Oliver Earl

    This is a list of the tools, apps, services, AI tools, and hardware that I use regularly, both in my formal day job and for myself. I’m probably forgetting a lot of things, so they may be added without warning later.

    Last updated: August 2026

    Hardware

    I use a Mac Pro (2019) as my personal computer. I also have a 2023 16-inch MacBook Pro (M2 Pro, 16 GB) that I use when I’m on the go, at conferences, or if I feel like working from the comfort of my sofa.

    The choice to work from an increasingly obsolete Intel-based Macintosh is a controversial one, but with my computer’s large pool of memory, huge array of storage (both solid-state and mechanical for cold backup), and dedicated graphics cards that still perform well, this solution works well for me.

    Hardware Specification
    Left monitor (Vertical) ROG PG278Q (144Hz, 1440p)
    Centre monitor (Ultra-wide) Samsung LC34G55T (165Hz, 1440p+)
    Keyboard Kinesis Advantage 2
    Gaming Keyboard Razer Blackwidow V3
    Mouse Razer Deathadder Essential
    Headphones Steelseries Arctis Pro
    Webcam Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920
    Desk Microphone Logitech Blue Yeti
    mounted on a generic desk arm
    Printer / Scanner Brother MFC-L3710CW
    Mouse Mat IKEA LÅNESPELARE
    Desk 2x 160 × 60 cm Sanodesk Standing Desks
    Chair Secretlabs Titan XL

    In addition, I have a gaming computer with a 2070 SUPER that is occasionally hooked up for playing intensive games that won’t run on my Mac Pro – honestly I rarely if ever need it.

    Software

    I run the latest version of macOS available on all of my Mac computers. I do also dual-boot Windows 10 on my Mac Pro, should I feel the need to play something.

    I like macOS. I’m not religious about it, however, and have happily used other platforms in the past and will inevitably do the same in the future. I do appreciate the synergy they offer with my iPhone 16 Pro Max.

    Artificial Intelligence

    I’ve experimented with a lot of different agentic tools, and have found working with OpenAI Codex and their latest models to be the most enjoyable and cost-effective.

    I frequently work collaboratively with generative AI on development tools, as well as utilising automations to provide routine maintenance, documentation updates, sanity checks, and so on. I’ll also reach for ChatGPT for most other non-code usages.

    Human Development Tools

    For PHP development, I predominantly use PhpStorm, both at work and for personal projects. I similarly reach for RubyMine when working with Rails.

    For other languages, quick code changes, or general text editing, I’ll almost always reach for Zed. It’s incredibly lightweight, with an ever-growing range of support for different ecosystems.

    I’ve got no preference for any console editor and will generally use Vim or Nano without complaint. Speaking of which, Ghostty is my new favourite terminal emulator that pairs well with Oh My Zsh.

    I use DataGrip if I’m working with a range of databases, but generally most database interactivity can be done within PhpStorm.

    Godot is my tool of choice for most game development endeavours, with tools like Krita and Aseprite for artwork.

    I alternate between light and dark themes depending on the current time of day. I’ll use JetBrains Mono as the default font. It just works.

    Subscriptions

    I begrudgingly pay for software subscriptions that make my life easier, though I would rather they be one-time purchases. These include:

    • Morgen – I use this tool to help keep my calendar organised.
    • Codex and ChatGPT – For programming and things that are not programming.
    • Spotify – For music and podcasts both at home and on the go.
    • 1Password – The best password manager out there, in my opinion.
    • Tinkerwell – It’s a PHP REPL. A good one.

    I no longer use Dropbox (my Mac Pro has plenty of storage), NutraCheck (I use generative AI instead), Motion (far too expensive), or Parallels (VMware Fusion is free).

    Other Software

    A few other odds and ends that I use or feel like are worthy of mentioning:

    • Brave – This recently overtook Firefox as my favourite browser, and its ad-blocking is second to none.
    • Mail – I finally broke free of Outlook and now happily use Apple’s built-in Mail and Calendar tools.
    • Docker / Docker Desktop – Goes without saying.
    • Git – Again, goes without saying.
    • Slack / Discord / WhatsApp / Messenger – Tools for communicating with others. Nothing more to add.
    • Upscayl – Open source AI-based image upscaler, for the rare times I need to enhance an image.
    • Anki – Hands down my favourite tool for flashcards.