In this post, I want to share the cross-platform tools that have become essential to my workflow. Whether I’m on macOS, Linux, a mini PC, or a Raspberry Pi, these tools help me stay productive and consistent across all my devices.

Command-line Tools

Almost all of the tools I use are open source, and I rely on Mise as a lightweight package manager to install and manage them.

Mise

Mise (formerly known as rtx) is my go-to package manager and runtime version manager. It’s a lifesaver when it comes to handling multiple programming languages and tools with a single configuration file. With Mise, I can manage Python, Node.js, and other runtime versions seamlessly across all my machines.

Age

Age is a simple yet powerful file encryption tool. I use it to encrypt sensitive files before syncing them between devices or storing them in the cloud. It’s fast, secure, and works consistently no matter where I use it.

Chezmoi

Chezmoi is my secret weapon for managing dotfiles. It keeps my development environment consistent across all my machines, even when I need different configurations for different operating systems.

Ripgrep

Ripgrep is my favorite tool for searching through code and text files. It’s lightning-fast, respects .gitignore files by default, and has saved me countless hours of searching.

FZF

FZF is a blazing-fast command-line fuzzy finder that has become an indispensable part of my workflow. Whether I’m searching through files, navigating Git branches, or filtering command history, FZF makes it effortless. Its seamless integration with other tools and shell workflows means I can quickly find what I need without breaking my rhythm.

Just

Just is a modern command runner that has replaced make in my workflow. Its clean syntax makes automating common development tasks a breeze, and it helps me maintain consistency across projects.

NeoVim

NeoVim is my terminal-based editor of choice. With my custom configuration, it transforms into a powerful, IDE-like experience that works identically on all platforms. It’s lightweight, fast, and endlessly customizable.

Rclone

Rclone is my go-to tool for syncing files between devices and cloud storage providers. Whether I’m backing up data or managing cloud storage from the command line, Rclone gets the job done efficiently.

Zoxide

Zoxide is a smarter cd command that learns from my usage patterns. It makes navigating between projects and directories incredibly fast and intuitive.

Programming Languages

Thanks to Mise, I can easily install and manage the runtimes for my favorite programming languages.

JavaScript/TypeScript

TypeScript is my language of choice for building web applications and tools. Its robust type system and extensive ecosystem make it perfect for cross-platform development. After trying out runtimes like Bun and Deno, I’ve settled on Node.js for its stability and mature ecosystem.

Go

I use Go for building command-line tools and system utilities. Its ability to compile to single binaries and its cross-platform nature make deployment simple and hassle-free.

Desktop Apps

While command-line tools are my bread and butter, I also rely on a few desktop apps to round out my workflow.

Kitty

Kitty is my terminal emulator of choice. It’s GPU-accelerated, highly configurable, and supports features like remote file transfer and even image display in the terminal. It’s a joy to use.

VSCode

Visual Studio Code is my primary IDE. Its extensive extension ecosystem and consistent experience across platforms make it an indispensable tool for cross-platform development.

Brave Browser

Brave is my main browser for both development and daily use. Its built-in privacy features, ad-blocking, and excellent developer tools make it a standout choice.

Vivaldi

Vivaldi is my secondary browser, and I love it for its powerful tab management and workspace features. It’s perfect for juggling multiple projects at once.

LocalSend

LocalSend is a fantastic tool for sharing files between devices on the same network. It’s fast, secure, and doesn’t require an internet connection, which is a huge plus.

KeePassXC

KeePassXC is my password manager of choice. It’s open source, works offline, and keeps my sensitive information secure and accessible across all my devices.

Conclusion

This toolkit forms the backbone of my cross-platform workflow. Whether I’m working on macOS or Linux, these tools provide a consistent, efficient, and secure environment that helps me stay productive. They’re all actively maintained, well-documented, and supported by vibrant communities.

By combining powerful command-line tools, versatile programming languages, and reliable desktop applications, I’ve built a workflow that works seamlessly across all my devices. If you’re looking to streamline your own cross-platform setup, I highly recommend giving these tools a try!