Now, obviously my choices will not suite many programmers. For this reason, please bear in mind that I’m a PHP developer, and my choices focus on PHP/HTML/CSS development. There are going to be a few repeated apps, simply because there’s a fine line between the two subjects.

Ok, lets get started!

10. VMWare Fusion
As any web developer will know, getting your sites to work properly in all the major browsers can be a nightmare. Especially when you’ve got to work around IE. For this reason, I needed to have a way to test out my work on Internet Explorer 6, 7 and 8, as well as some other, less well known Windows only browsers. VMWare fusion lets you install, and run Windows on top of your existing OS X system. You can effectively run windows and mac applications side-by-side seamlessly. This is great when testing our your work in those Windows browsers. VMWare has a few alternatives such as Parallels, or the free VirtualBox by sun. All of these apps provide a great way of getting Windows, Linux or any Unix based OS up an running inside your Mac!

9. Snapz Pro X
Snapz Pro X is a screenshot application, that replaces the standard CMD+Shift+3 screen capture combination with a range of options. For example, instead of saving the screenshot to your desktop, you can put it in the clipboard. In addition to this, you’re not forced to capture the entire screen. Snapz X Pro lets you capture a small selection, a window (‘objects’) or even take a video! It’s a very lightweight application and has some great features!

8. Dropbox -
Where o where would I be without my Dropbox! Dropbox provides you with 2GB of free storage. It acts like a folder on your mac, but whenever files are updated (locally or by another computer with access), the files get synced. Whats great, is that because the files are synced, you don’t need Internet access to use it. I generally use DropBox for storing files that I’m working on, allowing me to access them on my iMac, or my MacBook Pro. There’s also a great revisions system, which means if you accidentally overwrite a file, you can log into their site, and retrieve it, similar to a subversion setup. If you use THIS LINK to get a Dropbox account, I get some extra free space, and so do you. If you dont want to use that link, you can go directly to GetDropbox.com and register.

I’m currently using the free 2GB, however for $9.99 /month (or $99.99 /year) you can upgrade to 50GB storage. They also offer a 100GB option for $199.99 / year.

7. Active Collab
I only really started using this over the last month, however have found it to be fantastic for managing my web projects. It lets you track release versions (and their individual tasks, documents, etc), projects, files, staff, time tracking, etc. Its fantastic. There are a few free alternatives out there, and a fork was made off of the first release of Active Collab before it stopped being a free app.

6. Web Developer Toolbar (Firefox)
The Web Developer Toolbar is a Firefox addon. Ok, its not technically an App, but its as good as. It lets you perform a range of options on a website, including disabling images, javascript, css, etc as well as add custom stylesheets, resize windows, etc. It’s a must-have for web developers. You can download it for free from the Mozilla addons site!

5. MAMP Pro
MAMP pro is the paid add-on to the free MAMP application. MAMP is basically Apache, MySQL and PHP for your Mac, all ready to use. MAMP Pro adds on an attractive GUI to allow you to setup virtual hosts, and configure custom settings per domain. I use it for splitting up projects into separate local sub-domains.

4. Transmit
Transmit is a paid FTP application, with a fantastic GUI and range of features. It’s made by Panic, the same guys that brought you Coda. Transmit is a fantastic FTP application, and supports all major functions. In addition, it supports Amazon S3, WebDav, SFTP and SCP.

3. Photoshop
I think this one goes without saying. I’ve been using Photoshop for over 5 years and have yet to find anything remotely similar. Even GIMP, an application that Linux lovers swear is just as good as Photoshop, really does not come anywhere near the features of this great Adobe app. I’m using CS4 on my MBP, and CS3 on the iMac (simply because I’ve not really needed to upgrade yet!)

2. Terminal
I’m a heavy Terminal user when developing. I generally tend to keep terminal open 24/7 because it allows me complete control of my Linux server. I use it to debug, test and install software. If you’re strictly dealing with a Mac, you’re not going to be needing this, however its a handy tool to have when you’ve not got a GUI handy!

1. Coda
Yes, Coda’s done it again. You will recall, Coda made it to the top of my last ‘Top 10′ post, for the simple reason that there is nothing like it! Coda provides a complete web development suite; A site management system, a file browser, a code editor, a css editor, a terminal, books and a web browser. What more could you need?!

So, those are my top 10, what are yours?

I do a lot of web development on my Mac’s. My current setup is to have my iMac as my ‘main’ display. To my far right I have my new MacBook Pro that I purchased on the day they came out (yes…I’m a fanatic). The MBP has a second display connected which sits in between the iMac and MBP. I’ve got FireFox running on that display, showing phpMyAdmin, Terminal and DirectAdmin. The main MBP display just runs Skype and iTunes. I then use my iPhone to control iTunes remotely to save having to turn around to keep skipping those naff songs that I’ve not gotten round to removing from my library!

