The tools, hardware, and software I use every day to build and ship things.
My main editor. Extensions I can't live without: REST Client, ESLint, Prettier, MongoDB for VS Code, Tailwind IntelliSense, GitLens, and Thunder Client for quick API tests.
My terminal of choice. Fast, modern, and much nicer than the default. I use zsh with a bunch of aliases for git, Docker, and project-specific shortcuts.
My coding font. Ligatures on, easy to read during long sessions, and operator symbols in JavaScript look noticeably cleaner.
My daily browser. The sidebar and spaces feature is great when I need to juggle frontend previews, API docs, and admin dashboards at the same time.
All my config lives in a dotfiles repo — shell aliases, git shortcuts, nvm setup, and environment templates I reuse across machines.
For designing, testing, and documenting APIs. I use collections and environments to manage multiple Express.js projects and share endpoints with other people.
My go-to GUI for MongoDB. Really helpful for visualizing documents, running aggregations, checking indexes, and debugging schema issues during development.
For working with relational databases when a project calls for PostgreSQL or MySQL. Clean interface, fast query execution.
For inspecting Redis data when I'm building caching layers or session stores on top of an Express API.
I containerize everything I can. Running MongoDB, Redis, and backend services in Docker locally keeps the environment consistent and setup painless.
For launching apps, running scripts, and quickly jumping to project directories. It's one of those tools that you only realize how much you needed it after using it for a week.
Where I plan projects, document APIs, track what's done and what isn't, and write notes I'll actually revisit later.
For screenshots and screen recordings when documenting features or showing bugs to someone else. Much better than the built-in tools.
Handy for visually diffing changes and managing branches on bigger projects. I still use the terminal for most git commands, but this is nice for reviewing before committing.
Main monitor. The extra horizontal space makes it possible to have editor, terminal, and browser side by side without constantly switching windows.
Motorized frame with a solid wood top. Switching between sitting and standing through a long coding session actually helps more than I expected.
Tactile switches — good feedback for long typing sessions and easier on the wrists than a flat laptop keyboard.
Comfortable and reliable. The scroll wheel is smooth, and the side buttons are mapped to browser navigation which I use constantly.
Main development machine. Handles running multiple Docker containers, a local MongoDB instance, and a Next.js dev server simultaneously without breaking a sweat.
Active noise-cancelling headphones for deep focus. Paired with something ambient in the background, they make a real difference in concentration.
For calls, quick meetings, and when I'm away from my desk. The transparency mode is genuinely useful when I need to stay aware of what's around me.
For carrying the laptop and essentials when I work from a cafe or coworking space. Organized pockets for cables and chargers matter more than you'd think.
For system design sketches, quick diagrams, and planning before I open the editor. Some of my best debugging happens on paper.
For reading tech books and the occasional non-fiction. Much easier on the eyes than a screen after a full day of coding.