Safdar AliAs a developer, you're always looking for ways to boost productivity, streamline your workflow, and make your life a little easier. But sometimes, the best tools are the ones flying under the radar. Here are 6 underrated developer tools that deserve more attention — and they might just blow your mind.
These tools can automate repetitive tasks, simplify debugging, and help you work more efficiently. Let’s dive into the list!
1. GitKraken
Tired of complex Git commands? GitKraken is a sleek Git client that makes version control a breeze with its visually appealing, drag-and-drop interface. Whether you’re working solo or collaborating with a team, GitKraken simplifies Git workflows with features like:
- Built-in Gitflow support
- Conflict resolution with an easy-to-understand visual comparison
- Integrations with GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket, and more
You’ll wonder how you ever worked without it. It’s perfect for developers who want to manage branches, commits, and merges without living in the terminal.
Link: gitkraken.com
2. CodeSandbox
Need a quick, collaborative coding environment? CodeSandbox is an online code editor that lets you start coding right away without needing to set up your development environment. It’s perfect for testing out small projects or working with other developers in real-time.
Some key features:
- Supports JavaScript frameworks like React, Vue, and Angular
- Real-time collaboration with teammates
- Easy deployment to services like Netlify and Vercel
Say goodbye to long setup times — CodeSandbox lets you focus on building and testing, not configuring your tools.
Link: codesandbox.io
3. Insomnia
If you frequently work with APIs, you’ve probably heard of Postman. But have you tried Insomnia? It’s an intuitive, lightweight alternative that offers robust API testing with a minimalistic interface.
What makes Insomnia shine:
- GraphQL and gRPC support, in addition to RESTful APIs
- Environment variables for quick testing across multiple environments
- One-click code generation for making HTTP requests in your programming language of choice
If API design and testing are key parts of your workflow, Insomnia will simplify the process and make it more efficient.
Link: insomnia.rest
4. Kite (No longer in development)
Note: Kite was discontinued in 2021, but it left a significant impact on AI-assisted coding during its time.
Kite was an AI-powered coding assistant that integrated with popular editors like VS Code and Sublime Text. It offered smart autocompletion and real-time documentation as you typed, helping developers code faster.
While it’s no longer supported, if you’re looking for an alternative, consider Tabnine, which continues to provide AI-powered completions and integrates with many modern editors.
Link: kite.com
5. Carbon
Need beautiful code snippets for presentations or blogs? Look no further than Carbon, a tool that allows you to create stunning code screenshots with custom themes, fonts, and background options.
Why Carbon stands out:
- Easy-to-use interface that makes your code look gorgeous
- Customizable themes and color palettes to match your branding or style
- Export options to PNG, SVG, and even Tweet your snippets directly
Carbon is perfect for developers who want to showcase their code in style, whether it’s for social media, presentations, or documentation.
Link: carbon.now.sh
6. Sourcery
Want to write better Python code? Sourcery is an intelligent tool that reviews your Python code and suggests improvements in real-time. It acts as an automated code reviewer, identifying code smells, refactoring opportunities, and optimization tips.
How Sourcery can level up your Python game:
- Provides instant suggestions for cleaner, more efficient code
- Identifies common pitfalls like duplicate code or unnecessary complexity
- Works directly within PyCharm, VS Code, and other popular IDEs
It’s like having a personal code mentor always looking over your shoulder, helping you write better code with every line.
Link: sourcery.ai
Final Thoughts
These six underrated developer tools may not have the widespread fame of tools like Git or Docker, but they pack serious punch. From improving your version control with GitKraken to testing APIs with Insomnia, these tools are designed to help you code faster, smarter, and with more confidence.
The best part? Most of them offer free versions or trials, so you can try them out before committing. Give them a go — your development workflow will thank you.
That's all for today.
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