Helper Workflow Apps
Lab: Local Development Environment Setup for Mac
Video Runtime: 09:10
Re-recorded and updated: February 24, 2018
The purpose of workflow applications is to improve your efficiency. There are many tools available to assist you. Here are a few that we use and recommend.
Alfred – Fast Application Search and Launch
Alfred adds an application search bar to your screen, thereby allowing you to find and load applications using hotkeys and keywords. Instead of reaching for the mouse or touchpad, navigating to launchpad, and then searching for the application you need, Alfred keeps your hands on the keyboard. Simply activate the search bar with an easy keystroke—which you can configure—and then start typing in the name of the application.
Sequel Pro – MySQL Database Manager
Sequel Pro is a MySQL database management application which replaces phpMyAdmin. With this application, you are able to access the databases on your local machine using a friendly and easy-to-use UI. You are able to do all the tasks available in phpMyAdmin.
iTerm2 – A Better Terminal App
Terminal is amazing. But I still find I want more from the app. I use iTerm2, as it provides additional tools to support your workflow including tabs, hotkeys, search, autocompletes, and so much more. It’s completely free. Go here to learn more and then download it.
Finder Enhancements
There are many shortcomings in the native Finder application, such as cut and paste, tabs, side-by-side panes, bookmarks, and access to hidden files and folders. Path Finder is a solid Finder replacement application which provides the enhancements for your workflow.
FTP Client
There are times when you want a File Transfer Protocol (FTP) graphical user interface (GUI) as opposed to the command line. A FTP client handles the transfer of files between a remote web server and your local development computer. We recommend either of the following applications:
- FileZilla
- Transmit
FileZilla
FileZilla is a free FTP client application which provides an intuitive, easy-to-use GUI for transferring files between your computer and a remote web server. For basic file transfers, FileZilla is a handy tool to have in your local development environment.
Transmit
Just like FileZilla, Transmit is a FTP client application. However, Transmit’s advantages are transfer speeds, ability to transfer large files, sync, and an amazing GUI and user experience. This premium application provides you with more tools than FileZilla.
Displaying Hidden Files and Folder
Throughout the videos, you will see references to hidden files and folder. To show the hidden content, open Terminal, type defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles YES
, and press return. Next you will need to restart Finder. To no longer show the hidden content, repeat the process, except change the YES
to NO
as shown here defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles NO
.
Another handy approach is to add an alias into your ~/.bash_profile
. A simple Google search will help you to find how to add the file and then add an alias.
Break. Go rest your noodle for a couple of minutes.
Episodes
Total Lab Runtime: 02:44:38
- 1 The Keys to Your Local Development Environmentfree 21:21
- 2 Helper Workflow Appsfree 09:10
- 3 Install and Configure Gitfree 17:27
- 4 Xcodefree 01:59
- 5 Setting up SSH for GitHubfree 16:40
- 6 VirtualBox and Vagrantfree 09:27
- 7 LocalHost - Local by Flywheel (preferred)free 23:13
- 8 LocalHost - VVV (optional)free 09:13
- 9 What is a Package Manager?free 00:00
- 10 Composer - PHP Dependency Managerfree 10:49
- 11 Node.js and npm - JavaScript Package Managerfree 05:24
- 12 Gulp - Task Runnerfree 07:00
- 13 Atom - Text Editorfree 07:28
- 14 Quick Navigation Shortcutsfree 11:04
- 15 PhpStorm - Installationfree 11:43
- 16 Wrap it Upfree 02:40