7 Tools I Use as a Developer | Day in the Life of a Software Engineer

Hey everyone, I'm back with another vlog! In this video, I'm excited to share some of my favorite tools that help me as a software developer. From code editors to productivity apps, these tools have been game-changers for me and I'm eager to show you how I use them in my daily work. Whether you're a seasoned developer or just starting out, I think you'll find something valuable in this video.
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Tools mentioned
1. @code + iTerm2 + @GitHub Copilot
2. @OpenAI ChatGPT
(github.com/Yue-Yang/ChatGPT-Siri)
3. @Notion
4. @Figma
5. Arc Browser arc.net/gift/brianruiz
6. Excalidraw
Recommended by viewers
- warp.dev
- fig.io
- raycast.com
My website: b-r.io/
My gear: b-r.io/gear/
My links: b-r.io/links
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0:00 - Intro
0:13 - Morning Routine
1:18- Bike Commute
2:07 - Morning Workout
2:57 - At Office
3:30 - Sponsored Segment
4:33 - 7 Tools
8:52 - Lunch
9:18 - More Work
10:03 - Headed Home
10:40 - Soccer Game
11:23 - Dinner/ Night Routine

[@midnqp]

Everything is just so clean and minimalist and chill to watch! This is almost the perfect place for developers' day-in-life vlogs. Absolutely enjoyed every single moment of it. Have a great one, Brian!

[@brianruizy]

That’s the goal! Glad you enjoyed it 😁 btw don’t miss the new video!

[@gustavasplund6624]

Really great to have you back Brian. Always as fun to see what you are doing during the days especially the lifestyle behind your job and how you manage your time. Keep up the good work! Already looking forward to the next video. All the best, Gustav

[@brianruizy]

Thanks for watching, Gustav! And yup time management has been key lately. Hope you’re doing well ✌️

[@MultiWarbird]

Brother, your videos are so high-end and refined, it's insane. You're like the Apple of software engineer videos, if that makes any sense. I get a major positive psychological neurological impact from watching your videos, it's like therapy.

[@brianruizy]

Thanks for sticking around, and I’m super glad you find them helpful 😊 More to come!

[@diego1552]

RT

[@noahsparkes7506]

This comment is so spot on! 😂 exactly how I feel as well

[@hamm3rman199]

"I get a major positive psychological neurological impact from watching your videos" i need to use this one day

[@duncarnba]

You nailed it😅.

[@Peighter]

The transition from the coffee to the maple syrup, small but so efficient I literally am obsessed!

[@brianruizy]

😅 it’s all about the details sometimes!

[@Kwame-Owusu]

i like the way you shoot your videos, seems to be a breath of fresh air. its like multiple vlog styles meshed toghether

[@brianruizy]

Glad you like them!

[@lilianasantos_]

The absolute best! ❤ We appreciate all the work and creativity behind these vids! Keep them coming! 🙌🏼

[@brianruizy]

Thank you, hun 😊

[@htxbanksy]

I am absolutely loving the additions of the drone and advance editing techniques you've began to use. mad props brother!! #htown #itsanHthing #codehard

[@brianruizy]

Thanks for the feedback, brother! 🤘

[@kd2137]

Hey, Brian! Great productivity tools! I also love Notion; it's great software, like a personal assistant! So good to catch up with you. Your channel is growing and developing nicely! this is just the beginning. I have a feeling you're going to do great things!

[@tashiaalisha]

I totally appreciate the EFFORT you put into your videos! It really shows! You deserve all the views.

[@brianruizy]

Thanks tashia! Glad it doesn’t go unnoticed 😊

[@ninayjchen]

The aesthetics of your vlogs are so calming. Enjoyed the tools you shared, super helpful!😄

[@brianruizy]

Glad you found it helpful ! 😄

[@rbsd952]

The quality of your videos are on point!! 👌🏾 Always look forward to your content. 👍🏾🙏🏾

[@brianruizy]

Thanks Robert! More to come

[@jasonleocata6901]

I’m glad KZbin wanted to show me your video! Loved it! Would also love a deep dive into how you use Notion as an Engineer, I’m trying to create my own way of utilising it but I change weekly 😂

[@krisdam58]

I have been waiting for this video for a very long time

[@brianruizy]

Thanks for waiting on me 🤗

[@ifentiusciputra3143]

Always the best in making day in the life as a software developer. Clean, organized, and clear. I always use your videos as motivation as a developer like you, keep going bro 🙌

[@brianruizy]

Glad to have you back 😅

[@xukk3298]

Thanks for inspirations from your amazing videos my brother, the tools you recommended are also really useful. Like the way you organized your life and work, makes you focus on the current tasks, since everything is planned so well.

