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Best software for developers

The core toolkit for writing, testing and shipping code.

By the Aptorise editorial team · 6 min read · Updated 26 September 2026

Editor and version control

Visual Studio Code and Git are the standard starting point.

Lightweight, extensible code editor for almost any language.

Free

Available for Windows, macOS, Linux

Git icon

Git

Development

The standard version control system for code.

Open Source

Available for Windows, macOS, Linux

Runtimes and containers

Install the languages you use and Docker Desktop for containers.

Python icon

Python

Development

Popular programming language for scripting, data and automation.

Open Source

Available for Windows, macOS, Linux

Docker Desktop icon

Docker Desktop

Development

Build and run containers locally with a desktop dashboard.

Freemium

Available for Windows, macOS, Linux

Terminal and package managers

Windows Terminal on Windows; Homebrew on Mac.

Homebrew icon

Homebrew

Development

Package manager that installs command-line tools and apps on Mac.

Open Source

Available for macOS, Linux

Secure access

Tailscale connects your machines; a password manager stores keys and secrets.

Tailscale icon

Tailscale

Networking

Private network that securely connects your devices anywhere.

Freemium

Available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iPhone & iPad

KeePassXC icon

KeePassXC

Password managers

Offline password manager that stores your vault as a local file.

Open Source

Available for Windows, macOS, Linux

We link to official developer websites and app stores. We do not host third-party installers.

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