Tools and Tech Stack
Having the right tools for the jobs is crucial for efficiency and code quality. Here's a rundown of the the hardware,tech stack and tools I rely on for coding and productivity.
Workstation
16” MacBook Pro, M2 Max, 64GB RAM (2023)
The M2 Pro chip handles my development environments and Docker containers with ease. I can run PHPStorm, multiple servers and databases simultaneously without breaking a sweat.
Dell UltraSharp 43 4K USB-C-hub-monitor – U4323QE
A large, high-resolution display is essential for reading logs, managing multiple terminal windows, and occasionally dabbling in database design. The USB-C hub functionality keeps my desk tidy.
Apple Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad
The extended layout with numeric keypad is perfect for inputting data and navigating spreadsheets when needed. The keyboard's slim profile and wireless design keep my workspace clean and minimalist.
Apple Magic Mouse
Its multi-touch surface allows for intuitive gestures, making navigation through code and documents smooth and efficient. The wireless design complements my setup nicely.
Languages & Frameworks
PHP & Laravel
My primary stack for web application development. Laravel's elegant syntax and robust ecosystem allow for rapid development of scalable backend solutions.
JavaScript & React.js
While my focus is on backend development, I use React.js for creating dynamic user interfaces when needed. Its component-based architecture and virtual DOM make it efficient for building interactive frontend elements that complement my Laravel backends. This combination allows me to deliver full-stack solutions when projects require it.
Development tools
GitHub Desktop
While I'm comfortable with Git on the command line, GitHub Desktop provides a clean, visual interface for managing repositories. It's particularly useful for reviewing changes, managing branches, and handling merge conflicts. The ability to quickly switch between repositories and perform complex Git operations with a few clicks enhances my workflow, especially when juggling multiple projects.
iTerm2
Custom color schemes, split panes, and robust search functionality make this my go-to terminal emulator for managing servers and running CLI tools.
Laravel Vapor
My go-to platform for serverless deployment of Laravel applications. Vapor abstracts away the complexities of serverless infrastructure, allowing me to focus on writing code rather than managing servers. Its seamless scaling, easy rollbacks, and built-in performance optimization features have significantly improved my deployment workflow and application performance. The ability to easily manage multiple environments and automate deployments has been a game-changer for my Laravel projects.
OrbStack
A game-changer for managing containers and virtual machines on macOS. OrbStack offers lightning-fast performance, seamless integration with macOS, and a user-friendly interface. It's become my go-to for running Docker containers, Linux environments, and managing complex multi-container setups. The resource efficiency and quick start times have significantly improved my local development workflow and testing processes.
PHPStorm
My go-to IDE for PHP development. Its deep understanding of PHP code, powerful refactoring tools, and seamless integration with Laravel make it indispensable for backend work. The built-in database tools and Git integration improves my workflow significantly.
Postman
Invaluable for API development and testing. The ability to save and share collections makes collaboration with frontend developers much smoother.
TablePlus
A sleek, intuitive GUI for interacting with multiple types of databases. Its clean interface, advanced features like query building and data modeling, and support for various database systems make it an essential tool in my backend toolkit. It's particularly useful for quick data inspections, running complex queries, and managing database structures without the need for command-line tools.
Productivity
1Password
Essential for managing the myriad of passwords and secure notes in my development work. Its seamless integration across devices and browsers makes accessing and generating secure credentials a breeze. The ability to securely share passwords with team members is invaluable for collaborative projects.
Claude (AI Assistant)
An AI-powered coding companion that I leverage for various tasks. Claude assists me with code reviews, debugging, brainstorming solutions, and even explaining complex algorithms. Its ability to understand and generate code in multiple languages makes it an invaluable tool for exploring new concepts or tackling challenging problems. While it doesn't replace human expertise, it significantly enhances my productivity and helps me approach problems from different angles.
Magnet
A must-have tool for window management on macOS. It allows me to quickly organize my workspace with customizable keyboard shortcuts, snapping windows to predefined areas of the screen. This is especially useful when juggling multiple code editors, terminals, and documentation windows during development.
Notion
My second brain for project management, documentation, and personal notes. Its flexibility allows me to create custom workflows for different projects.