Digital everything

The Principle

Fewer tools, used well. Every tool has overhead. Be intentional about what you add to your workflow.

What tools make you productive?

Back to Journal