Tools/Services I pay for as a freelance software .net developer.
As a .NET developer, my toolkit is essential for productivity and innovation. The JetBrains dotUltimate commercial license provides a comprehensive suite tailored for .NET development. For web projects, JetBrains WebStorm is indispensable, enhancing my workflow significantly.
The Rainbow Brackets plugin for JetBrains IDEs is such a valuable asset that I opted for its paid version after experiencing its utility. Music is a mainstay in my routine, with Spotify, Google Music, and Apple Music offering the auditory backdrop for intense coding sessions. YouTube Premium is my portal to ad-free educational content, a necessity for uninterrupted learning.
I find the Microsoft Action Pack to be the most straightforward method to leverage a wide array of Microsoft's offerings, from developer-centric tools like Visual Studio to collaborative solutions in Office365 and Azure Cloud services.
Embracing the future of technology, I utilize GitHub Copilot. Despite my seasoned expertise, I believe AI's role in development is burgeoning, and it continues to be a source of learning. OpenAI's ChatGPT offers a similar advantage, providing quick insights and serving as a catalyst for deeper exploration into novel topics.
Virtualization is handled deftly with Parallels Desktop for Mac, which I use for running Windows applications or for spinning up Linux distributions to test out new concepts. Docker Pro Tier is my go-to for managing multiple private image repositories.
When it comes to visualization, Lucidcharts helps me craft clear and impactful diagrams. SetApp for Mac is a one-stop subscription service that grants access to a curated selection of software tools, which I find exceptionally convenient.
Ghost Blogging software is my platform of choice for sharing insights, and this post is penned using it. While Medium serves as a gateway to a wealth of articles, enhancing my knowledge base.
I occasionally invest in Udemy courses for targeted learning, and I hold a Pluralsight Skills membership, valuing its comprehensive course offerings and industry recognition. LinkedIn Premium is another resource I tap into periodically, especially useful for networking and job opportunities as a freelancer.
For server needs, Hetzner hosting provides an economical solution without the worry of accumulating costs associated with pay-as-you-go cloud services. Linode and Vultr are my cloud platforms of choice for swiftly setting up and tearing down VMs, usually within an hour, to test new ideas.
SignRequest manages my digital signing needs, streamlining the handling of contracts and important documents. Zoho Invoice is pivotal for managing customer relationships, offers, invoices, and projects. Dashlane serves as a secure and reliable password manager, a preference over its free counterparts.
Obsidian is my digital archive, a 'second brain' for everything I wish to recall in the long term. And, of course, books—in both physical and digital formats—are a constant source of learning and inspiration.
I'm sure there are additional tools that slip my mind at this moment. But as a creator in the software realm, I value the time and effort that goes into development. Hence, I don't hesitate to invest in tools that enhance my productivity or to support fellow creators, even if free alternatives exist.