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

A list of the tools and gadgets I currently use to build, design and test software + the tools I currently use to stay productive all day + other random stuff that I just really like in my workflow.

Workstation

  • 14” MacBook Pro, M1 Pro, 16GB RAM (2021)

    I was using an Intel-based 16” MacBook Pro prior to this and the difference is night and day. I’ve never heard the fans turn on a single time, even under incredibly heavy loads while working with extensive API calls and running several virtual machines via Docker.

  • Dell S Series S2421HSX 23.8”

    I use this display vertically while working on large codebases. It’s also great for reading long articles and documentation, and it helps while writing my Medium posts.

  • HP 24f Ultraslim Full HD Monitor 23.8”

    This is my main display for research, debugging, and watching videos during breaks, while I use my MacBook display for Slack and other communication tools.

Development tools

  • Visual Studio Code

    Even without all the fancy IDE features, VS Code is still my favorite editor. I’ve tried many tools over the years, but I always return to VS Code for speed, reliability, and extension support.

  • macOS Terminal

    It may not be the most powerful terminal emulator, but it has the features and customizations I need. I use it for local development, container workflows, and server operations.

  • Docker

    Docker lets me isolate project environments so dependencies don’t conflict. I use it heavily for reproducible local development and multi-service testing.

  • Postman

    I use Postman when I need to test APIs quickly by sending different request types and validating responses.

Design

  • Excalidraw

    I use Excalidraw for quick wireframes and architecture sketches. It’s simple, collaborative, and very fast for brainstorming.

  • Figma

    Figma is my go-to tool for UI design and interface prototyping.

  • Contrast

    I use Contrast to validate accessibility ratios between colors and quickly sample on-screen colors while designing.

Productivity

  • Google Calendar

    Google Calendar is my main tool for managing meetings, appointments, events, and tasks. I also use Google Workspace appointment scheduling to share my availability and simplify booking.

  • Google Drive

    Google Drive keeps my personal and work files organised, synced across devices, and available offline when needed.

  • Loom

    I use Loom to record screens, explain ideas asynchronously, and give detailed feedback without scheduling a meeting.

Other Stuff

  • Kindle Paperwhite

    The Kindle Paperwhite is one of my favorite devices for reading books and long-form content while traveling.

  • Sony WH-1000XM5 Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones

    I use these for music, meetings, and focused work. They’re comfortable, sound great, and block noise effectively.