If you want to create on a Mac in an easy and productive manner, you will need not just programming languages and code editors, but also the appropriate utilities. A decent selection of tools will allow you to save time and diagnose problems. With the correct tools, you may also automate everyday activities and keep your system in good working order. So, what are some essential apps and utilities that every iOS developer should have?
The Foundation of Stable Operation. Diagnostics
Before installing various apps, make sure your hardware is authentic. Check its warranty status and basic specifications. It’s especially important when buying a used Mac or checking corporate machines.
If you’re buying a used Mac or want to check the warranty status before a large amount of work, do a quick check by serial number. There are tools available that display the model, year of manufacture, OS compatibility, and warranty status. So if you need to quickly find out details about your device, you may use Apple serial number check as a simple online tool to instantly get information by serial number. You will have access to warranty status, production year, specs, and more. Thus, you can make the right decision before purchasing or sending it to service. Checking the serial number also helps to avoid fraud and verify the configuration.
10 Essential Utilities
The following utilities will help you optimize your workflow, increase productivity, and make your Mac environment as convenient as possible for development.
1. Process Manager
To quickly understand what is loading the system, use the Mac task manager. It can be the standard Activity Monitor or more powerful alternatives. These tools allow you to monitor CPU, RAM, I/O, network, and temperature. So, if you’re wondering why is my Mac so slow, the first thing to do is open the process manager and see which processes are consuming resources.
Tips for use
Sort by CPU and memory.
Monitor background services.
Use tools that report throttling or overheating frequency.
2. Clipboard
When working with code and documentation, the clipboard becomes your best friend. Utilities such as Paste or Alfred with plugins allow you to:
- Save copy history;
- Insert templates;
- Perform paste without formatting shortcut.
This is useful when copying pieces of code when you don’t want to drag along unnecessary formatting.
Recommendations
Set up hotkeys for pasting without formatting.
Use synchronization with caution. Do not store sensitive data.
3. Window and menu managers
A developer’s workspace is often cluttered with windows. These include a terminal with an editor and a browser with documentation. That’s why if you’re looking for the best apps for MacBook to improve your workflow, Bartender and Rectangle/Amethyst can help you organize your menus and window layout.
4. Screenshot tools
Screenshots are part of collaboration. Where do screenshots go on Mac? By default, macOS saves them to the desktop. However, it is better to use utilities such as CleanShot X or macOS built-in shortcuts for:
- Flexible saving;
- Commenting;
- Uploading to the cloud.
The benefits of additional features
GIF screen recording to demonstrate UI behavior.
Quick copying to the clipboard or sending to Slack.
Annotations directly in the screenshot window.
5. System monitoring
Programs such as iStat Menus help you keep track of temperature, battery charge, processor speed, and system load in real time. This is especially useful during long builds or performance tests. That is, when your laptop seems to be “choking” and you find yourself wondering why is my Mac so slow. Such utilities:
- Show what exactly is slowing down the system;
- Allow you to take timely action before the system starts to slow down significantly.
6. Automation. Running scripts
FastScripts, Hammerspoon, or launchd are basic automation tools. With their help, you can:
- Automatically launch the development environment;
- Mount disks;
- Run test suites.
7. Browser and web development tools
Many people use Google Chrome on Mac as their primary tool for front-end debugging. However, it is useful to have several browsers for testing. For example, Safari for checking Apple-specific features. Chrome for extensions and debugging.
8. Backups. File versioning
Time Machine is the basic level. But it’s worth adding less traditional solutions. In particular,
- Repeated backups of configurations (dotfiles);
- Database backups;
- Snapshot strategies for critical projects.
9. Containerization. Virtualization
Docker Desktop, Vagrant, or multipass are vital for isolating environments.
On Mac, this allows you to:
- Run Linux containers;
- Build images;
- Test dependencies without “cluttering” the main system.
10. Productivity and organization utilities
We can also include password managers, time trackers, note-taking and file search applications among the best utilities for Mac. They are not always “technical,” but they significantly increase productivity. If you are looking for the best Mac apps, in addition to the essential ones, pay attention to those that help automate routines and reduce cognitive load.
Conclusion
The right set of utilities can turn your Mac into a highly efficient workstation for developers. We have reviewed 10 key groups of tools. Customize them to suit your needs. The minimum required set will increase productivity and reduce the number of routine errors. If you plan to buy or check a used Mac, don’t forget to do a quick check by serial number. And remember that when looking for the best utilities for Mac, the main criterion should be whether the program saves you time and nerves.
