Uses

Anticipating any questions, I’ve decided to create separate page with the specifics of software and hardware I use.

Services

  • Toggl Track - to track the time of my productive activities.
  • Google Keep - I use it for raw notes, grocery lists and, “sudden idea” situations.
  • Evernote - was my primary note-taking tool for a long time (I have some notes there, but I’m switching to Notion).
  • Notion - an all-in-one, productive, and project management tool (todo list, notes, kanban boards, and more).
  • GitHub - all source code of my site is there. I also use GitHub actions for CI/CD.
  • Netlify - my hosting CDN. It also has additional features like anonymous analytics.
  • ConvertKit - when you receive an email from my Newsletter, it’s due to ConvertKit.
  • Udemy - a platform with educational courses. I finished some tech and creative tutorials there.

Tech stack

  • React - the most popular front-end framework. I was hesitant about JSX at first, but now I like it.
  • Style components - it helps me create reusable components and design primitives. My design system is consistent because of that.
  • Gatsby - the page you’re looking at was generated by Static Site Generator - Gatsby. It provides performance, scalability, and security out of the box.
  • Prettier - formats code for me. I can pay less attention to style and yet have perfect formatting.
  • ESLint - lints code for me. It points out when I’m doing something stupid in the code.
  • Jest - framework for unit testing.
  • Testing library - utilities that encourage good testing practices (like finding elements via ARIA roles).
  • Cypress - a framework for end-to-end testing. You can simulate user behavior with it (clicking, scrolling, etc.).
  • Cypress Axe - a library for end-to-end accessibility testing. Accessibility is a missed out aspect of many websites.
  • MDX - an enhanced Markdown. The main format for my content. I use it over Markdown because I can use my custom components with it.
  • Gatsby theme i18n & react i18next - plugins used for website internationalization.

Apps

  • Visual Studio Code - probably the best code editor for JavaScript. It has git integration, is easily extensible with extensions, and has many IDE-like features.
  • Figma - my primary design tool. It is intuitive and component-centric. Creating design systems with it is convenient. It has a growing community that produces many helpful extensions and design files. You can even access it via browser.
  • Notion - there is a Windows and Android app for Notion.
  • Google Chrome - my primary browser. It is often leading when it comes to adopting new web dev features. I use it for browsing and developing the web. Extensions:
  • Mozilla Firefox - a supporting browser. I use it for browsing and testing feature support (I also like grid tools).
  • Spotify - is my audio center. I listen to music while coding and to podcasts while walking.
  • Peek - handy when I want to make a gif or short screen recording on Ubuntu.
  • Nvidia GeForce Experience - software for updating GPU drivers, optimizing game settings, and recording screen (Windows 10).
  • MSI Afterburner - software for manually overclocking GPU.
  • Razer Synapse - an app for configuring my mouse and other Razer stuff.
  • Origin - I use it mainly for the Battlefield series and some EA titles.
  • Ubisoft Connect - I like some Ubisoft series (Assassin’s Creed, Splinter Cell, Watch Dogs).
  • Steam - I have other games on Steam.
  • Discord - for communication.

Desk setup

  • MacBook Pro 16" 2019 - the laptop I use at work. Of the advantages - it is a MacBook. Of the disadvantages - it only has USB-C ports.
  • MacBook Pro 14" M3 Pro - the laptop I use personally. Apple even listened to their customers because the ports are back with these new laptops. You can plug in an HDMI cable or insert an SDXC card. The speakers, display, and overall build quality are good. The new M3 chips are really performant.
  • LG 27" 4k HDR (27UK650-W) - my primary monitor. It has 99% sRGB color coverage, so it produces accurate pictures. With 4k resolution, I can pack a lot of stuff on it, like 3 - 4 code files side by side. Games or movies that use HDR look very vibrant and contrasty.
  • Razer Viper Ultimate - a wireless, lightweight mouse. Good for fps games and other things.
  • Logitech MX Master 3S - a wireless, heavier mouse. A mouse dedicated to more productive tasks. I love its electromagnetic scroll - scrolling through websites or multiple lines of code was never so fast!
  • Razer Gigantus V2 - a mousepad for optical mouses.
  • Razer Pro Type Ultra - a wireless, full-sized mechanical keyboard. It's advertised as productive but from a gaming brand. Pretty strange combination, but it is surprisingly good. Razer Yellow mechanical switches are linear and quiet. The keyboard has extremely low latency - wired and wireless (~1 ms). These features make the keyboard great both for office and gaming use.
  • Apple Magic Keyboard - a keyboard for the MacBook when I use it stationary. A complete opposite of a mechanical keyboard - it's lightweight, flat, and small. But typing on it is also satisfying. Oh, and battery life on this thing is crazy!
  • HyperX Cloud II - I bought it recently, replacing the previous version. Gaming headset with an accurate audio profile that works for consuming other media. Very comfortable.
  • Ikea Bekant - is my corner desk. It has a big surface to work on and a clever solution for cable management - no single cable lays on the ground.
  • Ikea JÄRVFJÄLLET - my office chair. I like the aesthetic of it - clean and minimalistic. Not as comfortable as ergonomic chairs, but it offers decent quality for the money.
  • A rubber duck - helps me with hard debugging problems.

Other gadgets

  • Samsung Galaxy S20FE - my primary phone. Almost a flagship, but for two-thirds the price. It has a 120Hz display with good PPI, Snapdragon 865, quality cameras, and other features like induction charging.
  • Plantronics BackBeat Fit Sport - my Bluetooth headphones when I’m on the go. I use them when walking, running, or skipping rope.
  • Sony WH-1000XM4 - it's an on-ear, noise-canceling pair of headphones. I use them when I want to shut myself off from the world or when my neighbor discovers a handyperson in himself.
  • Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 4 - I like physical books. I prefer them over ebooks. Still, this portable device is perfect when I want to read something and don’t want to carry much weight.
  • PlayStation 4 Pro - my current console. I’ve played on Sony machines since PS1. That won’t change because I’ll probably buy PlayStation 5. I enjoy their exclusive titles (especially from Naughty Dogs). Console couch co-op is still my favorite type of multiplayer.
  • PlayStation 5 - yup, I finally bought it. Besides 4k, 60fps, and HDR, the loading time is impressive. I think now I understand that fuss about built-in SSD. Haptic feedback is also quite an experience. Fundamentally, DualSense simulates your character’s actions with different forces and vibrations - like touching the grass. It's hard to explain, so I encourage you to test it yourself.
  • LG OLED 48C21LA - I don’t watch TV, so I bought it mainly for consoles. The TV offers a 120Hz refresh rate, 4k, HDR, and VRR, so it can fully utilize PlayStation 5 potential. All the content looks good on the OLED panel. Overall, I think it's a great bang for your buck.
  • A Moka Pot - is an excellent alternative for a Coffeemaker. I like ritual of grinding coffee beans, filling the Moka, and then waiting. Coffee just tastes better this way.
  • A safety razor - I shave like my grandfather. I was surprised at how clean shaved my face can be using it. But it requires patience and caution. Another plus is lowering plastic usage.