As a software developer, I’m always looking for tools to increase my productivity, streamline my workflow, and make my daily tasks more efficient. Over time, I discovered and integrated tools into my daily routine that I now consider indispensable. Here’s a breakdown of the top five tools I use every day:
1. Raycast: The Ultimate Productivity Engine
Raycast revolutionized the way I interact with my computer. Not only is it an alternative to Spotlight, it’s a Swiss Army Knife of productivity. Whether I need to search a file, perform a quick calculation, or trigger a script, Raycast handles it seamlessly.
For web development, it’s especially handy for tasks like converting images, quickly calling an artificial intelligence assistant, or managing clipboard history. Raycast’s ability to extend functionality through custom scripts makes it suitable for almost any workflow. Once you start using it, it’s hard to imagine life without it.
2. Cursor: Artificial intelligence assistance done right
I’ve always been skeptical of AI tools for coding – my experience with GitHub Copilot often left me spending more time fixing suggestions than coding. But cursors changed the game. It incorporates advanced artificial intelligence models that really complement my development process.
While I don’t rely on it for everything, Cursor is great for repetitive tasks like copying logical patterns, naming methods, or working with boilerplate code. As a Ruby developer, I find its smart-aware support a bit limited, but the overall experience is far ahead of other AI-based tools.
3. Obsidian: My go-to note-taking app
Taking effective notes is an important part of my job, especially given the number of meetings I attend. Obsidian has become my favorite tool for managing this chaos. Its graph-based approach to connecting notes makes it easy to see how topics, projects, and ideas are related.
Getting started with Obsidian requires some initial setup, and I recommend watching some YouTube tutorials on best practices. Once you get the hang of it, Obsidian becomes an invaluable tool for organizing your thoughts, tasks, and files.
4. Arc: A browser built for multitasking
My current browser of choice is Arc, which is a game changer for managing multiple projects. Arc’s workspace feature allows me to group tags, accounts, and resources specific to each project. This keeps my workflow organized and reduces the cognitive load of switching situations.
While I may explore other browsers in the future, for now, Arc is the perfect tool to effectively manage my daily browsing needs.
5. Linear: The best project management tool
After trying countless project management tools, I finally found the one that works best: Linear. It’s lightning fast, intuitive, and free of unnecessary bloat. Clean UI/UX design allows me to focus on important tasks without feeling overwhelmed by unnecessary features.
Linear makes it easy to track issues, plan sprints, and collaborate with your team while keeping everything simple and distraction-free. If you haven’t tried it yet, I highly recommend it.
final thoughts
Each of these tools brings something unique to the table, whether it’s speeding up my workflow, keeping me organized, or making my programming more efficient. They have become an integral part of my daily life as a developer. If you’re looking to be more productive, try these tools – you might just find your new favorite.
What tools do you use every day? I’d love to hear your suggestions in the comments!