If you’re a developer using Windows 11, you already know what a great job Microsoft has done. The latest iteration is undoubtedly one of the best-smooth interfaces, interactive features, voice commands, and faster internet; in short, a perfect ecosystem. The credit, however, goes to open-source systems that Microsoft has embraced over the past few years.
Nevertheless, when it comes to boosting productivity, there’s always room for more. Here’s a look at seven incredibly functional tools you can use as a developer.
One Launch
Designed by Windows enthusiasts for Windows users, One Launch promises to step up the user experience. The highlighting feature of One Launch is the personalized dashboard that keeps you updated on everything around you. If you want to maximize productivity on Windows 11, try OneLaunch now!
As a developer, it makes sense to work with a desktop search utility app that adds to the user’s convenience. From news to weather, maps to screenshots, and wallpapers to browsers, One Launch can house 20+ apps for seamless access.
Power Toy
Are you a fan of open-source programs? Then, you will fall in love with Power Toy. With eight different utilities merged into one, Power Toy isn’t just limited to developers. No matter what you do, a tool like Power Toy can dramatically enhance the way you work. If you have used tools like Spotlight or Alfred on a Mac, you will have a lot to relate to Power Tray.
From applications to URLs, press Alt + Space, and you can search for anything you want across Windows 11. Besides, commands like Alt + Num can also maximize or minimize the number of active windows.
Keyboard Manager
Working as a developer often requires you to remap keys. That’s where a tool like Keyboard Manager comes into play. For instance, you can swap the Caps Lock key with Ctrl, as the latter is located in a more convenient position. Besides, the Keyboard Manager app also allows the remapping of keys for specific apps.
WSL2
Developers are required to run Linux shell commands daily. While on Mac, there’s a Unix-like shell, with Windows, it becomes a bit tricky. That’s why you need a utility app like WSL2 that promises a pure Linux Kernel as well as a shell. WSL2, the latest version of Windows Subsystem for Linux on Windows 11, promises enhanced performance. If you want to run any Linux GUI application and configure the same with an X-server, using WSL2 can speed up things. Besides, you can also run docker on WSL2. If you’re stuck, there are multiple detailed tutorials available. Among the precompiled Linux distributions include Kali. Ubuntu, and Debian.
Windows Terminal
When it comes to performance boost, it boils down to GPU-accelerated text rendering engines.
Windows Terminal is a fancy, power-packed UI that can be used seamlessly with command-line tools and shells like Linux, PowerShell, and Command Prompt in WSL. Compared to Iterm on Mac, which has similar functions, Windows Terminal works almost 2X faster. From icons to emojis, it allows you to display anything anywhere.
Visual Studio Code with Remote WSL
VS Code houses incredibly powerful plugins that can be easily converted into powerful IDE for a string of programming languages. When looking to edit your files in Linux, the Remote WSL plugin promises maximum productivity. This is because VS Code readily works with Linux-dependent runtimes, tools, and utilities. You can edit the source codes within the editor window and then run and compile it across the embedded shell terminal. That’s precisely the same experience as working with Emacs.
Zeal
Zeal is a wonderful, free Windows utility app that promises easy access to documentation for various programming languages. It can easily download API documentation as well as frameworks for CSS, HTML, MySQL, and more.
Once you download Zeal on your Windows 11 PC, it can be used offline. Key features of Zeal include:
- Seamless browsing across APIs in the form of directories
- A global search engine that can quickly help you find downloaded APIs
- An easy-to-access information doc on the right
- Integrated functions for code editors
Closing Thoughts
If you are a developer working on Windows 11, these powerful tools can help you find the rhythm for a lightweight programming environment. As a plus, most of these tools are free to use, which means no hefty investment upfront.
