10 Time-Saving Mac Tools Every Developer Needs in 2026

As a Mac developer, your productivity depends on having the right tools at your fingertips. The right combination of applications can transform your workflow, eliminate repetitive tasks, and help you focus on what matters: writing great code.

In 2026, the Mac developer tool ecosystem continues to evolve, with new solutions emerging to solve common pain points. This curated list features 10 essential tools that every Mac developer should consider—from hosts file management to terminal enhancements, code editors to productivity boosters.

1. Locahl: Hosts File Management Made Simple

Price: €9.99 (one-time purchase) Category: Network & Development Best for: Developers managing multiple local projects

Managing the hosts file manually is tedious and error-prone. Editing /etc/hosts via terminal, dealing with syntax errors, and manually flushing DNS cache adds friction to your development workflow.

Locahl solves this problem with a beautiful, native macOS application designed specifically for hosts file management.

Key features:

• Visual interface: Edit hosts file entries without touching the terminal
• Automatic validation: Catch syntax errors before they cause problems
• One-click DNS flush: Clear DNS cache instantly after changes
• Quick enable/disable: Toggle entries on and off without deleting them
• Project organization: Group entries by project or environment
• Backup & restore: Safely experiment with configurations
• Search & filter: Quickly find entries in large hosts files

Why it's essential:

If you work with multiple local development projects, test staging environments, or need to quickly switch between different server configurations, Locahl eliminates the manual work. No more:

• Opening terminal to edit hosts file
• Remembering sudo commands
• Manually flushing DNS cache
• Debugging syntax errors
• Searching through long hosts files

Use case: Managing 5+ local projects with multiple subdomains each. With Locahl, you can enable/disable entire project configurations with a single click, test different environments quickly, and never worry about hosts file syntax again.

Get started: Download Locahl from the Mac App Store or visit the Locahl website. The one-time purchase of €9.99 pays for itself in time saved within the first week of use.

2. iTerm2: Terminal Power User's Dream

Price: Free (open source) Category: Terminal Enhancement Best for: Developers who live in the terminal

While macOS comes with Terminal.app, iTerm2 takes terminal functionality to the next level with features that serious developers rely on daily.

Key features:

• Split panes: Work with multiple terminal sessions side-by-side
• Search: Full-text search through terminal output
• Autocomplete: Intelligent command completion
• Hotkey window: Quick terminal access from anywhere
• Tmux integration: Built-in tmux support
• Customizable: Extensive theming and configuration options
• Shell integration: Enhanced integration with zsh/bash

Why it's essential:

If you spend significant time in the terminal (and most developers do), iTerm2's features become indispensable. Split panes let you monitor logs while running commands, search helps you find that error message from hours ago, and hotkeys give you instant terminal access.

Use case: Running a development server in one pane, tailing logs in another, and executing commands in a third—all in a single window. The search feature helps you quickly find specific errors or output.

Get started: Download from iterm2.com. It's free, open source, and works as a drop-in replacement for Terminal.app.

3. Raycast: Spotlight on Steroids

Price: Free (with Pro features available) Category: Productivity & Launcher Best for: Developers who want to minimize context switching

Raycast is a powerful launcher and automation tool that goes far beyond macOS Spotlight. It's become essential for developers who want to streamline their workflow.

Key features:

• App launcher: Launch apps and files instantly
• Clipboard history: Access your clipboard history
• Window management: Organize and switch between windows
• Extensions: Huge library of community extensions
• Scripts: Run custom scripts and commands
• Calculator: Built-in calculator and unit converter
• Quick links: Create shortcuts to frequently accessed items

Why it's essential:

Raycast eliminates the need to switch between apps for common tasks. Calculate something, check clipboard history, launch an app, or run a script—all without leaving your current context. The extension ecosystem means you can integrate it with virtually any service or tool.

Use case: Quickly calculating API response times, accessing clipboard history to paste a previous command, launching your code editor, and running a deployment script—all through Raycast's unified interface.

Get started: Download from raycast.com. The free version includes most features; Pro adds AI-powered features and cloud sync.

4. VS Code: The Universal Code Editor

Price: Free (open source) Category: Code Editor Best for: All developers (but especially those working with multiple languages)

While this might seem obvious, Visual Studio Code deserves a spot on this list because of how essential it's become for modern development workflows.

