software that helps ⟡

the best tools are the ones you forget you’re using

there’s something lovely about programs that just work quietly in the background. no fanfare, no complexity that makes you tired. just gentle assistance when you need it.

little languages that matter

python feels like having a conversation with someone patient. it doesn’t rush you or make you feel silly for not knowing everything. you can write something small and useful without fighting the language.

# sometimes the simplest approach is the kindest
import matplotlib.pyplot as plt
import numpy as np

x = np.linspace(-2, 2, 100)
y = x**2
plt.plot(x, y, linewidth=1, alpha=0.8)
plt.show()

what feels good: - python when you want something to just work - bash for the reliable everyday tasks - go when you need something solid and honest - rust when you want the computer to help catch mistakes

the quiet helpers

some tools make everything a little nicer without making a big deal about it:

• ripgrep for finding things quickly
• bat for reading files with a bit of color
• fzf for gentle fuzzy finding
• fd for when you need to look around
• pandoc for turning thoughts into different shapes

these aren’t the newest or loudest tools, but they’re the ones that fade into the background and let you focus on what you’re actually trying to do.

why this feels right

in a world that often feels overwhelming, there’s comfort in choosing things that: - work predictably - don’t change every few months - help you solve real problems - feel calm to use

sometimes the most revolutionary thing is just being gentle and reliable