What I Use

Here's an up-to-date list of the tools, software, and hardware I use regularly for development and other tasks. Also included are miscellaneous things that either make me happy or help me get through my daily routine, working out, and working from home.

As a participant in the Amazon Associates Program, I earn from qualifying purchases. I may get commissions for purchases made through some of the links in this post. This list is a current roundup of everything I actually use, so trust that the products wouldn't be here if I wasn't super-satisfied!

This site was built with...

  • Nuxt
  • Bulma - Open-source CSS framework based on Flexbox
  • GitHub - The home for all my code.
  • Netlify - Flexible solution for building fast sites.

Hardware

Code Editor

Click to view my most-used VS Code Extensions
  • Working Copy (iOS) - Not my primary editor, but it's great on the iPad for smaller tweaks/fixes/etc. when I'm lounging around the house. 👌

Terminal

  • Integrated Terminal in Visual Studio Code
  • oh my zsh on my work Macbook, with the Powerlevel 10k theme.
  • Starship.rs - For my Windows computer: the minimal, blazing-fast, and infinitely customizable prompt for any shell!

Audio

  • Spotify - Rock on 🎵 🤘
  • Schiit Modi 3 - An affordable DAC that makes my computer audio sound, well, really good. The Modi also features a 3-way input switch.
  • Schiit SYS - A simple, 2-input passive preamp. No electronics. No power. No distortion. Just a 2-way switch and a potentiometer. SYS stands for "switch your, 💩 ...er... schtuff."
  • Schiit Mani - A phono preamp for my Technics turntable.
  • Audioengine A2+ Speakers - Powered desktop speakers. I previously owned the A5+, but they took up way too much desk real estate. I also have them sitting on the DS1 Desktop Speaker Stands to isolate the speakers and reduce vibration.
  • Technics SL-D2 TurnTable - This thing has been around since before I was born. It belonged to my parents, and now it's all mine ❤️, including all their vintage vinyl.
  • Apple Airpods Pro

Other software & services

  • Adobe Illustrator - I do a lot of UX Design, layouts, and really all my design work in Adobe Illustrator. I'm faster in Illustrator than whatever the trendy tool is this month, so I stick to what I'm good at when time is a factor.
  • Specify for Illustrator - Shameless plug, but whether you are designing graphics, web pages, kitchen cabinets, or a woodworking project, this Adobe Illustrator script is super-handy at dimensioning objects on your artboard. You can read about the details in this dedicated post.
  • AutoHotkey - These days, if I need some automated keypresses I just add them to a layer on my custom mechanical keyboard; however, I have a few complex automations coded via AutoHotkey.

Everyday Carry

  • Apple iPhone 12, 128 GB, Pacific Blue
  • Apple Watch Series 7, Midnight with a Nomad Goods Sport Band
  • Roka Utility Pack - The perfect commuter backpack. Includes space for all of my tech gear, room for a pair of running shoes, plus a separate wet compartment for sweaty workout gear.
  • Purist Collective Founder 32oz - What I have determined is the perfect insulated water bottle to use at the office or when working from home. While I use the 32oz Founder for water, the smaller 18oz Mover (which I also own) is a great travel bottle perfect for your commute. Both sizes feature an unbreakable interior glass finish which 100% prevents flavor transfer if you start with coffee ☕ and transition to water!
  • Bellroy Hide & Seek - A slim, RFID protected, leather wallet
  • Benchmade Mini Griptilian - There's always a use for a reliable knife. A bonus in going with Benchmade: they will sharpen and clean your knife for free 💥 for life; just mail it in.
  • Rothy's "The Mask 1.0" - Since masks 😷 are now a part of all of our everyday carry items, you may as well grab one that fits close to the face and is super-comfortable. They aren't N95 masks, but these come as a two-pack and are just as effective as (or more) a lot of the other non-medical masks out there. Oh, and they're machine washable! 👍
  • Stowa Flieger Classic 40 - When I'm not wearing my Apple Watch, this classic Pilot watch is on my wrist. Sapphire crystal, blued steel hands, and a date window at the 6 o'clock position. Perfect.

Miscellaneous