[@brianruizy]

Glad you like them! And thanks for the feedback 😊

[@kimberlyhoang5191]

I love how high end these videos are! They are so cool to watch even though I don't have much interest in software.

[@brianruizy]

That means I’m doing something good! Thanks for the feedback 😁

[@severtone263]

Your commitment to the quality of video is impressive. From one filmmaker to another, I appreciated ALL your efforts and hard work.

[@brianruizy]

Don’t know if I would call myself a filmmaker 😅 But thanks for the compliment. I really appreciate the feedback

[@severtone263]

Trust me@@brianruizy , you ARE a bona fide filmmaker. Your commitment to angles, lighting, B rolls, perfect narrator sound... the list goes, says it all. lol

[@nguhelon7015]

Bro you have one of the best SWE vlogs in all of youtube. Feeling more relaxed now. I love your videos, it just gets better and better.

[@brianruizy]

Glad you like them, bro! Thanks a ton for watching and dropping a comment. I’ll keep working to make them even better 😁

[@EnzoMka]

Love this new info vlog format ! 🤌 Greetings from France 🇫🇷

[@brianruizy]

Merci. Glad you enjoyed the new format 😊

[@andymodem]

Really enjoy your videos, they keep getting better and better!

[@brianruizy]

Thanks for coming back Andrew 🙌

[@ariannaoddi]

I could watch your videos for hours!! Your editing is insane!🔥😍

[@brianruizy]

Thanks Arianna! Happy to hear you like the editing 😌

[@diego1552]

Wow. I have never seen such a perfectly curated video like this one before. This brings me lots of inspiration, keep at it man!

[@brianruizy]

Thanks, Diego 😁 What did you enjoy most out of them? Or was it a mix of things

[@Darkillust]

Your desk is so clean ❤

[@bunny7048]

My god, your videos have got me hooked and I need more of this content. So keep it up man gonna follow you to the end of the line!

[@brianruizy]

Haha thanks for tuning in! Definitely going to be putting more out there 🙌

[@Earthlight777]

First time watching this channel .. I love the vibe.

[@saamiyahsheikh]

I am never going to complain on why you don't upload frequently....the quality and shots are just mind blowing please keep it up

[@brianruizy]

Thank you for staying with me 😅. More content soon 🙌

[@AaronShibin]

W vlog and tips, Rlly missed ur vids for a while and just cant wait for more to come

[@brianruizy]

Thanks for sticking around! More videos to come :)

[@chhaysophal4042]

I'm a second year computer science student. Watching your video is like getting boost my motivation. Keep up your good quality work.

[@brianruizy]

Best of luck on your education! Thanks for dropping by 👌

[@georgeomondi4791]

Really inspiring Bro, much love from Kenya

[@luisfillypefurtado]

Excellent productivity video, Brian. Thanks a lot. xD

[@christiandnl]

Thanks for the arc link!

[@Ukr_sunflower]

You make such the very high quality videos. I like the most those video, where you share your code, your apps, and other stuff like this. Keep making new videos.

[@brianruizy]

Thanks for the feedback! Yup I want to keep giving you all some good info with the vlogs 😊

[@TheLastCodebender]

The videos are getting better and better! Love the shots in this one! 🙌 Curious, which camera did you use?

[@brianruizy]

Thanks! That’s the goal! Using the Nikon Z6 now amzn.to/3T1CvGa

[@hashbrownie-kb5hr]

I've been looking forward to your videos genuinely since I discovered you a few weeks back. I've stayed around because of the way you film and edit. That got my attention the most. My app rec; Thing 3 I'm willing to say that app will benefit you greatly to some capacity.

[@brianruizy]

Thanks for the feedback 😁 Helps me improve as a creator

[@Wilmer_the_great]

These are some smooth edits, and the background music is always on point.

[@brianruizy]

Thanks, bro!

[@edgar_8648]

hey brian, love the content. Im currenrly in university and trying to figure new things because my major isn't interesting in my opinion and I feel like that plays a big role in being committing to doing the work that come along. My next move is data science or computer science. When you went to university, did you already have experience coming in or how was your journey like to get that degree? I would appreacitat if you could answer my question! Hope all is well.