On the iMac I do all the coding and design. I also have a copy of Google Docs running stand-alone with fluid. I use Google Docs to do all my planning and (most) note taking so running it in a dedicated window is a must for me.

So here they are. The top 10 Mac productivity apps (in my opinion), be it free or paid! Even though there’s are in a 10 down to 1 order, I wouldn’t be without any of them!

10. Fluid (free) (URL: http://www.fluidapp.com)

I mentioned above that I use Fluid to run a stand-alone copy of Google Docs. Fluid is a light-weight application that allows you to run any web-based page or site as an application from your desktop. You can then set this application to work in a window, or as a ‘drop-down’ window from your top menu bar. I currently use Fluid for my home-server’s phpMyAdmin url, Google Docs and Gmail. It saves having to switch between multiple tabs when you really only need to glance at a document or email.

You could also use it to have your Google Calendar running in the top bar, that way you just click the icon, the window is displayed, when you’re done click out of the window and its gone. Fluid is also compatible with Google Gears so is fantastic for Google Docs.

An alternative option is to use the Mozilla Labs FireFox addon, Prism. Personally I prefer Fluid as it doesn’t require Firefox to run, plus its using WebKit, which I feel is just as good as gecko. I tried Prism when it first hit beta however had many problems with it crashing, plus it doesn’t allow you to run the web-applications from your menu bar!

9. 1Password (Paid) (http://agilewebsolutions.com)

I’ve blogged about one password many times before. Simply because I love it. 1Password is a password manager that integrates with all major Mac-based browsers (Safari, FireFox, Camino, Flock, etc). It stores all your password’s in a secure database and allows you to quickly select the login you want from a list (in a toolbar at the top of your browser) and it will automatically fill out and submit the form for you.

I’ll not go on about 1Password too much as I’ve covered it extensively in my other posts. Be sure to check it out!

8. VMWare Fusion (Paid) (http://www.vmware.com/products/fusion/)

VMWare fusion is a virtualization environment for OS X. It allows you to run other operating systems whilst still running OS X at the same time. Currently I use it on my MacBook to run a slimmed out copy of XP. I then have MultiIE installed to allow me to test my websites in IE 3, 4, 5, 5.5, 6 and 7. This is a lifesaver and saves a great amount of time. You can also use it to run almost anything Windows based (providing it doesn’t need insanely high graphic requirements!)

7. Transmit (Paid) (http://www.panic.com/transmit/)

I’ve used transmit since switching to Mac back in April 2006. Its a light-weight FTP client that allows you to store your login details for each of your sites in a tidy ‘Favourites’ menu. Transmit looks fantastic and integrates well into OS X. Additionally it supports iDisk/WebDAV and allows you to sync files back and fourth.

I also use this on my laptop when I’m at University. I created an Automator application that will run every time my ‘Uni Docs’ folder is modified. The application will use Transmit to sync my documents with my home server, instantly backing up my work as I save it.

6. Google Quick Search (free) (http://code.google.com/p/qsb-mac/)

GQS is a fairly new application. It is designed to allow you to search your local files, applications, Google, define text, check the weather and will also work as a calculator. Brought to you by the same guy that made the legendary Quicksilver, Google Quick Search has taken the spot of Google Desktop to provide a fast, lightweight alternative to Spotlight.

5. Snippely (free) (http://code.google.com/p/snippely/)

Snippely is a great little app for programmers. It allows you to store code snippets in organized folders. Its a fairly simple little application however provides all the functionality needed to manage your code snippets. A life saver and prevents you having to keep Googling to jog your mind!

4. Little Snapper (free) (http://www.realmacsoftware.com/littlesnapper/)

Little Snapper is more for designers. But since I do both I find it to be of great use. It allows you to take, and store screenshots of websites that provide an inspiring design. I use it a lot when trying to come up with ideas for websites I’m designing. A highly recommended app for anyone looking at designing their own layouts!

3. Photoshop (paid) (http://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop/compare/)

Adobe Photoshop is an industry standard image editing and design application. It doesn’t really need a huge explanation. I use Photoshop for all my design work and would be nowhere without it. Its a really fantastic design suite. The only downside is its outrageously expensive price tag. Adobe really are pushing Photoshop as an executive tool and by doing so are driving away smaller developers. If you can afford Photoshop, its great. However many people have switched to free or cheap alternatives such as GIMP which provides almost the same functionality but without a price tag!

2. Firefox (http://www.firefox.com)

Firefox is becoming the web-developers standard browser. I personally don’t know of any web developer or ‘tech savvy’ person who doesn’t use Firefox as their primary web browser. Anyone still using I.E needs to try this out. Its a complaints standard web browser, with endless potential with a huge fan-base. It works on Mac, Windows and Linux so there’s no excuse!