Key features:

• Language support: Extensions for virtually every programming language
• Integrated terminal: Terminal built into the editor
• Git integration: Built-in version control
• Debugging: Powerful debugging capabilities
• Extensions: Massive extension marketplace
• Remote development: SSH, containers, WSL support
• IntelliSense: Intelligent code completion

Why it's essential:

VS Code has become the de facto standard for many developers because it balances power with simplicity. Whether you're writing JavaScript, Python, Go, or Rust, VS Code has excellent support. The extension ecosystem means you can customize it for any workflow.

Use case: Writing code, running tests, debugging, committing to Git, and deploying—all within a single application. The integrated terminal means you rarely need to switch to a separate terminal window.

Get started: Download from code.visualstudio.com. It's free and works on Mac, Windows, and Linux.

5. Homebrew: The Missing Package Manager

Price: Free (open source) Category: Package Management Best for: Developers who need to install development tools

Homebrew is the package manager macOS should have come with. It makes installing development tools, libraries, and applications trivial.

Key features:

• Simple commands: brew install for everything
• Huge repository: Thousands of packages
• Dependency management: Automatically handles dependencies
• Cask support: Install GUI applications too
• Update management: Easy updates for all packages
• Community maintained: Active community and support

Why it's essential:

Without Homebrew, installing development tools means downloading installers, dealing with .dmg files, and manually managing updates. Homebrew makes it a single command: brew install node, brew install python, brew install --cask docker.

Use case: Setting up a new Mac for development. Instead of manually installing Node.js, Python, Git, Docker, and dozens of other tools, you run a series of brew install commands and you're done.

Get started: Install from brew.sh with a single command. It's free and open source.

6. TablePlus: Modern Database Management

Price: Free (with Pro features) Category: Database Tool Best for: Developers working with databases

TablePlus is a modern, native macOS database management tool that supports MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite, Redis, and many more.

Key features:

• Native performance: Fast and responsive
• Multiple databases: Support for many database types
• Beautiful UI: Clean, modern interface
• Query editor: Powerful SQL editor with syntax highlighting
• Data editing: Edit data directly in tables
• Secure: Encrypted connections and secure credential storage
• Extensions: Support for custom extensions

Why it's essential:

While command-line database tools work, TablePlus provides a visual interface that makes database work faster and less error-prone. Writing queries, inspecting data, and managing schemas becomes intuitive.

Use case: Quickly inspecting database records, writing and testing SQL queries, comparing data across environments, and managing database connections—all with a beautiful, native Mac interface.

Get started: Download from tableplus.com. Free version supports 2 open tabs; Pro unlocks unlimited tabs and advanced features.

7. Docker Desktop: Container Development

Price: Free (for personal use) Category: Containerization Best for: Developers using containers for development

Docker Desktop provides a GUI for Docker on Mac, making container management accessible without deep command-line knowledge.

Key features:

• Visual interface: Manage containers, images, and volumes
• Resource management: Control CPU and memory allocation
• Volume management: Easy file system access
• Network management: Visual network configuration
• Compose support: Run docker-compose files easily
• Kubernetes: Optional Kubernetes support

Why it's essential:

While Docker CLI is powerful, Docker Desktop's GUI makes container management more accessible. Monitoring running containers, viewing logs, and managing resources becomes visual rather than command-based.

Use case: Running multiple development environments in containers, monitoring resource usage, viewing logs from multiple containers, and managing Docker volumes—all through an intuitive interface.

Get started: Download from docker.com/products/docker-desktop. Free for personal use; paid plans available for businesses.

8. Rectangle: Window Management Made Easy

Price: Free (open source) Category: Window Management Best for: Developers who work with multiple windows

Rectangle brings Windows-style window snapping to macOS, plus many additional window management features.

Key features:

• Window snapping: Snap windows to edges and corners
• Keyboard shortcuts: Customizable hotkeys for all actions
• Multiple displays: Works across multiple monitors
• Window resizing: Resize to specific dimensions
• Centering: Center windows on screen
• Almost: Resize to almost full screen (leaving menu bar visible)

Why it's essential:

macOS window management is basic compared to Windows. Rectangle fills this gap, allowing you to quickly organize windows for better productivity. When working with code editor, terminal, browser, and documentation simultaneously, efficient window management saves significant time.