[@user-rx2yj2hz7h]

My friend, you are wonderful in performing your life, designing your intelligence, and the program that follows, and I wish you more success and success in work, and I am working on reaching and studying programming. Good luck my friend ☺️👏

[@brianruizy]

Good luck to you too my friend! Don't miss the new one kzbin.info/www/bejne/rKPVaYWjdtusjNE :D

[@blamedafluff]

Hands down THE BEST day in the life video I have ever watched. What is the backpack you use?

[@brianruizy]

Thank you for the nice comment! 😅 bag is by Brevite, they have a couple other options as e well amzn.to/3U5PTJo

[@MyName-ur3ir]

you are amazing! love your routine. Such an inspiration)

[@brianruizy]

Thanks for watching! What do you enjoy seeing most?

[@MyName-ur3ir]

@@brianruizy thanks for follow up! I'm on a journey of growing as a software engineer) Would love to see reviews of best practices which are relevant to the industry and how those could help us to improve the product and bring more joy to the process of creating it.

[@junxiliu4334]

really like your video and the vibe in it. keep doing it!

[@brianruizy]

Thanks! Will do. Don't miss the new one :)

[@KQuispe]

My boy is so clean with it!!! 🐐

[@brianruizy]

Thanks, Kevin 🤜🤛

[@klaudiabilska5873]

Wow, stunning format

[@brianruizy]

Glad you liked it! 😅

[@isstylertho]

I honestly love seeing these things because even though I graduate school in a year for comp sci, I'm still not exactly sure what a software engineer does and I kinda don't want to design websites.

[@brianruizy]

Yeah, software development is more than just websites. You can really get into whatever you like!

[@zenmushie]

A tool I pretty much would never want to be without is Raycast. So powerful. It's a spotlight replacement + a whole lot more.

[@brianruizy]

I’ll def check that one out! Lots of others have recommended it too. Have you tried Alfred? Is it better than that?

[@zenmushie]

@@brianruizy I was a die-hard alfred fan for a long time. I like raycast much, much more.

[@brianruizy]

Just downloaded it! Thanks 😊

[@ken-td4ot]

Hello, Brian. What monitors are you using? I really love your working desk, which is spotless.

[@JoeVargas84]

Great video, Brian. Fellow software engineer and Houstonian here ✌🏻🤘🏻

[@brianruizy]

Awesome, man! Love to see Houston in the comments 😅 Where are you working at now?

[@miguelramirez1310]

Man I really love your content!

[@brianruizy]

Glad to hear it! What aspect do you like most? 😊

[@jasinmarku4709]

YOU'RE BACK! I thought you left us already. Fire video bro

[@brianruizy]

I couldn’t do that! Too much love and support from this community 🙌 Thanks for watching, bro

[@ryanblocker4107]

Dude just got my first Software Engineering Internship this summer. Your videos get me so excited to start working!! Also please show me how to make that Chat GPT ios shortcut ☺️

[@brianruizy]

That’s exciting ! Best of luck 🤞 Oh and you can find it in the description :)

[@cr7forever7877]

love your content. Just subscribed. Good luck!

[@brianruizy]

Welcome aboard! 😅

[@saami9606]

Your videos are always a delight to watch! If you give up being a SWE, defo become a full time content creator!

[@brianruizy]

That’s the thing! I don’t think I can give that up 😮 Want to find a good balance for both.. Thanks for the support! 😊

[@lifeofnejo]

Very clean video amigo! Enjoyed it! Let’s win! 🏆

[@brianruizy]

Thanks for dropping by, man! I enjoy your content as well👌

[@jaym7178]

I have finished react js several month ago now building a personal project is it advised to google everything, use stack overflow and use chatgpt as I get blank memory when it comes to building projects and going back and forth for three years now would be grateful for some advise Thanks

[@josecarmona7981]

Big fan of your work and career path! I’m definitely looking into programming and coding and will be taking a few coursers. Can you share on what machine and specs your using?

[@brianruizy]

Best of luck on your own career progression! 🤞 right now I’m using the 16 in M1 Pro amzn.to/3KujSbV

[@mohsinbashir2902]

Another great video, keep doing this good videos buddy 👍 👏

[@brianruizy]

Thanks for the support! 😁

[@clarence_mhkuo1572]

Great video! BTW, What is the extension dock you use to display on 2 extra monitors?

[@brianruizy]

HP DiplayLink. find all my gear here 😊 b-r.io/gear

[@stephaniehurst3612]

Could you do a desk tour?? I work in a similar role and would like to know what you think your essentials are for your desk!

[@brianruizy]

Thanks for the video idea :) Im thinking of doing something similar!