1. Coda (http://www.panic.com/coda/)

Coda is a complete all-in-one web development application. It contains a code editor supporting code highlighting and tabbing for all major programming languages including (X)HTML, CSS, PHP, ASP, Java, XML, Ruby, etc. It also contains a built in WebKit based browser to view your code as you write it.

Additional features include built-in Transmit (FTP app), Subversion support, one-click-publishing, code snippets, WebDAV, built-in Terminal, extensive CSS editor plus a great little feature that allow you to view e-books. They have also included a HTML e-book, bundled with the main app.

Coda makes the number 1 spot as I use it every day. As I type this, I have it open next to me. Its a fantastic, beautiful code editor and beats Smultron, BBEdit and TextMate hands down. So far there’s been no other application remotely like this one. I highly recommend any developer gives it a try. Panic provide a free 14 day trial, after that the full app can be purchased for $99 (USD) — a fraction of the price of Dreamweaver.

So, that’s my top ten mac productivity applications.
What are your top applications? Post below and let the world know!

They are also giving all existing customers a free year extension on their existing licenses. Great work guys!

Hi,

I’ve got you down as an Advocate for CrossOver, which means that from
time to time, I ask you to advocate on our behalf. If you don’t want to
be an Advocate, holler back, and I’ll remove you.

However, I have made a grave error in judgment, and I’d like your help
in spreading my apology. It also creates a great opportunity to
encourage others to try CrossOver.

Specifically, I had no idea when we launched the CodeWeavers Lame Duck
Challenge:
http://lameduck.codeweavers.com
that George Bush would take it so seriously. And it was truly
remarkable of him to engineer a complete collapse of our financial
industry just to prove he could meet my challenge. My fault; I had
thought he would try more prudent methods.

However, this does create a great opportunity for you to spread the word
about CrossOver, as tomorrow, anyone can get a fully functioning, fully
supported copy of CrossOver, for free. Existing customers can get
another year of support, again for free. It’s a great day for any
CrossOver user, and a great time for anyone to try CrossOver.

I would really appreciate it if you could spread the word. Tell your
friends and family, post it to your blogs. We’d really appreciate extra
diggs on our announcement:
http://digg.com/software/CodeWeavers_giving_away_all_software_Tuesday_Oct_28th

But do it quick – it’s one day only, and after tomorrow, the opportunity
is gone.

Thanks, and again, please accept my humble apologies for any harm done
to your retirement savings.

Jeremy White
CEO
CodeWeavers, Inc.

Well Jeremy….you’ve got my vote! Anyone who is prepared to give away a fantastic piece of software for free deserves a pat on the back!

Be sure to digg their post using the link in the above quote.

I found that to run Windows games or apps I needed to use bootcamp (which results in tedius rebooting to switch between the two operating systems) or Parallels (which is great for apps, but not for games). Another alternative was Crossover. I had used WINE on Linux before and loved it, however knew it had limitations, as did Crossover.

I’ve pretty much stopped playing games on my mac as I’ve got an Xbox 360 however I still have the piles of Windows only games. Well, today I decided to give the new crossover a whirl as well as crossover games and was amazed. I tried a few games (RCT2, Train Simulator and Joint Operations). They all worked flawlessly! What surprized me was that the crossover site said they wouldnt work!

Basically the new crossover release, supports almost anything. I’ve yet to find something that doesnt work! Another fantasic reason why Windows users should get a mac!

For anyone interested in crossover office, check out their site: http://www.codeweavers.com

Alternatively you can try the free WINE app: http://www.winehq.org

If you’ve not yet read Google’s blog post announcing their own Web Browser, click here. Now, I’ve read that many people are not liking this. Sure there’s umpteen browsers out there, do we need another one? Yes, actually we do.

The Google browser is not about Google getting into bigger markets. Its not about power, money or popularity. Its about filling a void which currently no other company has even looked at, let alone attempted to fill.

The new browser promises “Multi-Threading” which allows processes to be managed, much like they are in Activity Monitor (OS X) and Task Manager (Windows). For instance, you can quit processes for javascript, or audio, movies, etc exclusively, allowing the rest of the web-page to function as usual.

This is a browser for cloud computing. Like it or lump it, cloud computing exists, sure its a fancy term for something thats always been around, but thats just how it works.

I’ll post a follow up review once the browser gets released later today. (I’ll be trying to get it running under WINE or Crossover on OS X first )

The new application allows you to sync your passwords from your Mac to your iPhone, via WiFi! You then have access to all your passwords, meaning you’ll never have to type them out again.

So far, I’ve found it to be a fantastic piece of software. The folks over at Agile Web Solutions have once again set a new standard in OS X applications. They have created a highly reliable, clean polished app, which will prove very useful to many people.

Anyone looking for an easy way to manage thier passwords on a Mac or iPhone, 1Password is the application to use!

Here are some screenshots I’ve taken of the 1Password for iPhone application.

You can download the 1Password application via the iTunes App Store (Link)