Software I use, gadgets I love, and other things I recommend.
I get asked a lot about the things I use to build software, stay productive, or buy to fool myself into thinking I'm being productive when I'm really just procrastinating. Here's a big list of all of my favorite stuff.
Development & Work Software
IntelliJ IDEA
The ultimate IDE for development. The intelligent code completion and powerful refactoring tools have dramatically improved my coding efficiency. The integrated debugging tools and Git management make it an indispensable part of my workflow.
zsh + gitbash
This combination gives me the best of both worlds on Windows. zsh's customization and plugins make terminal work a joy, while gitbash ensures seamless Git operations. The time saved with aliases and command completion is invaluable.
K8s Lens
Makes Kubernetes management visual and intuitive. The ability to see cluster health at a glance and troubleshoot issues directly from the GUI has saved me countless hours of command-line work.
Slack
Essential for team communication and collaboration. The ability to quickly share code snippets, integrate with development tools, and organize discussions in threads makes it perfect for remote work. The search functionality has saved me countless times when looking for past solutions.
Figma
Essential for design collaboration. Being able to inspect design elements and export assets directly makes frontend implementation much smoother. The real-time collaboration features are fantastic for team discussions.
Microsoft Edge
Surprisingly became my go-to browser. The memory management is excellent, and the dev tools are powerful. Chrome extension compatibility means I don't miss out on any tools I need.
AI Development Tools
GitHub Copilot
An AI pair programmer that intelligently suggests and completes code. Fast, accurate, and incredibly helpful for daily coding tasks.
ChatGPT
Perfect for brainstorming, debugging, and problem-solving. Particularly useful when stuck or needing fresh perspectives on coding challenges.
Claude
Excellent for detailed tasks, code review, and step-by-step explanations. Provides thorough and well-structured coding assistance.
Gemini
Google's AI that excels at coding and problem-solving. Offers practical and implementable solutions for development challenges.
Codeium
Free AI code completion tool that integrates seamlessly with IDEs. Significantly improves coding efficiency and productivity.
Workstation Hardware
Windows 11 Pro + i7-13700KF
My powerhouse workstation. This CPU handles everything I throw at it - multiple Docker containers, VMs, and heavy IDEs all running simultaneously without breaking a sweat. WSL2 support makes development on Windows a dream.
NVIDIA RTX 4080
This combination ensures I never have to wait for anything. The GPU accelerates ML tasks and provides buttery-smooth multi-monitor performance, while the RAM gives me plenty of headroom for all my development environments.
Keychron Q1
The perfect mechanical keyboard for long coding sessions. The build quality is exceptional, and the typing experience is unmatched. Full customization means it's set up exactly how I like it.
Logitech G PRO X 2 Superlight
Incredibly precise and comfortable mouse. The wireless performance is flawless, and the battery life is remarkable. Perfect balance of gaming performance and professional use.
Xiaomi Mi LED Desk Lamp
Smart desk lamp that provides excellent illumination for long coding sessions. The adjustable color temperature and brightness help reduce eye strain. The minimalist design keeps my workspace clean, and the app control is surprisingly useful.
Audio Setup
Audioengine A2+ with S8 Subwoofer
This combination delivers incredible sound quality. The A2+ provides crystal clear mids and highs, while the S8 subwoofer adds deep, rich bass without being overwhelming. Perfect for both music and gaming.
Sound Blaster X4
Versatile DAC/Amp that transformed my audio experience. The virtual surround sound and customizable EQ settings make both music and gaming more immersive. The mic processing features ensure clear communication.
HyperX QuadCast
Professional-grade USB microphone with excellent sound quality. The tap-to-mute feature and visual mute indicator are incredibly convenient for meetings. The built-in shock mount ensures clean audio without vibration noise.
Coffee & Beverages
Flair 58
My dedicated espresso maker for when I want the perfect shot. The level of control over pressure and temperature lets me dial in exactly the right extraction. The manual process is therapeutic, and the results rival commercial machines costing many times more.
Fellow Opus
My go-to grinder for all brewing methods. The precision burrs and digital control ensure consistent grind size every time. Whether it's fine for espresso or coarse for cold brew, it delivers exactly what I need for the perfect cup.
Staresso Mirage SP300
An elegant lever machine that brings art to espresso making. The transparent design lets me watch the extraction process, while the pressure control helps me achieve that perfect crema. It's become an essential part of my coffee ritual.
Pour Over Dripper
For those mornings when I want a cleaner, brighter cup. The pour-over method brings out the subtle flavors in light roasts. The ritual of hand dripping is my favorite way to start a focused work day.