Developer Tools That Will Transform How You Code
Staying productive as a developer has long evolved beyond just writing code. It’s now about leveraging the right tools that automate repetitive tasks, streamline workflows, and help you focus on building high-quality software.
But with new platforms launching every day, it’s easy to get lost in the sea of options and miss the ones that truly add value. That’s why I’ve handpicked 9 powerful developer tools that will help you accelerate builds, create APIs visually, manage dependencies, and more.
1. Depot – Accelerate Docker Builds & CI Workflows
Depot speeds up Docker image builds and CI workflows with remote container builds and fully-managed GitHub Actions runners. Its newly introduced Egress filtering gives you fine-grained control over network access for added security.
- 🔒 Fine-grained outbound traffic control
- 🛡️ Allow/deny policies to reduce attack surface
- ⚙️ Easy-to-use interface for setting rules
- 🚀 Seamless GitHub Actions integration
2. Phase – Manage Secrets and Environment Variables
Phase is an open-source platform for securely managing application secrets and environment variables. It integrates with GitHub, AWS, Kubernetes, and CI/CD pipelines.
- Encrypted secrets with version control
- Role-based access control and audit logs
- CLI and SDK for easy integration
3. Argos – Catch UI Bugs and Regressions
Argos is a visual testing platform that integrates with your CI/CD pipeline to automatically catch UI regressions.
- Continuous screenshot comparisons
- Automated visual testing for frontend apps
- Fast setup with clear workflows
4. Fastgen – Build APIs with Drag-and-Drop
Fastgen is a low-code platform that lets you design APIs and workflows visually with built-in debugging and monitoring tools.
- Create REST endpoints without coding
- Authentication and validation configuration
- Debug mode for error tracing
5. ChartDB – Visualize Database Schemas
ChartDB is an open-source tool for quickly visualizing, modifying, and exporting database schemas.
- Direct schema import from SQL databases
- AI-powered DDL export for migration
- Supports MySQL, PostgreSQL, MariaDB, SQL Server, and SQLite
6. Bump.sh – Deliver Up-to-Date API Docs
Bump.sh generates beautiful, always-current API documentation directly from your OpenAPI, Swagger, or AsyncAPI files.
- Automatic changelogs and breaking change alerts
- Centralized API references
- Notifications for users on API updates
7. DepsHub – Manage Dependencies on Autopilot
DepsHub automates dependency updates and security checks across multiple repositories.
- AI-based update suggestions with changelogs
- Automated pull requests and dashboards
- License compliance and vulnerability alerts
8. GitButler – Simplify Git Branching Management
GitButler introduces virtual branches and a visual workflow for Git, making it easier to manage and organize code changes.
- Virtual branches for multitasking
- Drag-and-drop interface for commits
- One-click commit message generation
9. SpeedVitals – Analyze Website Performance
SpeedVitals provides real-time, multi-location performance testing for your web projects.
- Core Web Vitals and Lighthouse reports
- Waterfall charts and resource breakdowns
- Historical performance comparisons and optimization tips
Final Thoughts
These nine developer tools address key areas of modern software development—from faster builds and secure secret management to visual testing and dependency updates. Adopting the right tools for your workflow can save time, reduce errors, and improve overall productivity. Try a few from this list and watch your developer experience evolve.
