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. But this is not all, I am always looking for new things to try and improve my workflow.

Languages

  • JavaScript

    I've been writing JavaScript for over 5 years and I still love it.

  • TypeScript

    I've been using TypeScript for about 3 years and it takes a loosely typed language like javascript and makes it feel like a strongly typed language.

  • Python

    Python is my go-to language for anything that isn't a web app. I love it.

  • PHP

    This is the language I learned to code with and I still use it for a lot of things.

Frameworks

  • React

    Changed the game for front-end development. I love it.

  • Next.js

    The best way to build a React app. Highly configurable and easy to use.

  • Django

    Oh Django!

  • Laravel

    Battle tested and still the best PHP framework.

Database

  • PostgreSQL

    Great relational database with the ability to work with both XML and JSON.

  • MySql

    This is the database I learned to code with and I still use it for a lot of things.

  • Prisma

    A great ORM for working with databases in a Node.js app.

  • Firebase

    If you're ever looking for a real-time non-relational database, this is the one.

Cloud

  • Vercel

    One of the easiest ways to deploy a website. I use it for all of my personal projects.

  • AWS

    AWS is a vast ecosystem and I've only scratched the surface but I love it.

  • GCP

    I use it rarely but it's great for hosting and managing projects.

Workstation

  • 14” MacBook Pro, M3, 8GB RAM (2023)

    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. I also have a mac mini M1 which I use for my personal projects.

  • Apple Magic Keyboard

    I've tried a lot of keyboards and I always come back to this one. It's just the best.

  • Apple Magic Trackpad

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

Development tools

  • Warp

    The best AI powered terminal I've ever used.

  • VS Code

    I've tried a lot of editors and always come back to this one. It's just the best.

  • TablePlus

    Great software for working with databases. Has saved me from building about a thousand admin interfaces for my various projects over the years.

Design

  • Figma

    We started using Figma as just a design tool but now it's become our virtual whiteboard for the entire company. Never would have expected the collaboration features to be the real hook.

Productivity

  • Trello

    I've tried a lot of project management tools and always come back to this one. It's just the best.

  • Github Projects

    Great for managing tasks and issues for my open-source projects. I also use this in my current job.