The number of programmers will reach over 45 million by 2030. As this career continues to thrive, common programming blockers and distractions get pushed to the forefront. Since high productivity is a major must-have for coders, there are plenty of existing tools that aim to alleviate anything that sidetracks them.
In this guide, we’ll go over the essential tools for programmers, as well as useful productivity-boosting tips every developer should know about.
1. Stack Overflow
Stack Overflow is an online resource and programming community. This resource helps programmers ask or answer programming questions, such as coding issues, general programming questions, and advice.
When developers are stuck on their code or don’t know how to fix a specific mistake, it’s easy to waste time searching for answers. Thankfully, Stack Overflow is a simple resource with an easy-to-use search function. Programmers with issues can find the solution to their issues within minutes.
2. Crucible
Crucible is a code review platform from Atlassian. Code review is a process that easily becomes hard to handle without an easy collaborative platform. This tool combines the code review process and code discussion in one place, making reviews more efficient.
A platform with comprehensive code review features helps save time for an entire developer department. Coders, reviewers, and managers all benefit from having a tool that houses, tracks, and reports on code reviews.
3. Xcode
Xcode is an integrated development environment (IDE) that streamlines coding for programmers. This, or any IDE, is a must-have for coders because it provides a way for programmers to build their code, while also providing a suite of productivity-boosting features.
One of these features involves word completion. A common productivity blocker for coders is the amount of time it takes to type fresh code. With autocomplete, repeat words and symbols appear instantly, making the coding process much faster.
4. Notepad++
Notepad++ is a free source code editor that supports tabbed editing. This application replaces the standard Notepad application that comes standard with Mac computers.
One of the most appealing reasons why programmers love Notepad++ Mac is its support of several coding languages. The application is also very lightweight—you won’t run into execution speed issues while coding within this popular platform.
5. Online Sticky Notes
One of the most popular ways programmers plan coding tasks is with physical post-it notes. However, as the digital age continues to propel programmers toward remote work, an online solution for this physical task planning process is necessary.
Online Sticky Notes from Lucidchart is one of many options programmers use to replicate physical sticky notes. This software takes the concept and cranks it to the next level with data visualization features and online workspace capabilities.
6. Overleaf
Overleaf is a collaborative LaTeX editor. This tool is essential for programmers who cross-team collaborate, as it allows document sharing and real-time edits—all within anyone’s browser.
Overleaf is also a fantastic way to share coding and research among peers for feedback and edits. Anyone with access to the document, no matter where they are, can see the document and provide written feedback to specific lines of code.
Better yet, Overleaf has many other features that programmers find useful. Templates for resumes, proposal letters, and more make tedious non-coding tasks much easier for programmers.
7. Clockify
A common blocker for programmers is time tracking. It’s easy for developers to lose track of time while they code. Clockify is a free time tracking software that’s meant to simplify the time tracking process.
The Clockify platform provides a digital timesheet and time tracker for an entire team. With a few clicks, coders log how many hours spent on specific projects each day. This application also helps managers understand the time commitment involved in each project.
Productivity Tips for Programmers
While these are the best productivity tools for programmers, there are some tips and tricks to incorporate alongside these platforms. Some of these tips don’t involve software at all.
Manage Projects Using Scrum
Scrum is a project management style that’s perfect for coding teams. This management process involves breaking up the week with specific types of meetings and expectations. Managers plan projects in “sprints,” which involves predictable deadlines; teams are accountable with daily scrum meetings and constant project updates.
Not only does scrum ensure coder accountability, but it also ensures project deadlines don’t slip through the cracks.
Work on New Skills
Even if your development process works as intended, it doesn’t hurt to learn a variety of coding methods and tactics. For example, some coding languages provide the same results as another, but it is easier to write and understand. The more you learn, the more likely you’ll find ways to improve your current processes.
Break Your Project Into Pieces
Getting assigned a big coding project seems daunting at first. But if you divide your project up into smaller sections, it’s easier to approach. For example, break a big website build down into smaller tasks with steady deadlines. If you meet each bite-sized deadline, the main project deadline will seem more approachable.
Encourage Collaboration
There are plenty of online collaboration platforms to help encourage teamwork. Ensuring everyone on the team is on the same page will lead to fewer errors caused by miscommunication and assumptions.
Don’t forget about in-person collaboration too. While online conversations are helpful, in-person conversations are better. Reading body language and tone is helpful for tough talks and high-pressure situations.
Know When You’re Most Productive
Not everyone thrives in a 9-5 environment. For many developers, productivity levels increase during odd hours in the day, depending on distraction levels, sleeping schedules, and more. Figuring out hours you’re most productive, even if it’s during the middle of the night, will increase your work quality.
Implementing the Best Tools for Programmers
Finding the best tools for programmers relies on your specific needs. By implementing a few of the essential tools in this list, your productivity levels will skyrocket. Plus, you’ll face fewer distractions and roadblocks for your next project.
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