A peek into my WFH setup

Welcome to my digital sanctuary, where lines of code dance with creative sparks, and where a carefully curated collection of hardware, software, and workflow optimizations empowers me to thrive as a remote senior software engineer. This isn't just a desk – it's a meticulously crafted ecosystem designed to maximize productivity, inspire innovation, and cater to my diverse interests. Let's embark on an in-depth tour of my everyday carry (EDC) for the home office, exploring the tools, techniques, and philosophies that fuel my workday and beyond.

The Hardware Arsenal: A Symphony of Productivity and Comfort

• Triple Monitor Symphony: My workspace is dominated by a 32-inch TV. This expansive canvas serves as my primary coding environment, where I immerse myself in complex projects and navigate sprawling codebases. Flanking this central display are two 24-inch Acer monitors, positioned vertically to maximize vertical space for code editors, terminal windows, and reference materials. This tri-monitor configuration enables seamless multitasking, eliminates the need for constant window switching, and enhances my overall workflow efficiency.

• But I do use spectacle app on mac to manage different windows.

• Main machines: I use a Macbook Air M1 as my main machine for work, an Acer Aspire 7 for linux environment and a custom built PC for those steam sessions.

• Ergonomic Essentials: Long hours of coding demand a comfortable and supportive setup. I rely on a Zebronics Max Plus mechanical keyboard, equipped with custom keycaps that add a touch of personality to my typing experience. The satisfying click-clack of the mechanical switches provides tactile feedback and a sense of rhythm to my coding sessions. A Lenovo wireless mouse, with its ergonomic design, keeps my wrist in a neutral position, reducing the risk of strain and fatigue. For late-night work sessions or when I prefer a quieter environment, I switch to a Logitech K380 wireless keyboard, known for its compact size and whisper-quiet keys.

• iPad Air Command Center: My iPad Air 4th gen, along with the 2nd gen Apple Pencil, serves as a multifunctional digital companion. It's my go-to tool for taking notes during meetings, sketching diagrams, brainstorming ideas, and reviewing design mockups. The combination of the iPad's portability and the Apple Pencil's precision makes it an ideal tool for capturing and organizing thoughts on the go.

• Gaming & Entertainment Haven:

• A 55-inch Kodak 4K TV takes center stage in my entertainment setup. This vibrant display serves as my primary screen for immersive gaming experiences on both a PlayStation 5 and an Xbox Series S. Two smaller 32-inch Acer TVs cater to my PlayStation 4 and custom-built gaming PC, ensuring I have ample screen real estate for multiplayer battles and solo adventures. Additionally, a Zebronics projector transforms my living room into a home theater, perfect for enjoying movies (especially Christopher Nolan's masterpieces and Marvel Cinematic Universe films) on a grand scale.

• Sound & Ambiance: When I need to block out distractions and focus on my work, I turn to a pair of Airpods pro buds. These headphones excel at creating a quiet bubble of concentration, allowing me to fully immerse myself in complex coding challenges. I also use a bOAT soundbar for blasting music on those weekends. A Spotify Premium subscription provides a curated soundtrack for my workday, ranging from focus-enhancing instrumental music to upbeat tunes that keep my energy levels high.

Software Stack: The Digital Tools That Empower My Workflow

• VS Code Powerhouse: Visual Studio Code reigns supreme as my code editor of choice. Its flexibility, extensibility, and vast array of community-created extensions make it an ideal environment for working with a wide range of programming languages and frameworks. I've personalized VS Code with extensions tailored for Python, Django, React, Vue, and other languages I frequently use. Features like integrated debugging, Git support, and code linting greatly enhance my productivity and code quality.

• Terminal Mastery: The Mac's default terminal, supercharged with Oh My Zsh, serves as my command center. I leverage its customization options and powerful features to efficiently manage multiple terminal sessions, execute shell scripts, and interact with remote servers via SSH.

• Data Dynamic Duo: Elasticsearch, a distributed search and analytics engine, and PostgreSQL, a robust relational database, are my primary data stores. I use pgAdmin for PostgreSQL administration tasks and TablePlus for seamless connections to various databases, including remote instances on staging and production environments.

• Development Power-Ups: Docker plays a crucial role in my development workflow, enabling me to create isolated and reproducible environments for building and testing applications. GitHub Copilot, an AI-powered code completion tool, acts as a virtual pair programmer, suggesting code snippets, completing functions, and even generating entire classes based on my comments and existing code.

• Communication & Collaboration: Slack serves as the central hub for communication within my decentralized team. We use it for real-time messaging, file sharing, and organizing discussions across various channels. Google Meet is our go-to platform for video meetings and standups, ensuring seamless face-to-face interaction despite working remotely.

• Security Essentials: 1Password securely stores and manages my passwords, ensuring I can create strong, unique passwords for each account without the burden of memorizing them. Express VPN (Virtual Private Network) adds an extra layer of security to my internet connection, encrypting my traffic and protecting my data from prying eyes.

Workflow Optimizations: Maximizing Productivity and Focus

• Themed Workspaces: To create visual separation between different projects and tasks, I customize my desktop backgrounds and terminal themes accordingly. This helps me mentally switch gears and maintain focus on the task at hand.

• Keyboard Shortcuts: I've internalized a wide range of keyboard shortcuts for VS Code, iTerm2, and other frequently used applications. These shortcuts drastically reduce my reliance on the mouse, enabling me to navigate interfaces, execute commands, and manipulate text with lightning speed.

• Automation & Scripts: I've developed a collection of shell scripts and automated workflows that handle repetitive tasks, such as setting up development environments, running tests, deploying code, and generating reports. This automation frees up my time for more creative and intellectually demanding work.

Beyond the Workday: Cultivating a Balanced and Fulfilling Life

While my work as a senior software engineer is a significant part of my life, I also make time for hobbies and personal pursuits. I'm an avid reader, always balancing a physical book (currently, "The Psychology of Money") with an ebook on my iPad's Kindle app (recently finished "Everything Everything"). I enjoy journaling in Notion, where I capture thoughts, reflections, and ideas. Music plays a central role in my life, and my Spotify Premium subscription provides a diverse soundtrack for coding, relaxing, and everything in between. I also dabble in playing the guitar, exploring different genres and learning new chords. In my downtime, I indulge in gaming sessions on my PS5 and Xbox Series S, watch movies on my projector, and spend quality time with friends and family.

Embracing the Organized Chaos

My workspace may appear cluttered to some, but it's a carefully curated chaos that reflects my personality, interests, and workflow. Every item on my desk, from the Batman figurines to the open terminal tabs, serves a purpose and contributes to my overall productivity and well-being. It's a space where I can be both a focused professional and a passionate individual, where code and creativity coexist in perfect harmony.

By sharing a glimpse into my WFH EDC, I hope to inspire fellow remote workers to create workspaces that are both functional and personally meaningful. Remember, your workspace is more than just a collection of tools – it's a reflection of who you are.