Must-have macOS tools and apps for developers

My list of essential apps to install when getting a new Mac

3
Homebrew
Homebrew

The Missing Package Manager for macOS (or Linux).

AI Work Management & Productivity Tools
Slack

Slack is a new way to communicate with your team. It’s faster, better organized, and more secure than email.

Oh My Zsh
Oh My Zsh

Oh My Zsh is a delightful, open source, community-driven framework for managing your Zsh configuration.

Google Chrome
Google Chrome

Get more done with the new Google Chrome. A more simple, secure, and faster web browser than ever, with Google’s smarts built-in. Download now.

Download ChatGPT
ChatGPT

Download ChatGPT Use ChatGPT your way. Talk to type or have a conversation. Take pictures and ask about them.

Hyper™
Hyper™

A terminal built on web technologies

Texts
Texts

The ultimate messaging app

Cursor
Cursor

The AI Code Editor

Spotify
Spotify

Spotify is a digital music service that gives you access to millions of songs.

The Collaborative API Development Platform
Insomnia

Leading Open Source API Development Platform for HTTP, REST, GraphQL, gRPC, SOAP, and WebSockets

GitHub Desktop
GitHub Desktop

GitHub is where people build software. More than 100 million people use GitHub to discover, fork, and contribute to over 420 million projects.

Desktop AI assistant available for Windows and MacOS
Voilà

Get more done with Voilà for Desktop. Available for Windows and MacOS.

Figma: The Collaborative Interface Design Tool
Figma

Figma is the leading collaborative design tool for building meaningful products. Seamlessly design, prototype, develop, and collect feedback in a single platform.

Docker Desktop: The #1 Containerization Tool for Developers
Docker Desktop

Docker Desktop is collaborative containerization software for developers. Get started and download Docker Desktop today on Mac, Windows, or Linux.

Discord
Discord

Discord is great for playing games and chilling with friends, or even building a worldwide community. Customize your own space to talk, play, and hang out.

Mac setup checklist:

  • Trackpad: tap to click

  • Enable auto-hiding of Dock

  • Enable Nightshift

  • Add the path to Homebrew: echo 'export PATH="/opt/homebrew/bin:$PATH"' >> ~/.zshrc

  • Install the "code" CLI command for Cursor (⌘ + Shift + P)

  • Show hidden files: defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles YES

  • Show path bar: defaults write com.apple.finder ShowPathbar -bool true

  • Show status bar: defaults write com.apple.finder ShowStatusBar -bool true

To generate an SSH key:
ssh-keygen -t ed25519
tr -d '\n' < ~/.ssh/id_ed25519.pub | pbcopy