When developers on Reddit talk about productivity, the conversation rarely stops at Visual Studio Code. While VS Code dominates as a flexible and powerful editor, many threads dive deeper into the broader ecosystem of tools that sharpen focus, automate tedious work, and streamline collaboration. From terminal power-ups to knowledge management systems, Redditors frequently share the lesser-known gems that transform everyday workflows into high-efficiency pipelines.
TL;DR: Beyond VS Code, Reddit developers recommend tools that enhance terminals, automate workflows, improve focus, and manage knowledge smarter. Favorites include terminal multiplexers like tmux, window managers, CLI utilities, Git-enhancing tools, and productivity boosters like Raycast and Obsidian. The recurring theme? Reducing context switching and eliminating repetitive tasks. Productivity isn’t about one editor—it’s about building a cohesive ecosystem.
Terminal Tools That Supercharge Development
Reddit’s developer communities consistently emphasize one truth: mastering the terminal pays off. Many productivity gains begin with improving command-line workflows.
1. tmux and Zellij
Terminal multiplexers like tmux allow developers to split panes, switch sessions, and persist workspaces even after disconnecting from a server. Redditors often describe tmux as a “productivity multiplier” for backend and DevOps work.
- Maintain long-running processes without interruption
- Switch between projects instantly
- Script repeatable setups
Some newer discussions highlight Zellij as a modern alternative with better defaults and easier configuration.
Image not found in postmeta2. Warp and iTerm2
Mac users frequently praise iTerm2 for its split-pane support, search functionality, and hotkey window. Meanwhile, Warp has generated buzz as a “modern terminal” with AI-assisted command suggestions and block-based output.
The main takeaway? If you’re living in the terminal, the default one probably isn’t enough.
3. CLI Productivity Tools
Reddit threads are full of niche command-line gems that make daily tasks faster:
- fzf – Fuzzy finder for files, Git history, and more
- ripgrep – Blazing-fast search through codebases
- bat – A cat clone with syntax highlighting
- htop – Interactive process viewer
These tools reduce friction by making navigation and diagnostics instantaneous.
Keyboard-First Workflow Enhancers
Another common Reddit theme is minimizing mouse usage. Developers who optimize around keyboard-driven workflows often report dramatic speed improvements.
4. Raycast and Alfred
Mac developers frequently debate Raycast vs. Alfred. Both act as spotlight replacements but go far beyond launching apps.
- Run scripts instantly
- Manage clipboard history
- Control window layouts
- Integrate with project management tools
Raycast, in particular, is often called a “command palette for your entire OS.”
5. AutoHotkey and Keyboard Maestro
For Windows users, AutoHotkey allows powerful automation through custom scripts. On macOS, Keyboard Maestro fills a similar role. Redditors share workflows that automate repetitive coding tasks, text expansion, and even multi-step QA procedures.
The result? Fewer repetitive strain injuries and far less context switching.
Git Tools That Make Version Control Less Painful
No productivity discussion is complete without Git. While VS Code has Git integration, Redditors often recommend companion tools that simplify complex operations.
6. Lazygit
Lazygit regularly appears in productivity threads. It provides a clean terminal UI for staging, committing, rebasing, and resolving conflicts.
Instead of memorizing every Git command, developers can visually navigate changes—while still staying in the terminal.
7. GitKraken
For those who prefer graphical interfaces, GitKraken is often mentioned as a premium but polished solution. Its visual commit tree helps when dealing with complex branching strategies.
The consensus? Choose the tool that keeps you from procrastinating Git operations.
Window Managers and Workspace Control
One overlooked productivity boost is smarter window management. Reddit power users often swear by tiling window managers.
8. i3, Sway, and yabai
On Linux, tiling window managers like i3 or Sway automatically arrange windows without overlap. On macOS, yabai brings similar functionality.
- No manual window resizing
- Instant workspace switching
- Pure keyboard navigation
Developers often report higher focus levels because there’s less “desktop clutter.”
Documentation and Knowledge Management
Reddit discussions increasingly highlight the importance of a “second brain.” Coding productivity is not just about writing code—it’s about tracking ideas, bugs, and architecture decisions.
9. Obsidian
Obsidian is frequently recommended for Markdown-based note-taking. Developers appreciate:
- Local file ownership
- Backlinking between notes
- Graph visualization of related ideas
Many Reddit users describe it as their “personal developer wiki.”
10. Notion and Logseq
Notion appears in team-oriented workflows, while Logseq appeals to those who prefer an open-source, outline-based approach. The key insight: structured thinking saves time long-term.
API and Testing Productivity Boosters
Beyond coding, testing and debugging take up huge portions of a developer’s day.
11. Postman and Insomnia
Both tools simplify API testing, allowing developers to save request collections and automate checks. Reddit threads often compare the two, but most agree either is vastly superior to manual curl testing for complex APIs.
12. HTTPie
For developers who prefer the terminal, HTTPie offers human-readable syntax for HTTP requests.
This blend of CLI simplicity and readable output regularly earns praise from backend engineers.
Focus and Time Management Tools
Surprisingly, productivity discussions often move beyond coding tools into mental performance.
13. Pomodoro Timers and Flow Apps
Reddit developers frequently recommend:
- Forest
- Focus To-Do
- Simple browser-based Pomodoro timers
The strategy is simple: short sprints, intentional breaks.
14. RescueTime
Some developers use RescueTime to track how much time they actually spend coding versus browsing documentation—or Reddit itself.
Awareness often leads directly to better habits.
Containerization and Environment Management
Environment drift is a silent killer of productivity. Redditors frequently highlight tools that ensure consistency.
15. Docker and Docker Compose
While mainstream, Docker remains one of the most cited productivity enhancers. Developers can spin up identical environments instantly and avoid “works on my machine” scenarios.
16. asdf Version Manager
asdf manages multiple runtime versions (Node, Python, Ruby, etc.) in one unified interface. Instead of juggling nvm, pyenv, rbenv separately, developers use a single tool.
Database and Query Tools
Database interaction is another area where better tools pay dividends.
- DBeaver – Universal database manager
- TablePlus – Clean, fast database client
- pgAdmin – PostgreSQL-focused management
Reddit commentators often emphasize speed: quick connection saving, tab management, and query history can shave hours per week.
Automation and CI Helpers
Advanced developers discuss reducing friction not just locally, but across pipelines.
- GitHub CLI – Manage pull requests from the terminal
- act – Run GitHub Actions locally
- Makefiles – Underappreciated automation layer
The philosophy here is clear: if you do something twice, automate it.
The Real Productivity Secret Reddit Agrees On
Across hundreds of Reddit threads, one recurring idea emerges: productivity is deeply personal. What works for a backend engineer on Linux may not help a frontend developer on macOS.
However, a few universal themes stand out:
- Reduce context switching
- Automate repetitive tasks
- Stay keyboard-first whenever possible
- Own your workflow
VS Code remains a powerful centerpiece. But Reddit’s developer communities make it clear that true productivity comes from building a carefully selected ecosystem of tools around it.
Whether it’s tmux sessions that never die, Raycast commands that launch entire workflows, or Docker containers that eliminate configuration headaches, these tools collectively transform how developers work.
In the end, productivity isn’t about installing every trending tool. It’s about experimenting, refining, and assembling a setup that makes you feel fast, focused, and frictionless.
That’s the real lesson Reddit keeps repeating.
