Despite technology doing more for us than ever, there still never seems to be enough time to be as productive as we'd like. There are plenty of software tools, however, designed to speed up work and increase productivity. Whether it's cutting down on distractions and developing good work habits, managing teams effectively, eliminating time-wasting bugs, or even adding a bit of fun to repetitive tasks, there are tools to help. We've done some research for you and identified 20 software development tools designed to boost productivity. Some may even help keep you on track during your Ironhack Bootcamp course.
Photo by Andreas Klassen on Unsplash
Top Software Development Tools for Productivity
1. Slack
Slack brings people together by grouping project information into different channels. It reduces the time spent on communicating through channels such as emails, allowing full, undistracted focus on projects. Working on files and sharing them is straightforward and the chat option makes asking a team member a question quick and easy.
Slack has become a staple in modern workplaces, with a study by TechRepublic showing a 32% increase in team productivity when utilizing Slack for communication and collaboration
2. Trello
Trello is an intuitive project management tool that uses a card and board system to help teams organize tasks. For instance, a software development team can use Trello to streamline their sprint planning, track progress, and collaborate in real-time by using boards for different projects and cards for specific tasks
If making lists and charts keeps you organized and then you'll love Trello. Projects are organized into boards that contain to-do lists and drag-and-drop cards that can be assigned to different team members. Comments, attachments, and color-coded labels can be added to the checklists.
3. Pivotal Tracker
Pivotal Tracker also delivers a visual form of team management and project development. Projects are laid out in story form or virtual cards, allowing them to be broken into manageable chunks. The pace of work is analyzed, allowing you to set realistic timescales for your clients.
4. Jira
Jira helps you plan, track and manage your projects by customizing the workflow and allowing teams to collaborate efficiently. Visualizations of the work in progress allow team members to effectively move it forward.
5. Binfire
Binfire also allows real-time collaboration between team members. Useful features include a message board, burndown charts, real-time notifications, interactive whiteboard, project folders, bug tracking, and status updates.
6. Axosoft
Axosoft is agile project management software that also includes bug tracking. It creates the steps you need to deliver bug-free software in a set timescale, managing different versions as your project develops.
7. Confluence
By bringing together ideas, documents, and people, Confluence lets teams collaborate fully on projects. It's easy to use and can be used in conjunction with Jira.
8. GIT
This free version control software helps manage projects of all sizes quickly and efficiently. GIT remembers to save every tiny change you make when developing code while allowing other team members to contribute and edit.
9. Sublime Text
If work needs regular editing, Sublime Text provides sophisticated shortcuts that help. Open files and jump easily between them, using the multiple search option to change small sections or larger chunks.
10. IntelliJ IDEA
This Integrated Development Environment brings together platform-creating tools such as a compiler, code editor, and debugger. Intelli JIDEA also makes intelligent project development suggestions along the way.
Source: https://explodingtopics.com/blog/employee-productivity-stats
11. Code Project
If you're new to the world of software development, dip into Code Project. This free tutorial hub has an active community forum backed up with a library of resources.
12. 7Pace Timetracker
With 7Pace Timetracker you can track how much time you're spending on project tasks without having to track individual team members. You can then analyze this to focus on the next steps.
13. Tabnine
Tabnine is an AI-driven tool that saves you the chore of repeatedly typing out the same code. It reduces coding mistakes while developing your knowledge of coding practice.
14. Silver Searcher
As projects develop, you end up with thousands of files. Sometimes you need a specific piece of code hidden deep within them. Silver Searcher helps you speedily track down the information you need.
15. SpectralOps
You don't want to spend days or weeks on a project only to have it destroyed or stolen via a cyber attack. Code security, however, often gets overlooked in project management. SpectralOps lets you automate security checks and scans, mitigating the risk of leaks caused by error or bad practice.
16. Lightrun
Use Lightrun to avoid bugs finding their way into your project, as, once in, they're hard to locate and deal with. Lightrun adds logs, traces, and metrics to your code, helping you to sort out any bug issues in real-time.
17. Feedly
Reading articles and blogs can quickly tempt you off task. Start off reading a blog page, follow a link and before you know it, you've fallen behind with your day's work. Feedly organizes reading material, ready for you to read when convenient.
Photo by Carl Heyerdahl on Unsplash
18. Cold Turkey
It's so easy to start watching YouTube videos and scrolling through Facebook and Twitter feeds. Then, before you know it, an hour of productive time has been lost. Stay focused on the task in front of you by setting Cold Turkey to block distracting websites, apps, and games.
19. F.lux
F.lux is a gentle tool that makes your working day more comfortable and productive. Light levels fluctuate throughout the day so screens become too bright or too dim. You might not particularly notice this but it does tire your eyes and affect body functions such as sleep rhythms. F.lux automatically changes screen color and brightness according to your requirements and the ambient light.
20. Habitica
Finally, if your productivity problem is motivation then Habitica brings a bit of fun to the task. This cross-platform app helps you meet goals by turning them into games. Your project becomes a monster that you and your team members have to defeat by completing tasks. When a goal is met, you're rewarded with some 'loot' to spend.
How to Integrate Productivity Tools into Your Workflow
Assess Your Needs: Identify the primary challenges your team faces in your workflow.
Choose the Right Tools: Select tools that address your specific needs, such as Trello for project management or Slack for communication.
Integration: Integrate the tools with your existing systems and ensure compatibility.
Training and Adoption: Provide training sessions for your team to familiarize them with the new tools and encourage adoption.
Continuous Improvement: Gather feedback regularly and adjust tool usage to optimize productivity.
About the Author:
Juliette Carreiro is a tech writer, with two years of experience writing in-depth articles for Ironhack. Covering everything from career advice and navigating the job ladder, to the future impact of AI in the global tech space, Juliette is the go-to for Ironhack’s community of aspiring tech professionals.
