I. Introduction
This post covers the ten best mac apps for developers in 2024. These mac apps are helpful for code editing, database management, file transfer, tasks management, and overall productivity.
Why do so many devs use Mac?
Macbook laptops are versatile, high-tech machines that can get most, if not all, jobs done. For software developers, MacBooks will be able to handle almost any coding and programming work you do. I have been using a MacBook Air M1 2020 for nearly two years now and can confirm that MacBooks are the laptop of choice for software developers.
As a Mac-based developer, having the right set of tools to enhance your productivity and efficiency is essential. We’ve rounded up the ten best Mac apps for developers in 2024 to help you get started.
To make it easier to compare, we’ve included a table that summarizes each app’s main features and prices.
| App | Feature Highlights | Price |
|---|---|---|
 VS Code | Code editor with powerful debugging, syntax highlighting, and source control integration. | Free |
 iTerm2 | Terminal application with advanced features for session management, split panes, and search. | Free |
 Todoist | Task management tool with features for collaboration, priority setting, and project templates. | Free (with premium options) |
 Transmit | File transfer and synchronization tool with support for FTP, SFTP, WebDAV, and more. | $45 |
 Postman | API development and testing tool with features for collaboration, documentation, and automated testing. | Free (with premium options) |
 XCode | Integrated development environment for iOS development with support for Swift, Objective-C, and more. | Free |
 GitHub Desktop | Version control and collaboration tool for working with Github repositories. | Free |
 Alfred | Productivity and automation tool with features for launching apps, searching files, and more. | Free (with premium options) |
 TablePlus | Database management tool with features for SQL editing, data visualization, and more. | $80 |
 Homebrew | Package management tool for installing and managing open-source software on Mac. | Free |
II. The 10 Best Apps For Mac Developers
Let’s dive into each of the best mac apps for developers!
1. Visual Studio Code
Visual Studio Code is a powerful code editor well-suited for developers working on various projects. It offers advanced debugging, syntax highlighting, and source control integration, making it an essential tool for any developer.
It is available for free, making it an accessible and affordable option for developers of all levels.
2. iTerm2
iTerm2 is a popular terminal application for Mac that offers advanced features for session management, split panes, and search. In addition, it provides a more customizable and efficient experience compared to the standard terminal app that comes with MacOS.
It’s also free to use, making it an excellent option for developers looking to improve their terminal experience.
3. Todoist
Todoist is a task management tool designed to help you keep track of your tasks, projects, and to-do lists. With features for collaboration, priority setting, and project templates, Todoist makes it easy to stay on top of your tasks and projects.
The basic version is free, but there are also premium options available for a fee.
4. Transmit
Transmit is a file transfer and synchronization tool that supports various protocols, including FTP, SFTP, WebDAV, and more. Its user-friendly interface and powerful features make it an excellent choice for developers who need to transfer large files or keep their files in sync across multiple devices.
Transmit is available for a one-time fee of $45.
5. Postman
Postman is an API development and testing tool that makes it easier to work with APIs. With features for collaboration, documentation, and automated testing, Postman is a must-have tool for developers who work with APIs.
The basic version is free, but there are also premium options available for a fee.
6. Xcode
Xcode is the integrated development environment (IDE) for iOS development and is accessible on Mac. It supports Swift, Objective-C, and more, making it a versatile tool for developers working on iOS projects.
Xcode also provides a number of useful tools and features, such as a visual editor, debugging tools, and performance optimization tools, to help you build better iOS apps.
7. Github Desktop
Github Desktop is a version control and collaboration tool that makes it easy to work with Github repositories. It provides an intuitive graphical interface for working with Git, as well as features for collaborating with others on code projects.
GitHub Desktop is free, making it an excellent option for developers who want to use Git without learning the command line.
8. Alfred
Alfred is a productivity and automation tool for Mac that provides features for launching apps, searching files, and more. It can help streamline your work and increase your efficiency with its customizable interface and powerful features.
The basic version is free, but premium options are available for a fee.
9. TablePlus
TablePlus is a database management tool that provides features for SQL editing, data visualization, and more. Its user-friendly interface and powerful features make TablePlus easy to manage and manipulate databases.
It is available for a one-time fee of $80.
10. Homebrew
Homebrew is a package management tool for Mac that makes it easy to install and manage open-source software.
With Homebrew, you can quickly and easily install and update software packages without downloading and installing each one manually. As a result, it’s an excellent tool for developers who want to keep their software up-to-date and use open-source tools.
III. Conclusion
In conclusion, these ten best Mac apps for developers in 2024 are designed to help you enhance your productivity and efficiency as a developer. Whether a beginner or an experienced developer, these mac apps can help you work smarter and faster.
Try them out and see which ones work best for you!
Related: 29 Essential VS Code Shortcuts For Mac & Windows Users 2023
