I Use

Development Tools

• Visual Studio Code - for general development
• Claude Code - for AI-assisted coding
• Zed - as a fast text editor
• Previously: Cursor , Windsurf

Database Tools

• Retcon - modern database client
• Postico 2 - PostgreSQL client for Mac
• SQLPro Studio - multi-database management
• TablePlus - modern native database client
• Base - SQLite database editor

Version Control

• Jujutsu (jj) , Git - for version control
• Retcon - visual Git/Jujutsu client
• Previously: GitHub Desktop

Git Tools

• diff-so-fancy - better git diffs
• interactive-rebase-tool - visual git rebase
• git-lfs - large file storage
• Kaleidoscope - diff and merge tool

Terminal & Shell

• Warp - AI-powered terminal
• zsh - with Prezto framework
• Previously: iTerm2

Shell Tools

• atuin - shell history sync & search
• zoxide - smart directory jumping
• fzf - fuzzy finder
• direnv - environment switcher
• eza - modern ls replacement

Tech Stack

For my development tech stack including languages, frameworks, and deployment platforms, see my About page .

Academic Workflow

• Obsidian - Knowledge base and note-taking
• Zotero - Reference management
• RemNote - Spaced repetition notes
• Previously: Notion , Roam Research

Language Learning

• Pleco - Chinese dictionary app
• Skritter - Character writing practice
• Duolingo - Gamified language learning
• Du Chinese - Graded Chinese reading

Image Editing

• Pixelmator Pro - Image editing
• Affinity Photo - Photo editing
• Lightroom - Photo management

Vector & Graphics

• Affinity Designer - Vector graphics
• Previously: OmniGraffle , Sketch

Video Production

• Final Cut Pro - Video editing
• DaVinci Resolve - Video editing

Quick Access

• Raycast - Extensible launcher
• rcmd - App switching with right cmd
• Bartender - Menu bar management

Screen Capture

• CleanShot X - Screenshots & recording
• ScreenFloat - Floating screenshots
• TextSniper - OCR text extraction

Automation

• Keyboard Maestro - macOS automation
• Yoink - Drag and drop shelf
• Paste - Clipboard manager

Subscription

• SetApp - Access to 240+ apps

Computing

• MacBook Pro M1 13" - 2020 model for portable computing
• iPad Air - 4th generation for note-taking and PDF markup

Input Devices

• MX Master 3S - ergonomic mouse
• MX Mechanical - for home office
• MX Mechanical Mini - for travel