My Setup

Introduction

This is a dump of different things and apps I use daily. I hope you will find it helpful.

Shell/Terminal Applications

• zsh — ZSH is a shell. It is an excellent alternative to bash used by default in most Linux distributions and macOS. macOS uses the outdated version of bash because it changed its license, and Apple doesn’t like GPL.
• oh-my-zsh — framework for easy customization of ZSH. Has a lot of additional plugins. Try not to overuse it; otherwise, a new ZSH session may start several seconds, even on modern hardware.
• fzf — A command-line fuzzy finder. I bind it to Cmd+R to search history.
• autoenv — Directory-based environments.
• autojump — A cd command that learns - easily navigate directories from the command line
• brew — Package Manager for macOS. Must have application for mac. Allows installing applications via CLI easily. Also, Brewfile is a lifesaver.

Desktop Applications

Nowadays, I use Apple MacBook Pro primarily, so most applications listed here are macOS specific.

Generic apps

• iterm — Very good replacement of macOS Terminal.app.
• Ilya Birman’s Typography Layout — this layout improves the standard layout easy input of specific symbols.
• alfred - replacement for Spotlight.

Productivity

• Evernote — I used it to store various information, articles from the web, notes, etc. UI is not very friendly, but it works across web, mobile, and desktop; synchronization works most of the time.
• Google Drive - Cloud synchronisation.
• OmniFocus — Awesome task manager application for macOS and iOS.
• OmniOutliner - outline software. I use it for tracking various lists, then move to archive in Evernote.
• Pocket - Read it later service.
• 1Password - Password Manager.
• ifttt - Internet automation across different applications and services.
• Focus.app - Blocks websites and specific apps. When you need to focus and don’t want any distractions.
• Bartender — This small application hides top toolbar icons. You can hide those you don’t need.
• ia Writer — Distraction-free text editor
• MindNode - Mind mapping software.
• Magnet - an application that improves standard window manager behavior on macOS. With this app, you can easily snap windows, split them, etc. Small and helpful utility.

Text Editors / IDEs

• IntelliJ IDEA - this my workhorse. Most of my code is written in this app.
• vim - exists on most servers and Linux.
• VSCode – use it for some temporary notes/drafts

Monospace Fonts

• go mono - Monospace font I use in terminal and text editors/IDEs.

Other good monospace fonts

• source code pro
• anonymous pro

Reading

Unfortunately, I have books bought via different digital book stores, so I use multiple devices and applications.

• Amazon Kindle
• Apple Books
• Google Play Books
• Pocket

Games

Although I don’t play games heavily, I have a few games installed that I would recommend:

• Monument Valley and Monument Valley 2.
• Lumino City
• Shadowmatic
• Machinarium
• Thomas was alone
• Lode Runner
• Limbo

Physical stuff

In addition to digital things, I continue to use material things too. We are not entirely in Matrix yet.

• Backpack North Face Microbyte — my daily backpack. It is small; it holds a laptop and a few other things. Probably, I need to make another blog post about the things I have in my backpack. Earlier I used North Face Router, but it is pretty bulky. I use it now if we go with my family outside or if I have a work trip.

• Water Bottle - clean kanteen

• External USB Charger - Anker e4

• Headphones I have several pairs for different use cases:

  • Pair of noise-canceling headphones: Bose QC25/QC35
  • Music listening: AKG Q701
  • Outdoor/to-go: Apple Earpods

• Kindle Paperwhite

• For jotting on paper: Moleskine and Pilot precise V5 RT