Over time, I've built up a set of tools that have become key to my development process. These applications help me stay organized (mostly), streamline my workflow, and get things done efficiently.
Editor: VS Code / Neovim
◊ VS Code: My go-to for feature-rich development.
◊ Neovim: It's insanely fast once you get the hang of it.
>Tip: Neovim is lightweight and highly customizable, offering efficient navigation, seamless editing, and extensive plugin integration with the OS, window management, Git, and more.
**Neovim example config set from Reddit.
Notes: Joplin / Apple Reminders
◊ Joplin: Open-source, Markdown-friendly, and encrypted. A fantastic option for keeping track of ideas and/or development notes.
◊ Apple Reminders: Great for quick tasks beyond just development. It keeps me on top of all things (the phone widget only).
>Side note: You can sync Joplin across devices for seamless note-taking using a self-hosted service like Nextcloud, the official paid Joplin Cloud, or even Dropbox for easy setup. Plus it's multiplatform and you can use it offline.
Browser: Brave
Brave is my browser of choice, blocking ads and trackers while offering a smooth, private experience.
That’s a win, especially when paired with Pi-hole for Raspberry
◊ Privacy-first: It blocks unwanted ads and trackers.
◊ Speed: Faster browsing due to less content to load.
◊ Extensions: Supports chromium-based installations.
Font: Monaspace
I've found Monaspace to be incredibly clear and easy on the eyes — perfect for long coding sessions. And it's open source.
**VS Code Dracula theme with Monaspace Neon font.
Password Manager: Bitwarden
◊ End-to-End Encryption
◊ Cross-Platform
◊ Open-Source
◊ Mobile and 2FA authentication options
OS & Shell: Ubuntu / Fish
Ubuntu powers on my PC by default. Recently, I switched to Fish shell — its smart completions and suggestions make terminal work a breeze.
◊ Autocompletion: Intuitive and smart suggestions.
◊ Syntax highlighting: Makes reading command output clearer.
Looking Ahead: RSS
... coming soon.
Bonus: A Keyboard Story
On a slightly different note, I have a bit of a fondness for keyboards. Years ago, while working as an Electrical Officer on a vessel, I stumbled upon an old IBM-like, vintage keyboard in the ship's steering gear garbage room. It was a mechanical marvel with Cherry [ML4100] first switches — a real piece of history. I used that keyboard for a year; it had a unique feel.
Fast forward to today, and I recently got my hands on a new keyboard: the EPOMAKER x AULA F-75. It features LEOBOG IceVein linear switches that are incredibly smooth and have a fantastic creamy sound. I even have a recorded sample of a short typing sound clip for you.
So, that’s it. I hope you found something interesting or inspiring here. See you next time!