Use case: Quickly arranging VS Code, terminal, browser, and API documentation across two monitors using keyboard shortcuts. No more manually dragging and resizing windows.

Get started: Download from rectangleapp.com or install via Homebrew: brew install --cask rectangle. It's free and open source.

9. Postman: API Development and Testing

Price: Free (with Pro features) Category: API Development Best for: Developers working with REST APIs

Postman is the industry standard for API development, testing, and documentation.

Key features:

• API requests: Send HTTP requests with full control
• Collections: Organize requests into collections
• Environments: Switch between dev, staging, production
• Testing: Write tests for API responses
• Documentation: Generate API documentation
• Mock servers: Create mock APIs for testing
• Team collaboration: Share collections with team

Why it's essential:

While curl works for simple API testing, Postman provides a comprehensive environment for API development. Testing endpoints, debugging requests, writing tests, and documenting APIs becomes streamlined.

Use case: Developing a REST API. You create a Postman collection with all endpoints, set up environments for different stages, write tests for each endpoint, and generate documentation—all within Postman.

Get started: Download from postman.com. Free version includes most features; Pro adds advanced collaboration and testing features.

10. Alfred: Productivity Powerhouse

Price: Free (with Powerpack available) Category: Productivity & Automation Best for: Developers who want to automate everything

Alfred is a productivity application that combines app launching, file search, clipboard management, and workflow automation into a single, powerful tool.

Key features:

• App launcher: Launch apps and files instantly
• File search: Find files by name or content
• Clipboard history: Access clipboard history
• Workflows: Create custom automation workflows
• Snippets: Text expansion and snippets
• Calculator: Built-in calculator
• System commands: Control system functions

Why it's essential:

Alfred's workflow system lets you create custom automations that save significant time. Whether it's a workflow to commit Git changes, deploy to a server, or manage your development environment, Alfred can automate it.

Use case: Creating a workflow that commits your current changes, runs tests, and deploys to staging—all triggered by a single keyword. Or using snippets to quickly insert common code patterns.

Get started: Download from alfredapp.com. Free version includes core features; Powerpack unlocks workflows and advanced features.

Building Your Tool Stack

You don't need all 10 tools immediately. Start with the ones that address your biggest pain points:

1. If you manage multiple local projects: Start with Locahl for hosts file management 2. If you live in the terminal: Get iTerm2 and Homebrew 3. If you want better productivity: Try Raycast or Alfred 4. If you work with databases: Add TablePlus 5. If you use containers: Install Docker Desktop

Maximizing Tool Value

To get the most from these tools:

1. Learn keyboard shortcuts: Most tools support extensive keyboard shortcuts 2. Customize to your workflow: Don't use default settings if they don't fit 3. Integrate tools together: Many tools work better when combined 4. Keep tools updated: Regular updates bring new features and fixes 5. Remove unused tools: Clutter reduces productivity

Cost Considerations

Most tools on this list are free or have free tiers:

• Free: iTerm2, VS Code, Homebrew, Rectangle, Postman (free tier), Alfred (free tier)
• One-time purchase: Locahl (€9.99)
• Subscription: Raycast Pro, TablePlus Pro, Docker Desktop (business), Postman Pro, Alfred Powerpack

Start with free tools, then invest in paid tools that provide clear value for your specific workflow.

Conclusion

The right tools can transform your Mac development experience from frustrating to fluid. Whether it's Locahl eliminating hosts file management headaches, iTerm2 enhancing your terminal workflow, or Raycast streamlining your daily tasks, each tool on this list solves real problems developers face daily.

Start with tools that address your immediate pain points. If you're constantly editing hosts files and flushing DNS cache, Locahl will save you hours every week. If you spend lots of time in the terminal, iTerm2 will make that time more productive. If you want to minimize context switching, Raycast or Alfred will help.

Remember: tools are meant to serve your workflow, not complicate it. Start simple, add tools gradually, and remove anything that doesn't provide clear value. With the right tool stack, you'll spend less time on setup and maintenance and more time writing great code.

Ready to streamline your hosts file management? Try Locahl today for just €9.99 and experience the difference a well-designed tool can make in your development workflow.