Tools I use to build

A practical list of the languages and software I reach for when shipping products, running infrastructure, and staying organized. Preferences change; this is what’s current.

Backend & languages

  • Node.js

    Primary backend for APIs and services. NestJS when I want structure; also Express, Fastify, and others when the job is simpler.

  • Go

    For high-throughput and concurrent work: media processing, realtime systems, performance-sensitive APIs.

  • Python

    ML, data work, and the occasional Flask/Django service.

  • PHP

    Where I started (2013). Laravel when I’m in that ecosystem; earlier I released CogentPHP.

  • React & React Native

    Default for web UI; React Native for mobile when needed.

Development

  • VS Code

    Fast editor with an extension ecosystem that fits how I work.

  • Zsh

    Daily shell on macOS.

  • Docker

    Local environments and services without a mess of one-off installs.

Design

  • Figma

    Product design and the shared whiteboard for product conversations.

Productivity

  • Notion

    Docs and team knowledge.

  • Reflect

    Daily notes with topic discovery.

  • Slack

    Team communication.

  • Apple Notes

    Quick capture.