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.

Workstation

  • 16” Dell Inspiron 3505, Ryzen 5, 16GB RAM (2021)

    I was using an Intel-based i5 Lenovo prior to this and the difference is night and day. I’ve never heard the fans turn on a single time, even under the incredibly heavy loads I put it through with our various launch simulations.

Development tools

  • VScodium

    A fork of the most popular IDE - VS code but without microsoft’s user tracking. Loved the fact that only OpenVSIX extensions are allowed, those that do not collect user data and keeps your profile anonymous

  • WaveTerm

    Really loved the collection of features it provides, your File Explorer, Terminal, AI agent Task Manager and web browser all in one place ! Sometimes I don’t even open any other app but waveterm for developing

  • NuShell

    Using a daily notes system instead of trying to keep things organized by topics has been super powerful for me. And with Reflect, it’s still easy for me to keep all of that stuff discoverable by topic even though all of my writing happens in the daily note.

Design

  • Framer

    I started using Framer as an easier Figma alternative, the UI looked so Simple to bootstrap design within minutes. But now it has became a full-fledged CMS featuring REST calls , and most times, it’s able to produce working websites with just the design!

Productivity

  • Microsoft PowerToys

    A powerful suite of utilities designed to enhance productivity. With features like PowerToys Run (which is basically RayCast but for Windows), it makes managing windows and automating repetitive tasks effortless. Though it’s not the latest application on the market, its reliability and speed have earned it a dedicated following.

  • Arc Browser

    An innovative browser built with performance in mind, Arc Browser is designed to be lightweight and resource-efficient. Written in Rust, it introduces unique features such as a vertical tab panel, application pinning, and a streamlined UI that redefines how we interact with the web. It’s a game-changer for those looking for efficiency and modern browsing techniques.

  • Super Productivity

    A minimal yet effective productivity tool that helps you stay focused by blocking distracting websites. Its simple interface allows you to track your tasks and set clear work intervals, making it easier to maintain focus and build momentum throughout the day.

  • Notion

    A versatile tool for organizing your life. Notion excels in managing projects, tracking tasks, and scheduling meetings, all within an intuitive and customizable interface. It helps me balance my professional and personal life, ensuring that my calendar is efficient while reserving time for focused, deep work.

  • Val.town

    A Developer Friendly platform for quick prototyping of backend or Frontend applications and test their workings. Great for instantly deploying small scripts which also allows deploying larger performant ones. Makes the Feature development process really fast and easy, and allows for rapid prototyping and testing new PoCs.