[@user-vd9un6ro2x]

What terminal template are you using in ohmyzsh? i like to see the github simbol and branch there!

[@ukaszbonczol5613]

Good video. Keep on going man!

[@brianruizy]

Thanks for watching, and dropping off a comment! 🙌

[@web3global]

Amazing video, thanks 💯

[@brianruizy]

Thank you! For tuning in :)

[@HaiLeQuang]

Arrived at 9 AM and left at 5PM. What a great life. This is unheard of at my workplace.

[@brianruizy]

I don’t think it’s too uncommon. Are you also a SWE? What city are you in?

[@maasnicolas]

Instantly subscribed after seeing this video! I'm really curious on how you've setup your Notion. I'm using it as well but I lack inspiration to organise everything. And at first glance your workspace looks a great fit for mine as well! You mind doing a video about that?

[@brianruizy]

Thanks for tuning in, and welcome aboard! 🙌 Yeah that was me too, so it took a bit of effort to setup my Notion pages how I wanted. I will maybe do a video breaking that down 😊

[@maasnicolas]

@@brianruizy I hope that maybe will change to a definitely 🙈. Anyways, glad I've found your channel, keep it up!

[@user-yv5zl4rq3o]

Hey brian ! could you tell me where can buy your standing desk ？😅 Because I need a lot of time to learn my programming language and study which make me neck, shoulders and back pains. Thank you.😅

[@lliselsolis4456]

You make us wait for these videos 😂but it’s worth it. Adelante!

[@brianruizy]

Sorry about that! 🤣 more to come soon, though 🙌

[@morchedlafferty8614]

Your notion looks next level!

[@brianruizy]

It’s been a work in progress 😅 do you use it a lot too?

[@morchedlafferty8614]

@@brianruizy Yup. I use it for everything! Work, travel, shopping, lol. Find it very useful to organize stuff, rather than have chunks of info. about everywhere. One thing I'm sturggling with, though, is the ability to search my Notion for keywords, to find where I put a specific info. Do you have a trick for that?

[@Dasfizzla]

would you happen to know where I can find the lamp you have for your reading nook? :)

[@suprcompsci]

Another great video. I like your video so much I willingly sit through the ads 😂😂😂 How the commute been since it’s getting warmer?

[@brianruizy]

Hahah thanks for the support!! ❤️ good point!Honestly going to have to make some changes now. Will probably have to take extra clothes in the AM. we’ll see in a future vid 😅

[@MiroCro11]

Hey man, nice video! Could you tell me a bit about your bike? It looks amazing. Thanks. :)

[@Darkfoundation.]

Good, you are back.👍🏿Don't have us waiting this long again. I was concern about your well being. You could post shorts, in that way We know You doing well.👍🏿👍🏿💪🏿💪🏿

[@brianruizy]

Thanks for the idea and for waiting on me 😁

[@zainkhan5265]

Brian Please Post more often I’m addicted to your videos 😢

[@brianruizy]

😓😅 I’m working on it. Thanks for the support Zain!

[@zainkhan5265]

@@brianruizy 🥺❤️

[@mickylogic]

Clean deadlift form man!

[@brianruizy]

Haha thanks! It’s decent, but I learned the hard way 😮

[@mickylogic]

@@brianruizy haha, currently getting over an injury for the same reason

[@kotlashashank4767]

It was a great video, Brian Riz, keep it up. 👍 Hopefully, we'll see you in a future video📹. BTW, this is my first time watching your KZbin video

[@brianruizy]

Welcome aboard!

[@tomwebb10]

Regarding your KZbin ideas. I can't wait to see the modern desk set up and EDC.

[@brianruizy]

😅 you took a peek at those. Stay tuned!

[@marcomendoza9300]

An alternative terminal for MacOS should be Warp. I'm using it from 6 months and it's amazing.

[@brianruizy]

That one seems cool and modern, definitely going to try it out. Thanks for the recommendation! 😁

[@zenmushie]

Whoaaaa I am in love. So awesome.

[@bent-niclaskastorf1586]

What are these for monitors you use in the dual monitor setup?

[@brianruizy]

monitors are Dell UltraSharp U2722D, btw you can find all my other gear here b-r.io/gear 👍

[@etitoorien7790]

Hey Brian, amazing setup you got! Please what’s the name of the white monitor arm you use for your work dual pc setup

[@brianruizy]

You can find it on my gear list here b-r.io/gear 👍

[@saidbifalankeep]

hii in fact your videos are very motivating keep to made such videos and again thank you for everything

[@brianruizy]

It's my pleasure. What do you like most?

