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.

Development tools

  • Android Studio for Flutter

    Android Studio is my go-to IDE for Flutter mobile app development. Tailored with robust support for Flutter and Dart, it provides everything needed to build high-performance cross-platform applications. The Flutter plugin simplifies project setup, widget editing, and stateful hot reload, enabling fast iteration and real-time UI updates. I appreciate the built-in tools like Dart Analysis, Flutter Inspector, and the Emulator, which streamline debugging and app testing across devices. Its powerful Gradle build system, seamless integration with Firebase, and support for packages through pub.dev make it a comprehensive solution for Flutter development. While its performance can occasionally be demanding on system resources, the features and flexibility it offers far outweigh the challenges. Android Studio has become an indispensable tool in my Flutter development workflow, helping me create innovative, user-friendly mobile applications efficiently.

  • Visual Studio Code (VS Code)

    Visual Studio Code (VS Code) is my go-to source code editor, and I absolutely love it! Being developed by Microsoft, it offers a fantastic range of features and extensions that suit my programming needs perfectly. I appreciate how customizable it is, allowing me to tailor it to fit the requirements of various programming languages and frameworks I work with. The user-friendly interface, integrated terminal, and built-in Git support make my coding, debugging, and version control tasks seamless and efficient. I also find the real-time collaboration capabilities incredibly useful when working with my team. However, I've noticed that when handling larger projects, it can occasionally face some performance issues. Nevertheless, I believe that the pros far outweigh the cons, and I genuinely admire VS Code for its versatility, extensibility, and the incredible support from its active community. It has become an indispensable tool for me in my development journey!

  • Docker Desktop

    Docker Desktop is an indispensable tool in my development workflow. Developed by Docker, it simplifies container management and deployment, making it effortless to build, ship, and run applications in containers. I appreciate its user-friendly interface, which allows me to manage containers and images efficiently. The ability to switch between different Docker environments, such as local development and production, is a huge advantage. Docker Desktop's seamless integration with my operating system, be it Windows or macOS, makes it a convenient choice. I can quickly set up development environments, test applications in isolated containers, and ensure consistency across different machines. However, resource-intensive tasks may occasionally impact system performance. Despite this, I find Docker Desktop to be an essential tool that significantly streamlines my development process and empowers me to work with containers effortlessly.

Workstation

  • 14” Lenovo, IdeaPad 5 Pro, 16GB RAM (2022)

    I am using an Intel-based 14” Lenovo, IdeaPad 5 Pro.
    Pros: It offers powerful performance, sleek design, and excellent display quality. Its battery performance provides decent longevity for on-the-go use.
    Cons: Limited GPU capabilities for demanding tasks, potentially impacting gaming and graphics-intensive applications.

  • IMICE Gaming Mouse G7

    The IMICE Gaming Mouse is a reliable and affordable option for gamers. With its ergonomic design and customizable buttons, it ensures comfortable and precise gameplay. The mouse features adjustable DPI settings, allowing users to switch between different sensitivity levels during intense gaming sessions. While it may lack some advanced features of high-end gaming mice, the IMICE Gaming Mouse is a budget-friendly choice suitable for casual and entry-level gamers.

  • Royal Kludge RK100 Keyboard

    The Royal Kludge RK100 is a mechanical gaming keyboard known for its affordability and versatility. It features customizable RGB backlighting and comes in various switch options to suit different user preferences. With its durable build and compact design, the RK100 is suitable for both gaming and everyday typing needs. However, some users may find the keycaps to be of average quality compared to higher-end mechanical keyboards. Overall, the Royal Kludge RK100 provides a good balance of features and price for gamers and typists on a budget.

  • A4TECH FH200i Headphone

    The A4TECH FH200i headphones offer a comfortable and immersive audio experience. With their over-ear design and soft ear cushions, they provide extended wear comfort for long gaming or listening sessions. The headphones boast high-quality sound, thanks to their 40mm neodymium drivers, delivering rich bass and clear trebles. Additionally, the built-in omnidirectional microphone ensures clear communication during online gaming or calls. However, some users might find the headband adjustment a bit limited for larger head sizes. Overall, the A4TECH FH200i offers a great value for those seeking a reliable and budget-friendly gaming headphone option.

  • Marvo Scorpion CH-106 Chair

    The Marvo Scorpion CH-106 is a stylish and ergonomic gaming chair designed for comfort and support during long gaming sessions. Its adjustable features, including height, tilt, and armrests, allow users to find their preferred seating position. The chair's high-quality padding and faux leather cover provide a plush and durable seating surface. The striking red color adds a vibrant touch to any gaming setup. However, some users may find the lumbar support a bit lacking, depending on their preferences. Overall, the Marvo Scorpion CH-106 offers a solid option for gamers seeking a budget-friendly gaming chair without compromising on style and basic ergonomic features.

Design

  • Figma for Development

    Figma is an essential tool in my development workflow, enabling me to bring design to life as pixel-perfect code. While I'm not a UI/UX designer, Figma's intuitive interface allows me to seamlessly translate the designer's vision into functional, responsive applications. The precise design specifications and exportable assets make implementing UI elements straightforward and efficient. I particularly value Figma's real-time collaboration feature, which helps me stay aligned with designers, ensuring that every detail is captured accurately. The ability to inspect components, retrieve measurements, and export assets streamlines the development process, saving time and reducing guesswork. Though I rely on Figma primarily for development, its robust design-to-code workflow has made it an indispensable tool, ensuring that the applications I build meet the highest standards of visual and functional quality.

Productivity

  • ClickUp

    ClickUp is an exceptional project management and productivity tool that I absolutely rely on. With its intuitive interface and customizable features, it caters to various workflows and team structures. I love how it centralizes all my tasks, documents, and communications, making it easy to stay organized and focused. The abundance of views, such as lists, boards, and timelines, provides flexibility in managing projects. The seamless integration with other apps and services streamlines my workflow even further. Additionally, the collaboration features like comments, mentions, and assigning tasks make working with my team a breeze. However, for some users, the sheer number of options and features might initially seem overwhelming. Nevertheless, ClickUp has become an indispensable tool for me, boosting my productivity and keeping my projects on track.

  • Slack

    Slack is an essential communication and collaboration platform that I use daily. Its real-time messaging and channels allow me to stay connected with my team and various groups effortlessly. I love the simplicity of sending messages, sharing files, and integrating with other apps, making it a one-stop hub for all our team communications. The ability to create private channels and direct messages ensures smooth and organized discussions. The integration of bots and apps automates tasks and enhances productivity. However, constant notifications can be distracting at times, requiring some fine-tuning of notification settings. Overall, Slack has revolutionized our team communication, promoting seamless collaboration and fostering a sense of togetherness even in remote work setups.

  • Oracle VM VirtualBox

    Oracle VM VirtualBox is a crucial tool in my development and testing workflow. It allows me to run multiple operating systems for testing, with an easy-to-use interface and snapshot feature for quick rollbacks. While resource-intensive VMs can impact performance, its flexibility and versatility make it indispensable in my toolkit.