As a software developer, I’m constantly looking for tools that enhance productivity, streamline workflows, and make my daily tasks more efficient. Over time, I’ve discovered and integrated a handful of tools into my routine that I now consider indispensable. Here’s a breakdown of the top five tools I use every day:
1. Raycast: The Ultimate Productivity Powerhouse
Raycast has revolutionized the way I interact with my computer. It’s more than just a Spotlight alternative—it’s a Swiss Army knife for productivity. Whether I need to search for files, perform quick calculations, or trigger a script, Raycast handles it seamlessly.
For web development, it’s particularly handy for tasks like converting images, quickly invoking AI-powered assistants, or managing clipboard history. Raycast’s ability to extend functionality with custom scripts makes it adaptable to almost any workflow. Once you start using it, it’s hard to imagine life without it.
2. Cursor: AI 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 Cursor changed the game. It integrates advanced AI models in a way that genuinely complements my development process.
While I don’t rely on it for everything, Cursor is great for repetitive tasks like copying logic patterns, naming methods, or handling boilerplate code. As a Ruby developer, I’ve found its intellisense support a bit limited, but the overall experience is leaps and bounds ahead of other AI-based tools.
3. Obsidian: My Go-To Note-Taking App
Taking effective notes is a crucial part of my job, especially with the volume of meetings I attend. Obsidian has become my favorite tool for managing this chaos. Its graph-based approach to linking notes makes it easy to see relationships between topics, projects, and ideas.
Getting started with Obsidian requires some initial setup, and I’d recommend watching a few YouTube tutorials on best practices. Once you get the hang of it, Obsidian becomes an invaluable tool for organizing thoughts, tasks, and documentation.
4. Arc: A Browser Built for Multitasking
I’m currently using Arc as my browser of choice, and it’s been a game-changer for managing multiple projects. Arc’s workspace feature allows me to group tabs, accounts, and resources specific to each project. This keeps my workflow organized and reduces the cognitive load of switching contexts.
While I might explore other browsers in the future, for now, Arc is the perfect tool for managing my daily browsing needs efficiently.
5. Linear: The Best Project Management Tool
After trying countless project management tools, I’ve finally found one that hits the sweet spot: Linear. It’s lightning-fast, incredibly intuitive, and devoid of unnecessary fluff. The clean UI/UX design lets me focus on the tasks that matter without feeling overwhelmed by features I don’t need.
Linear makes it easy to track issues, plan sprints, and collaborate with teams—all 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 workflows, keeping me organized, or improving my coding efficiency. They’ve become an integral part of my day-to-day life as a developer. If you’re looking to enhance your productivity, give these tools a try—you might just find your new favorite.
Which tools do you use every day? I’d love to hear your recommendations in the comments!
Top comments (1)
Raycast is truly my favourite. Their latest sticker notes app is something that I have been waiting for a long time and finally it is here.
Obsidian is my second brain vault. I use it to store notes in an organised way for future relearn.
Linear is something that i wish to give it a go. Having been using jira for the most part but would like to organise my personal use.