[@AMG15899]

You should upload videos more frequently because they are amazing!

[@brianruizy]

Thanks Adrian! That’s my goal right now, to be a little more consistent. What parts do you like most btw??

[@manuel3346]

HI Brian, thank you so much for your inspirational and very professional insights. What is your hardware for filming?

[@brianruizy]

No thank you for tuning in with me 😁. You can find all my gear here b-r.io/gear. Hope that helps

[@goncaloalexandre4955]

hi how did you make that wallpaper with the weather and the alarm in the first few seconds of the video? I love your videos what a vibe and inspiration keep up the good work! Already looking forward to the next video.

[@brianruizy]

You do so by setting up a sleep schedule on iOS. Hope this helps 👍 support.apple.com/en-us/HT211685

[@goncaloalexandre4955]

@@brianruizy Tks

[@Sxth.]

Your vids are therapeutic

[@brianruizy]

Glad you like them ✨

[@lucianocamposflores]

con la .40! wena choro, saludos

[@m03315_]

Your video quality is great, which vlog camera using ?

[@brianruizy]

Thank you! Using Nikon Z6 not really a “vlog” camera but it gets the job done ✅ b-r.io/gear

[@thiagofigueiredoj]

Animal o seu conteúdo irmão! Parabéns…. 🎉

[@brianruizy]

Thank you for watching watching! 😁👌

[@itschrishuerta]

That huevo con weenie breakfast though. Campeón 💪

[@MrDroboViktor]

Hi. What app did you use for riding a bicycle?

[@RebeccaHargate]

What kind of bike are you riding in the beginning of the video?

[@KingJon777]

What’s the name of the bike you use?

[@parthoprotimsaha3110]

for api testing postman is very important tools for me

[@brianruizy]

Very true! Missed that one

[@pzhng]

Wonder how can Akiflow get integrated with company’s Mail systems.

[@BeniLB]

What type of monitors do you have in office? it is 27"? Which city is that? I liked 😊

[@ciarango]

Great vid!, whats ur font-family in vsc?, code looking clean

[@brianruizy]

Here you go. Checked just for you! Menlo, Monaco, 'Courier New', monospace

[@ciarango]

@@brianruizy I really appreciate it bro. Keep it up!

[@brianruizy]

that one is actually a default for me. But the terminal font family I did modify. Using "MesloLGS NF"

[@rachit501]

Hey nice video and tools. I am DevOps Engg and use lot of similar tools as well. I really like your chillzone and your semi couch for book reading which is towards the end of the video. could you tell me what exactly it is called as and from where you got that thing ?

[@brianruizy]

thanks for tuning in! How do you like the DevOps world? That’s something I should learn more of lol. Link for the couch in description 👍

[@jaym4k]

Thats my drean workspace man,looks so comfy

[@brianruizy]

Hope you can reach your goals 🤞

[@TheAndrewmcgrath]

What is that bike? I love it!

[@Ca1vema]

Wow, that's so usefull. I regularly write linked list implementations in python!!

[@brianruizy]

Hadn’t used copilot before??!

[@Ca1vema]

@brianruizy I did use it and found it pretty useless because of the field I'm working in. My comment was sarcastic because no one need to write linked lists in python :) Based on my experience, If your field of work any different from standard webapps/basic datascience, all that AI stuff will produce garbage because of lack of the data it can operate on.

[@brianruizy]

Gotcha 😂 yeah had a feeling it was /s. But true, it’s only good for boilerplate kinda stuff. I never write linked lists either lol Would be useful when it could eventually understand your codebase. But even that raises some privacy concerns

[@andrewjames705]

Brian thank you for showing a realistic day in a life, and especially embracing AI, as a SWE. Many people try to shun and avoid AI especially ChatGPT because it'll "take peoples jobs away", but instead they don't see how it can really improve your productivity and accuracy in whatever you're doing while working. Great job!

[@brianruizy]

You couldn’t have said it better! Even the OpenAI founder says it’s supposed to be a tool. But of course you have to learn and adapt

[@2thelimit630]

Dude, what brand is your bike?

[@Prp2458]

Great content i like you video. I have quick question somebody who love computer programming but never ever learn anything and want to begin the coding journey, from where the would have to start from scratch?

[@brianruizy]

I’d recommend freecodecamp.org if starting from zero. Check it out!

[@parashgoswami264]

Can you add a video on your body care routine and products you used

[@brianruizy]

Yes of course! I can start showing more of that 👍