The right tools can dramatically improve your development workflow. Here are the essential tools every developer should consider in 2025.
Code Editors
Cursor
The AI-first code editor built on VS Code. Features include AI autocomplete, chat, and code generation. Perfect for developers wanting AI integration.
VS Code
Still the king of editors with the largest extension ecosystem. Free and incredibly versatile.
Terminal
Warp
A modern terminal with AI features, blocks-based output, and collaboration tools. Mac only for now.
iTerm2 + Oh My Zsh
The classic combo that still works beautifully for Mac users.
Version Control
GitHub Desktop
Simplifies Git workflows with a clean UI. Great for visual learners.
GitKraken
Powerful Git client with merge conflict resolver and integrations.
API Testing
Insomnia
Clean, fast API client for REST and GraphQL. Open source option available.
Design to Code
Figma Dev Mode
Inspect designs and export code snippets directly from Figma files.