macOS Guide
Essential Software

Essential Software for macOS

This guide covers recommended applications for macOS that can enhance your productivity and overall experience.

Development Tools

  • Visual Studio Code - Powerful and extensible code editor
  • iTerm2 - Terminal emulator with advanced features
  • Docker Desktop - Containerization platform
  • GitHub Desktop - Git client with a user-friendly interface
  • Postman - API development and testing

Productivity

  • Alfred - Powerful alternative to Spotlight with workflows and extensions
  • Rectangle - Window management tool
  • BetterTouchTool - Customize trackpad gestures and keyboard shortcuts
  • Notion - All-in-one workspace for notes, tasks, and databases
  • Rocket - Quick emoji picker with custom shortcuts

Utilities

  • 1Password - Password manager with browser integration
  • The Unarchiver - Handles various archive formats
  • AppCleaner - Thoroughly removes unwanted applications
  • Amphetamine - Prevents your Mac from sleeping
  • CleanMyMac X - System cleaning and maintenance

Communication

  • Slack - Team communication platform
  • Zoom - Video conferencing
  • Discord - Chat, voice, and video platform

Installation Methods

Most of these applications can be installed using:

  1. Mac App Store - Simple but limited selection
  2. Homebrew - Command-line package manager (see the Homebrew guide)
  3. Direct download - From the application's official website

Recommended Setup Process

For a new Mac, we recommend this order:

  1. Install Homebrew (see our Homebrew guide)
  2. Use Homebrew to install essential development tools
  3. Configure system preferences
  4. Set up your terminal and shell environment

Check the other guides in this section for detailed instructions on each step.

Homebrew