Essential developer tools for Mac
A fresh macOS install is only useful once a handful of tools are in place. This is the short list: editor, terminal, container runtime, API client and database browser.
dockerPack, ship and run any application as a lightweight containerMicrosoft Visual Studio CodeOpen-source code editorGhosttyTerminal emulator that uses platform-native UI and GPU accelerationOrbStackReplacement for Docker DesktopiTerm2Terminal emulator as alternative to Apple's Terminal appDBeaver Community EditionUniversal database tool and SQL clientPostmanCollaboration platform for API developmentZedMultiplayer code editorhttpieUser-friendly cURL replacement (command-line HTTP client)CursorWrite, edit, and chat about your code with AIWarpRust-based terminalSublime TextText editor for code, markup and proseBrunoOpen source IDE for exploring and testing APIsJetBrains ToolboxJetBrains tools managerTablePlusNative GUI tool for relational databasesAtlassian SourceTreeGraphical client for Git version controlForkGIT clientInsomniaHTTP and GraphQL ClientTowerGit client focusing on power and productivity
Install the whole list
One command per app. Paste them as a block to set up a new Mac:
How this list was chosen
Each collection is curated by hand, then filtered against the live Homebrew catalogue so removed or deprecated apps drop out automatically. Ordering follows 30-day install counts, not paid placement. Data updated 2026-10-26.