Apps, Tools, and Gear I Use
Tags: productivity, developertools, webdev, beginners
Published: 2019-07-23 07:31:58

---
title: Apps, Tools, and Gear I Use
published: true
description: `This page is somewhat inspired by Wes Bos' Uses page. Keep in mind that I'm mostly doing Frontend development and I'm also a nomadic worker. In other words, I'm 100% remote and I travel. A lot`
tags: productivity, developertools, webdev, beginners
cover_image: https://thepracticaldev.s3.amazonaws.com/i/88mv07eqy7z13s6ywbmr.jpg
canonical_url: https://www.maxpou.fr/uses
---

*This post was originally posted on [maxpou.fr](https://www.maxpou.fr/uses).*

This page is somewhat inspired by [Wes Bos' Uses](https://wesbos.com/uses/) page. Keep in mind that I'm mostly doing Frontend development and I'm also a nomadic worker. In other words, I'm 100% remote and I travel. A lot.


## Hardware

![laptop picture](https://thepracticaldev.s3.amazonaws.com/i/824u63l84zxa23oiie03.jpg)

* MacBook Pro (13-inch).
* **No extra screen.** I've found myself more focus with only one screen.
* [Roost Laptop Stand](https://www.therooststand.com/) *(note: [I don't use it when I work from a coffee shop!](https://twitter.com/NikkitaFTW/status/1139607268452777984))*. 
* Magic keyboard 2 and the Magic trackpad 2.
* Notepad where [I write my daily MIT](https://about.gitlab.com/2018/05/17/eliminating-distractions-and-getting-things-done/#2-write-down-your-mits).

As a digital nomad, I don't have space for a desk on my backpack! ;)


## IDE

* VS Code is my favourite text editor so far.
* The theme I use is Material Theme which [I customised](https://github.com/maxpou/dotfiles/blob/master/vscode/settings.json#L31-L92).
* [Full list of plugins that I Can't Live Without](https://github.com/maxpou/dotfiles/blob/master/vscode/install_plugin.sh).


![my ide](https://thepracticaldev.s3.amazonaws.com/i/muyhnp9pepd3euuupe0q.png)

All of my config files (VS Code settings, bash aliases, git config...) are accessible on [my dotfiles GitHub repository](https://github.com/maxpou/dotfiles).


## Browser

My main browser is [Brave](https://brave.com/). It's a great, fast and safe Chrome alternative. I also use the following plugins:

* [uBlock Origin](https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/ublock-origin/cjpalhdlnbpafiamejdnhcphjbkeiagm) - Best adblocker I've found.
* [Pocket (Save to Pocket)](https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/save-to-pocket/niloccemoadcdkdjlinkgdfekeahmflj) - Read it later.
* [LastPass](https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/lastpass-free-password-ma/hdokiejnpimakedhajhdlcegeplioahd) - Password Manager.
* Devtool extensions: [Vue.js](https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/vuejs-devtools/nhdogjmejiglipccpnnnanhbledajbpd) and [React](https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/react-developer-tools/fmkadmapgofadopljbjfkapdkoienihi)

I used to have Wappalyzer... but I've found this extension quite curious so I removed it!


## Terminal & Command Line Apps

I mostly use my terminal in VSCode. Otherwise, I use iTerm (not a big fan!). My terminal theme is af-magic.

![terminal screenshot](https://thepracticaldev.s3.amazonaws.com/i/f2mniwwuxag9amjjuqyv.png)

This is the list of plugins/apps I use:

* [Zsh](https://github.com/robbyrussell/oh-my-zsh/wiki/Installing-ZSH) with [Oh My Zsh](https://github.com/robbyrussell/oh-my-zsh). Oh My Zsh is a framework for managing zsh configuration.
* [Lighthouse (CLI)](https://github.com/GoogleChrome/lighthouse) - Auditing, performance metrics, and best practices for Progressive Web Apps.
* [Hub](https://github.com/github/hub) - a wrapper for Git command *(Git+Hub=GitHub)*
* [vtop](https://github.com/MrRio/vtop) - an alternative to activity monitor.
* [Tree](https://formulae.brew.sh/formula/tree) - to generate a tree (like the Tree Windows command).
* [n](https://github.com/tj/n) - a super handy tool for node version management.

I also use Vim from time to time.

![vim screenshot](https://thepracticaldev.s3.amazonaws.com/i/rlyn9fh2ljjluzqbpsng.png)


## Desktop Apps

I have a very minimalistic approach when it comes to my dock. If I don't use an app -at least- once a day, I remove it from the dock.

![app screenshot](https://thepracticaldev.s3.amazonaws.com/i/k27m5rday57jbambrxyr.png)

I also use these applications:

* [ProtonVPN](https://protonvpn.com) and I pay for it! It's kind of mandatory to get a VPN when you travel in some Asian countries.
* [Giphy Capture](https://giphy.com/apps/giphycapture) is my go-to screen recording when I need to share something with my colleagues. I found it simple to use.
* [OBS](https://obsproject.com) - screen recording but for a longer video. I don't use it much...
* [Sequel Pro](https://www.sequelpro.com) - when I need a GUI for MySQL.


## Blogging

[My website](https://www.maxpou.fr) is made with Gatsby.js and [gatsby-starter-morning-dew](https://github.com/maxpou/gatsby-starter-morning-dew). I also use these applications:

* [Grammarly](https://app.grammarly.com/) - Helps me to remove typos / proofread my posts
* [Hemingway](http://www.hemingwayapp.com) - "Hemingway App makes your writing bold and clear."
* [Squoosh](https://squoosh.app) - Image compression
* [Remove.bg](https://www.remove.bg) - Remove background on png


## Other Gear

Having a good backpack is essential when you travel the most of your time. I use the [Minaal Carry-on 2.0](https://www.minaal.com/products/minaal-carry-on-bag/?variant=12494163140) (with packing cubes). I love it!