Software I use, gadgets I love, and other things I recommend.
I often get asked about the tools and equipment I use to build software, stay productive, and enhance my workflow. Below is a comprehensive list of my favorite gear and resources that help me stay efficient and focused on my projects.
Workstation
16” MacBook Pro, Apple M3 Pro, 36GB 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, even under the incredibly heavy loads I put it through with our various launch simulations.
Acer - Nitro 34" Curved QHD 180Hz 1ms FreeSync Premium Gaming Monitor (DisplayPort, HDMI) - Black
The Acer Nitro 34" Curved QHD monitor is great for coding with its wide screen that lets you view multiple windows at once, reducing scrolling. The curve also makes long sessions more comfortable.
Logitech G PRO X TKL LIGHTSPEED Wireless Gaming Keyboard, Ultra-Portable Tenkeyless Design, LIGHTSYNC RGB, PBT keycaps, Linear Switches (GX Red) - Black
The Logitech G PRO X TKL Wireless keyboard is perfect for gaming and productivity with its compact, tenkeyless design and ultra-responsive GX Red switches. The LIGHTSYNC RGB and durable PBT keycaps add style and longevity, while the wireless connectivity ensures a clean, clutter-free setup.
Accutrack Slimline Mousepad XL
The Accutrack Slimline Mousepad XL offers a smooth, precise surface for both gaming and everyday use, with plenty of room for large, sweeping mouse movements. Its slim profile and non-slip base keep it stable and comfortable during long sessions.
Logitech G305 LIGHTSPEED Wireless Gaming Mouse, Hero 12K Sensor, 12,000 DPI, Lightweight, 6 Programmable Buttons, 250h Battery Life, On-Board Memory, PC/Mac - Black
The Logitech G305 LIGHTSPEED wireless gaming mouse is ultra-lightweight and delivers precise performance with its Hero 12K sensor and 12,000 DPI. Its long 250-hour battery life, 6 programmable buttons, and onboard memory make it perfect for both casual and competitive gaming.
Development tools
Visual Studio Code
I love using Visual Studio Code because it's lightweight, fast, and incredibly customizable. The vast array of extensions lets me tailor the editor to my exact needs, whether I’m working with multiple programming languages or managing complex projects. It has excellent Git integration, smart IntelliSense, and debugging tools, making development more efficient. Plus, the clean interface and regular updates keep everything feeling modern and responsive.
Postman
Postman is my go-to tool for testing APIs, and it makes the process incredibly straightforward. The intuitive interface, powerful testing features, and the ability to save and organize requests have made it an essential part of my development workflow.
Krita
As a developer, Krita is incredibly useful because it's a free, open-source tool that gives you access to professional-grade photo editing and digital painting features without the cost of commercial software. Whether you’re designing UI elements, creating assets for games, or simply need to edit images for documentation or presentations, Krita provides a powerful suite of tools—like layers, brushes, and advanced editing options—that make it easy to work with graphics. Its open-source nature also means it's highly customizable and has an active community, ensuring that it stays up-to-date with new features and bug fixes.
Inkscape
Inkscape is perfect for logo creation and designing SVGs, offering powerful vector tools for precise, scalable designs. Its ability to handle SVG files natively ensures clean, resolution-independent graphics, making it an excellent choice for creating logos, icons, and other vector assets. Its also open source!
Design
Figma
I absolutely love using Figma because it makes designing so much easier, especially with its real-time collaboration feature—working on projects with my team has never been smoother. The interface is super intuitive, and being able to design, prototype, and share everything in one tool is a game-changer for my workflow.
Productivity
Jira
Jira has been a game-changer for managing my projects and staying organized. Its flexibility in creating custom workflows, tracking issues, and visualizing progress with boards makes it easy to stay on top of tasks and collaborate with my team efficiently.
Confluence
Confluence is an essential tool for keeping all my documentation in one place and easily accessible. I love how it seamlessly integrates with Jira, allowing me to link tasks, track progress, and collaborate with my team on project details, all in an organized, user-friendly space.
Obsidian
Obsidian has completely transformed how I manage my notes and ideas. Its powerful linking system allows me to easily create a network of thoughts and concepts, while its markdown-based editor keeps everything lightweight and organized—perfect for both personal knowledge management and project planning.
Lucidchart
Lucidchart is my favorite tool for creating flowcharts, diagrams, and process maps. Its drag-and-drop interface makes diagramming easy, and the real-time collaboration feature is a lifesaver when working with teams to visualize complex systems or workflows.