The secret is in the small stuff
Often, the trick to consistently clean code and a happy development team has more to do with the little apps and tools you use to make each day easier, and much less to do with some kind of mythological master app that offers a single cure-all solution. Stealing format from those fun everyday carry videos, the Hounder development team wanted to take the time to show you what our everyday carry looks like, and to give you a glimpse of the simple tools we use to ensure our projects get done fast and on time.
1. VS Code
You need a solid coding app to deal with the day-to-day tasks of writing code. VS Code is extremely extensible with extensions that allow it to work with a wide variety of coding languages.
2. Slack
When communicating with a remote team like we do here at Hounder, it's crucial to communicate in a way that is easy and doesn’t get in the way. Plus, you can use Gifs, and everybody loves Gifs.
Slack is easy to use and customizable with apps like Zoom and Google Drive, making it a prime application for streamlined communication between team members across several departments and projects.
3. Browser
Depending on the application we are building or debugging, we tend to use every browser to do the job. Chrome, Safari, Edge, etc. However, each day I generally work from a Chrome tab to do my daily tasks.
4. Github
Storing and keeping code tracked properly across multiple developers makes Git a must, and we can't stress that enough. Plus, using it with Github makes that process easy and simple, with pull requests, issue tickets, and, of course, emojis.
5. Termius
We still use iTerm on a regular basis, but most of the management of different servers or web platforms makes that task difficult. The Hounder devs stumbled across Termius last year and have been using it for almost everything. Since it allows you to start up an SSH connection from your computer, phone, or tablet, you're never far away from where we need to be when faced with a development-related issue that needs to be dealt with right away.
6. Zoom
Need I say more? These days, Zoom is the must-have for remote, face-to-face business communication. At Hounder, we use it for almost all of our internal communications, including hours-long developers meetings where our remote team hangs out and works on projects in realtime.
Need to chat with your CTO really quick? Zoom. Need to meet with the marketing team? Zoom. Need to schedule a weekly with a client? Zoom. You're probably more than aware of how useful Zoom is, but we just thought we'd mention it anyways: Zoom.
7. Drafts
Occasionally, the Hounder devs use Apple Notes, but have been really digging into Drafts more and more. Its ability to create shortcuts and streamline note-taking (whether for client meetings or developer-to-developer notes) makes it extremely convenient. Plus, writing documentation just looks a whole lot nicer with markdown.
8. Spotify
In case you're wondering how not to go nuts when coding for hours, it's background tunes. Music is a must to get into the “code zone”. Don't feel ashamed - grab your favorite Spotify playlist, probably titled something like "Lofi to code and chill to," and get in focus mode.
9. Docker
Setting up local server environments for each of our projects allows us to get a mirror copy of a production server to test or build a new site. With Docker, we can implement standardization into our process and build, test, and deploy web applications at our convenience, and almost always helps with our levels of productivity.
10. ProtonVPN
Always stay safe when surfing online. Keep a trusted virtual private network on at all times; protect your passwords and other private data. Especially when you hold the AWS SSH keys.
