What I Use

This Site

  • If it looks like it was designed by a developer that's because it was
  • I used this Nextjs template
  • My color scheme was swiped from the ChatGPT app and from Josh Comeau's excellent website.
  • I used CSS overview in Chrome devtools to get the colors. Unfortunately there's nothing in devtools that will turn me into a decent designer.
  • I pushed this site to Vercel (I pronounce it ver-SELL) for free. I self-host everything else I make.
  • All mdx all the time.

Software Engineering

  • My main machine is a fully tricked out MacBook Pro M1 - for coding at home only. It isn't allowed to leave the house.
  • When I actually do leave the house, I use a not-quite-so-tricked-out MacBook Air M1.
  • Everything on my laptops is backed up to Backblaze.
  • This logitech rollerball mouse - I have several just in case. Why would anyone push a mouse all over the table when you can use one of these?
  • This travel monitor . It's not perfect but it has successfully traveled the world in a backpack. It doesn't need an external power supply and you can fit it on an airplane tray table behind a small laptop. I get a new one every couple of years because the ports tend to stop working.
  • When my eyes get tired I use this Samsung monitor.
  • ChatGpt Pro for most things.
  • Claude Professional for when I get annoyed with ChatGPT.
  • Perplexity - I canceled the Pro subscription and just use the free version when I need to. I usually don't need to. I'm sure I'll end up subscribing again as it matures.
  • Cursor is my code editor.
  • Polypane is so great for developing multiple screen sizes at once.
  • I like Table Plus for managing databases.
  • I love GitKraken for version control. Yes, I can use the command line. But this is usually faster and less error-prone. And GitKraken makes it so easy to manage multiple github accounts.
  • I use the Warp terminal - free version.
  • I manage my passwords with 1Password.
  • I use Transmit for file transfers.
  • I use Raycast to manage my mac & other tasks like transforming hex codes to oklch. I use the free version.
  • I run BitDefender on my laptops. It has flagged trojans and other malware on my mac, so I'm happy with it. I run most downloads through it.
  • If I need a VPN I use ProtonVPN.
  • I code from my bed like a complete psychopath so there's no need for a fancy gaming chair/standing desk setup.
  • I use my iPhone 16, an old Galaxy phone, and all the random old iPads I have lying around to test mobile responsiveness.
  • Always nano, never vim. If I can help it.
  • The only reason I can code all day is because I lift weights at 5:30 AM 5 days a week, and do cardio 3 or 4 times a week around 6 PM. Sadly, I eat too much to be ripped.

Project Management

  • Trello - I use the free version for everything
  • Slack - I use the free version to collect error logs

Notes & things

  • Evernote - since 2008
  • The Apple Notes app, but it's slow & nearly unusable when you have a lot of notes
  • Mac Stickies app