Elevate Your Frontend Productivity Must-Have Tools and Configurations
Tags: productivity, tooling
Published: 2023-07-22 07:08:48

Optimize productivity & security! Explore essential tools, coding fonts, and configurations to streamline your dev workflow.

As a developer, having the right set of tools at your disposal can significantly enhance your productivity and ensure the security of your work. In this article, we'll explore a collection of must-have tools, fonts for coding editors, and essential configurations that will streamline your workflow and improve your development experience. Let's dive in!

## Tools
[Arc Browser](https://arc.net)

Arc Browser is a versatile tool that brings essential shortcuts and features to your Mac. With Arc Browser, you can quickly perform tasks like screen capture (Command + Shift + 2) and copy the current page URL (Command + Shift + C). These convenient shortcuts save valuable time and make your daily interactions with your Mac more efficient.

[Starship](https://starship.rs)

Starship is a powerful and customizable shell prompt that enhances your terminal experience. It provides useful information such as the current working directory, git status, and package version, making it easier to navigate your projects. With Starship, your terminal becomes a dynamic and informative environment, helping you stay focused on your coding tasks.


[Rectangle](https://rectangleapp.com)

Rectangle is a window management tool that simplifies arranging and resizing windows on your Mac. It allows you to snap windows to specific areas of the screen with simple keyboard shortcuts, enabling you to multitask effectively and maintain a clutter-free workspace.

[Homebrew](https://brew.sh)

Homebrew is a popular package manager for macOS that allows you to install, update, and manage various software packages effortlessly. With Homebrew, you can access a vast library of open-source software and developer tools, simplifying the process of setting up and maintaining your development environment.

[Obsidian](https://obsidian.md)

Obsidian is a powerful knowledge management tool that facilitates note-taking and information organization. With its markdown-based approach and interlinking capabilities, Obsidian becomes an invaluable companion for developers who want to document their ideas, code snippets, and project insights effectively.

[Visual Studio Code](https://code.visualstudio.com)

Visual Studio Code is a lightweight and feature-rich code editor loved by developers worldwide.

To enhance your coding experience:

Enable bracket pair colorization
![Enable bracket pair colorization](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/8cd4i37xgs9a5k4u6pgp.png)

Enable format on save.
![Enable format on save](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/uk10ar61i0j9tn5g0gz1.png)


These settings improve code readability and ensure consistent formatting across your projects.

[Codium AI](https://www.codium.ai)

Codium AI is an innovative AI-powered coding assistant that helps you write code faster and with fewer errors. Its intelligent suggestions and autocompletion features streamline your coding process.

## Recommended paid tools
[Password Manager - 1Password](https://1password.com) ($2.99 per month for individuals)

Password Manager for Families, Businesses, Teams | 1Password
A password manager, digital vault, form filler and secure digital wallet. 1Password remembers all your passwords for you to help keep account information safe.


Keeping your online accounts secure is crucial, and a password manager like 1Password can make this task effortless. It securely stores your passwords, generates strong and unique passwords, and streamlines the login process across various platforms and devices.

[Github Copilot](https://github.com/features/copilot) ($10 per month for individuals)

Github Copilot, though a paid tool, is highly recommended for developers who want to supercharge their coding productivity. This AI-powered code completion tool, developed by GitHub and OpenAI, assists you in writing code faster by providing smart suggestions and completions.

## Font for Your Coding Editor
Choosing the right font for your coding editor can make a significant difference in your coding experience. Consider these popular options:

- [Fira Code](https://github.com/tonsky/FiraCode): A monospaced font with ligatures that enhance code legibility.
- [Cascadia Code](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/terminal/cascadia-code): A font designed specifically for the Windows Terminal, offering a clean and modern look.
- [JetBrains Mono](https://www.jetbrains.com/lp/mono): A font optimized for developer-friendly coding with excellent character spacing.

## Detect Suspicious Packages Using Socket Security

[Socket Security](https://socket.dev) is a valuable npm package that helps you detect potentially suspicious or harmful packages before installation.

The VSCode Extension provides a summary and quick insights into package details, allowing you to make informed decisions about the dependencies you introduce into your projects.

![Socket Security VS Code Extension](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/0py104mwlrb30dv460g5.png)


![package info in socket.dev](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/6zmvtn9kdmnrcs9ze00r.png)

## Configurations
**Signing GitHub Commits Using Keybase**

Signing GitHub commits using Keybase offers several benefits, including:

- Identity verification: Linking your online identities to cryptographic keys establishes a strong connection between your GitHub activity and cryptographic identity, boosting trust in your commits.
- Ensuring integrity: Signing commits with your private key creates cryptographic proof that commits haven't been tampered with since signing, adding an extra layer of security.
Verification by others: Keybase simplifies the verification process for others, increasing trust and confidence in your code contributions.
- User-friendly interface: Keybase provides an easy-to-use interface for managing cryptographic keys and signatures.
- Cross-platform support: Keybase is compatible with various operating systems, making it accessible to developers on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Check out https://jamespanther.com/writings/signing-github-commits-using-keybase/ for an in-depth guide.

It's important to note that while Keybase can enhance the security and trustworthiness of your GitHub commits, it's not the only option available. GitHub itself supports commit signing with GPG (GNU Privacy Guard) keys, which is another popular method for ensuring commit integrity. The choice between Keybase and GPG may depend on your personal preferences and the tools you're already using.

## Conclusion
By incorporating these essential tools, fonts, and configurations into your development workflow, you can significantly enhance your productivity, improve code quality, and strengthen the security of your work. Tailor your toolset to suit your specific needs and preferences, and watch as your coding experience becomes more enjoyable and efficient. Happy coding!