In this blog I want to share the tools i use on macOS that make my daily work easier and faster as Ruby and Go developer. I’ll skip the common or work related tools like Docker, VS Code, IntelliJ IDEA, and Xcode.
Instead, focus on ones that actually improve my Productivity.
Core Essentials
1. Homebrew (package manager)
Homebrew is first thing i will have on my Mac. It’s an open-source package manager for macOS that makes installing apps and command-line tools simple.
# Search for formulas and casks
brew search bala
# Example: Install formula
brew install formula
# Example: Install cask
brew install --cask cask
You can install both formulas (CLI tools) and casks (full apps). If you are a developer you must have known this.
2. Fork (git client)
I mostly use Git from command line, but Fork helps me review changes visually before pushing changes. It reduces mistakes like committing wrong commits to the wrong branches.
3. Warp (terminal)
Warp is modern terminal with useful features like Customization options Workflows for automating common tasks, recently has built-in AI that remembers and suggests commands.
It’s fast, smart, and more user-friendly than the default terminal.
4. Rectangle (window manager)
Window management on macOS is limited compared to Windows. Rectangle solves this with simple keyboard shortcuts to snap and organize windows.
I set custom shortcuts (see below), so managing multiple apps became simple after installing this tool.
5. AltTab (windows alt-tab on macOS)
https://alt-tab-macos.netlify.app/
By default, macOS’s cmd+tab only lets you switch between apps, not windows of the same app.
AltTab is a tool just to fix this. I just replaced cmd+tab with AltTab and also mapped Cmd+ ` to switch between windows of the current app.
Huge time saver and something I never imagined it exists. (Espically in arc browser, i couldn’t find shortcut to switch b/w different arc windows, AltTab really helped me here)
6. Raycast (app launcher)
Raycast is faster, cleaner replacement for Spotlight. It’s bit heavy tool that exceeds my needs and requires many external extensions to be installed. I haven’t used all its features yet, but even basic search feels better than Spotlight.
7. Clipy (clipboard extention)
macOS didn’t have proper clipboard history for a long time. Even now, the built-in option in macOS26 is very limited. Clipy keeps full history of copied items.
My shortcut is Cmd+Shift+D to quickly check the history and paste.
Other helpful ones
1. AS Timer
https://apps.apple.com/jp/app/as-timer/id512464723
A simple countdown timer. Nothing fancy, just works.
2. PDF Gear (pdf editor)
https://www.pdfgear.com/ => to edit PDFs
3. Bitwarden (password manager)
Go to password manager. It’s open source, secure, and syncs my credentials across all platforms.
4. Ente Authenticator (2FA)
For 2FA, I use Ente Authenticator. It’s open source, syncs across iOS, Android, and macOS, and even have website for 2FA codes. Very convenient compared to traditional authenticators which are OS bound or device bound ones.
5. Calibre (E-book manager)
https://calibre-ebook.com/ => for ebooks
6. Vimium browser extension
https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/vimium/dbepggeogbaibhgnhhndojpepiihcmeb?hl
On any browser(Arc, Chrome, Safari, Firefox), I use Vimium for Vim-style keyboard shortcuts. It makes browsing faster and keeps my hands on keyboard most of the time.
That’s it
That’s it my current macOS setup tools. Ofcourse you can use an many tools as you want to, but be careful on not to overwhelm yourself with so many tools at once. Always think twice before installing the tool whether it really solving your needs and at what cost?..
