macOS Development Environment Setup

Setting up a new Mac can be a detailed process. This guide provides a streamlined checklist for configuring a clean, efficient, and developer-friendly macOS environment.

System Preferences

A few initial tweaks to System Preferences can significantly improve the user experience.

• Trackpad:
  • Set tracking speed to a higher sensitivity (e.g., MAX - 1).
  • Enable "Tap to click" and "Three-finger drag".
  • Enable "Look up & data detectors" with a three-finger tap.
• Date & Time:
  • Set to your correct region.
  • Use 24-hour time format and Celsius for temperature.
• Privacy & Security:
  • Consider changing your computer's name to something generic to avoid broadcasting your personal name on networks.
• Keyboard:
  • Disable "Smart quotes" to avoid issues when writing code.

Terminal & Shell

A powerful terminal setup is essential for any developer. This setup uses zsh with Oh My Zsh.

1. Install Fonts: For better readability, install a developer-friendly font like SF Mono.

2. Install Oh My Zsh: A framework for managing your zsh configuration.

   sh -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/ohmyzsh/ohmyzsh/master/tools/install.sh)"
   

3. Configure ~/.zshrc:

   • Plugins: Enable useful plugins to enhance your shell.

     plugins=(
         git
         brew
         macos
         zsh-syntax-highlighting
         zsh-autosuggestions
         timer
     )
     

     • Timer: Configure the timer plugin.

       export TIMER_PRECISION=2
       export TIMER_FORMAT="\n$fg[white]Time: %d"
       

       Ensure you install the custom plugins:

     • zsh-completions
     • zsh-syntax-highlighting
     • zsh-autosuggestions

4. Recommended Tools:

   • eza: A modern replacement for ls, built on exa.
   • bat: A cat clone with syntax highlighting.
   • fzf: A command-line fuzzy finder.
   • ripgrep: A fast, recursive search tool.
   • zoxide: A smarter cd command.
   • fnm: A fast Node.js version manager.
   • Explore more at modern-unix

fzf

export FZF_DEFAULT_COMMAND='fd --type f --strip-cwd-prefix --hidden --follow --exclude .git'
export FZF_CTRL_T_COMMAND="$FZF_DEFAULT_COMMAND"
export FZF_ALT_C_COMMAND="fd --type d --strip-cwd-prefix --hidden --follow --exclude .git"

# Preview file content using bat (https://github.com/sharkdp/bat)
export FZF_CTRL_T_OPTS="
  --preview 'bat -n --color=always {}'
  --bind 'ctrl-/:change-preview-window(down|hidden|)'"

# Print tree structure in the preview window
export FZF_ALT_C_OPTS="--preview 'eza --tree --colour=always {}'"

Development Tools

1. Install Homebrew: The missing package manager for macOS.

   /bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"
   

2. Configure Git: Set your identity for commits.

   # Set your commit email address
   git config --global user.name "Your Name"
   git config --global user.email "your-email@example.com"
   

   Refer to GitHub's documentation for managing commit email addresses.

3. Configure SSH: Use a ~/.ssh/config file to manage multiple SSH keys and hosts.

   Host github.com
       AddKeysToAgent yes
       UseKeychain yes
       IdentityFile ~/.ssh/id_ed25519
   
   Host work-server
       HostName server.work.com
       User admin
       IdentityFile ~/.ssh/id_rsa_work
   

   If you did not add a passphrase to your key, omit the UseKeychain line.

Essential Applications

Install these applications via Homebrew Cask or direct download for a productive workflow.

• Visual Studio Code: A versatile and popular code editor.
  • Consider disabling telemetry for privacy.
• iStat Menus: A system monitor for your menu bar.
• Swish: A window manager with trackpad gestures.
• Firefox or Chrome: Choose your preferred browser.
• iTerm2: A powerful terminal emulator.
  • Install iTerm2 Shell Integration for enhanced features.
• Zed: A high-performance, multiplayer code editor built in Rust.
• Ghostty: A fast, feature-rich, and native terminal emulator.