This page documents the tools I use regularly—not because they’re the best, but because they fit how I think and work.
I value tools that are boring, reliable, and get out of the way. When something stops doing that, I replace it.
Writing
- A simple text editor for drafting
- Markdown for structure and clarity
- Occasional pen-and-paper for thinking before writing
I care more about clear sentences than clever tools.
Development
- Kotlin for backend and system-oriented work
- JavaScript where it makes sense
- A Unix-based environment for most development tasks
I prefer languages and tools that encourage explicitness and good defaults.
Thinking & Planning
- Plain text notes for long-term ideas
- Diagrams when reasoning about systems
- Writing as a primary thinking tool
If I can’t explain something in writing, I usually don’t understand it yet.
Reading & Learning
- Physical books when possible
- Digital reading for essays and technical documentation
- Notes focused on ideas, not highlights
I reread more than I collect.
Hardware
- A laptop that’s reliable enough to disappear into the background
- A phone used intentionally, not constantly
Nothing exotic—just tools that support focus.
Principles Behind My Tool Choices
- Longevity over novelty
- Clarity over convenience
- Depth over speed
Tools are replaceable. Ways of thinking are not.
This page changes slowly. When my tools change, it usually means my priorities have shifted too.
— Ebong Billy