Best productivity tools for software developers in 2023

Do you struggle to stay productive throughout the workday?

It doesn't matter if you're a seasoned veteran or brand new to the development world. Productivity is likely an issue for you. After all, the average worker is only productive for a little over 4 hours per day! The good news is that there are lots of tools that can help you boost your personal productivity and improve team communication. This guide breaks down the best productivity tools for developers and software development teams to use in 2022.

Types of Productivity Tools for Software Developers

Software developers can use a wide range of tools to improve their productivity and streamline the development process.

The following are some of the most popular types of tools you might want to consider:

Project Management Tools

Project management tools include software and desktop apps that help with a variety of tasks.

An effective project management tool will help developers keep track of assignments, and monitor team members' progress.

Members can also use it to answer questions, manage files, share to-do lists, and establish development workflows.

Time Tracking Tools

As the name suggests, these are tools that help you track work hours for web developers and other team members.

Time tracking tools are great for all development teams. However, they especially benefit remote teams and those who manage freelance developers.

Collaboration Tools

Collaboration software and apps help members of the development team stay connected. It allows them to easily collaborate on projects, share feedback, and make sure everyone is on the same page.

Issue Tracking Systems

An issue tracking system is a monitoring tool that helps with bug tracking.

These tools work with a variety of programming languages and allow developers to identify and fix issues faster.

Code Editors

A code editor is a tool that helps developers streamline the code writing and editing processes.

The right code editor can improve developer and development team productivity. It also prevents communication errors during code discussion.

Best Productivity Tools for Developers

Software developers have a whole host of productivity tools to assist with various aspects of their jobs.

It doesn't matter what programming language you use, or if you need help with communication during development processes, eliminating repetitive and time-consuming processes, or anything in between.

Here are some of the best productivity and team monitoring tools for you to check out.

Cold Turkey

Cold Turkey is one of the most popular productivity tools for developers who need help avoiding distractions while they work.

When you're staring at a computer screen all day, it's easy to drift to websites that are entertaining rather than draining.

If this is an issue for you, Cold Turkey allows you to block specific websites and applications to focus more easily.

Need even more help to stay focused? Cold Turkey also lets you block the entire internet!

Habitica

Is it easier for you to stay focused when something feels like a game, rather than a chore?

If so, Habitica is a great productivity tool to consider.

This customizable tool lets you create your own avatar, as well as the prizes you'll win when you're productive and the punishments you'll receive if you're unproductive.

You'll quickly find that the ability to gain rewards for getting things done is a great motivator.

Desktime

If you're a team leader looking for help managing a team of software developers or freelancers, check out Desktime.

This time tracking app allows you to set goals and track team member attendance. You can also track the amount of time it takes for them to complete specific tasks.

Macro Recorder

Macro Recorder is one of the best productivity tools for programmers who are tired of wasting time on repetitive tasks.

This tool automatically tracks and captures keystrokes and mouse events to identify repetitive tasks. Then, it helps you automate them and speed up your coding activities.

Visual Studio Code

If you need help with code editing, Visual Studio Code has got you covered.

This free, open-source tool works on a variety of operating systems, including Windows, Mac, and Linux.

Visual Studio Code allows for easy collaboration with other developers and offers features that assist with debugging, syntax highlighting, intelligent code completion, and code refactoring.

Asana

For an easy-to-use tool that helps you organize tasks, share ideas, and stay organized, check out Asana.

This project management tool works for all kinds of teams, including teams of software developers, and is one of the best productivity tools to consider.

Asana makes it easy for you to set goals, monitor progress, assign and comment on tasks, and share documents and other resources.

CodeStream

It's hard to maximize developer productivity when you can't get in touch or easily collaborate with team members. This is where CodeStream comes in.

CodeStream improves processes for writing code in various coding languages, editing and addressing bugs, and more. It also offers advanced features like automatic git-blame, at-mentions, and one-click navigation to the code editor.

Sentry

Sentry is an open-source error tracking tool.

No matter how experienced they are, every software developer makes mistakes from time to time. Luckily, Sentry helps you pick up on and correct them as quickly as possible.

This tool also connects with a variety of other tools, including GitHub, Jira, Asana, and Trello, to create a more integrated development environment.

GitHub Copilot

GitHub Copilot is an artificial intelligence pair programming tool that assists with smart code completion.

This tool automatically offers suggestions and in-editor notifications that you can accept or reject as you work, and it adapts to your style over time.

GitHub Copilot works with a wide range of coding languages and frameworks -- including Python, and JavaScript.

Sublime Text

If you're looking for a new commercial code editor, look no further than Sublime Text.

This tool is popular among developers because of its Python API, which works with a variety of plugins.

Sublime Text also provides several other additional features. This includes auto-indentation, syntax highlighting, and file type recognition.

Tuple

The Tuple app is a Mac-only pair programming tool that's popular among iOs developers.

This tool allows both developers to have mouse and keyboard control. They can also hand off with just one click.

Tuple streams in 5K, too. This makes it easier than ever to read programming font and work quickly.

Notion

Are you on the hunt for an all-in-one project management solution that helps with note-taking, data management, and file sharing? If so, check out Notion.

It doesn't matter if you have a creative idea that you want to share or just want to make sure you don't forget any important video calls. Notion will help you stay focused and organized.

MantisBT

MantisBT is a simple but powerful bug tracker that easily ranks as one of the best productivity tools for programmers.

This open-source, web-based tool efficiently tracks and reports errors and defects. It is also fully customizable and sends email notifications to alert team members to issues and let them know when problems have been resolved.

Silver Searcher

Silver Searcher touts itself as a fast and free open-source, cross-platform code searching tool.

This tool is similar to ack, which is a grep-like tool that many programmers use. However, many tests have shown that it works faster.

Silver Searcher also offers smart case search, sets recursive search as the default, and searches your current directory by default without requiring you to specific search paths.

Music for Programming

Do you like to listen to music while you work?

If so, Music for Programming is a comfortable music tool that provides you with non-vocal instrumental tracks.

With an interface that resembles a code editor, this music generator helps you get in the zone while avoiding distractions.

f.lux

Eye strain is another common issue for software development professionals.

If you find yourself developing headaches or feeling fatigued throughout the workday, try f.lux.

This software automatically adjusts the display colour on your computer screen based on the time of day.

F.lux works across iOs, Mac, Linux, and Windows devices, too, so every software developer can benefit from it.

Timely

For teams that need help with time tracking, Timely is another excellent solution.

This tool automates the time tracking process and frees you and other developers up to work on the tasks that truly matter.

Check Out These Developer Productivity Tools Today

Now that you know more about the different productivity tools for developers, it's time to choose the ones that will produce the greatest benefits.

The sooner you start putting collaboration tools like these to the test, the better off you and your team will be.

Pick one (or more) of the top productivity tools for programmers discussed above and you'll see improvements in no time!