5 Essential Developer Tools for an Optimized Workflow

My pursuit of a perfectly optimized workflow has led me to these indispensable tools. Here’s what works best for me:

Neovim

Neovim is my primary code editor, offering speed, simplicity, and infinite customization. It does have a steep learning curve, but you can gradually start with Vim motions in your own editor which provide most of the value of neovim anyway.
If you are just starting out, then I would highly recommend using kickstart.nvim

What I love ❣️

• using hjkl to move around instead of arrow keys
• motions like: di{ (delete content inside {…}) , V5jy (copy 5 lines down)
• rich plugins ecosystem: example telescope.nvim for fuzzy search across my project
• macros
• brings you closer to the terminal, which has far reaching benefits

Tmux

Tmux enables me to manage multiple terminal sessions effortlessly. I can split terminals into panes, allowing simultaneous task execution—be it running servers, editing files, or monitoring logs. Its session persistence ensures I can pick up exactly where I left off, streamlining task management across projects.

What I love ❣️

• starting a session on any of the listed directories using fuzzy search - enabled by fzf

Lazygit

Lazygit offers a rich TUI for Git workflows. It pairs super well with neovim and tmux, offering keyboard shortcuts for almost all your git needs. I have it setup in neovim such that <leader>gg pops up a tmux window with lazygit running.

What I love ❣️

• opening a PR using "o"
• inspecting diff from the file tree, and partial staging

Window Manager

A tiling window manager is vital for maintaining an organized workspace, and switching between applications without losing focus. Hot take - a single monitor setup with proper window management is more efficient than a multi-monitor setup.
The reason for that is you can only focus (think: mouse-focus) on one window at a time. The only exception is when the second screen is purely visual

I use yabai as I’m on macOS. i3 is fantastic for Linux

What I love ❣️

• using alt-1, alt-2 etc. to switch between windows
• fixing the application on a single window number. So my browser will always be open on alt-1, my editor on alt-2 etc. removing any potential overhead when navigating

Arc Browser

The people working at Arc have nailed the polished browser experience. It never gets in your way, while providing a seamless browsing experience.

What I love ❣️

• the horizontal tabs - I was skeptical at first but now I can’t go back
• ability to customise keybindings
• workspace switching without opening a new window on your system
• saving split-tab groups