Tools I use to build systems with AI, and other things I recommend.
I get asked a lot about the things I use to build systems with AI and stay productive. My workflow is fully terminal-based these days — here's everything that makes it work.
Workstation
16" MacBook Pro, M4 Max, 32GB RAM (2024)
This thing is an absolute beast. The M4 Max is a monster of a chip and the 32GB of RAM means I can run all the things I need to run without ever worrying about resource pressure.
Development
NeoVim
My primary editor. Custom config built on Lazy with plugins tailored to how I work. Moving to a fully terminal-based workflow was one of the best decisions I've made — learning to speak the vim language has been one of the most powerful things I've ever done as a developer.
Ghostty
Fast, GPU-accelerated terminal that feels native on macOS. It stays out of the way and lets me focus on the work without any lag or visual jank.
Lefthook
Git hooks are a powerful way to automate repetitive tasks and Lefthook makes it dead simple to set up and manage those hooks across a variety of different languages.
Design
Figma
Less central to my day-to-day than it used to be, but still the go-to when I need to think visually or collaborate on design. The whiteboarding and collaboration features ended up being the real hook.
AI Tools
Claude Max Plan
The foundation of my AI workflow. Best assistant I've found for writing, brainstorming, and thinking through problems. The Max plan gives me unlimited access to Claude Code which is where most of the real leverage comes from.
Claude Code
Terminal-based AI coding assistant that fits perfectly into my NeoVim + Ghostty workflow. It understands my codebase, writes tests, and pairs with me on implementation — all without leaving the terminal.
OpenCode
Another AI coding tool in the terminal stack. Having multiple AI tools means I can pick the right one for the task and cross-reference when I need a second perspective.
Productivity
Raycast
Replaced Alfred and never looked back. Lightning fast launcher with built-in snippets, clipboard history, and an ecosystem of extensions that keeps growing.
Obsidian
Vim-based markdown note-taking that fits right into my terminal-first mindset. Local files, full control, and a plugin ecosystem that lets me build exactly the system I need.
Apple Notes
For the quick stuff that doesn't need to live in a structured system. Grocery lists, quick thoughts, sharing notes with family — it just works.
Cal.com
Open source scheduling tool that protects my calendar and makes sure I still have time for deep work during the week.
Cold Turkey
When I need to lock in and get momentum going, Cold Turkey blocks the distracting sites and apps so I can just do the work.