Ever since 2012 when I started programming and wanting to do everything through the command line interface (CLI) rather than the GUIs, I started developing a desire to never want to move my fingers off the keyboard. Every time I took them off the keys to grab the mouse, it felt really inefficient!
I constantly found myself wondering how I could do certain things through the terminal, and that’s where it all began. I encourage you to do the same!
As the years have passed, this habit has been engrained in me: minimize the times my fingers leave the keyboard.
This has resulted in a vast increase in productivity and massive gains in efficiency! Now you may be asking yourself how to prevent grabbing the mouse to do everyday tasks like: switching apps, opening new apps, and installing programs. Well, there are solutions to all of these, and they are incredibly productive! Implement them.
Wonder, try things out, research how to do things, apply them, and keep repeating. The more you use hotkeys or type away tasks, the faster your workflow will become. It might sound silly that a few seconds grabbing the mouse makes a difference, but catch yourself next time you leave the keys and start scrolling around with your mouse…Trying to find Google Chrome? Click Finder -> Click Applications -> Click Google Chrome (finally!). How about pressing Command-1? And done. Now think about how you installed this application in the first place: all the searching, clicking, and scrolling. How about brew cask install google-chrome? Done.
Want to increase your productivity on your Mac?
- Use fast app swapping with the ‘Command-Tab’ key combo (well-known)
- Use Alfred for all sorts of things
- Check out the best hotkey launcher– Snap
- The greatest package manager for macOS– Homebrew
There are so many things you can do, and these are my favorites! Just remember, always, always, always, minimize the times you take your fingers off the keys! Find the ways.
Any other cool packages, tools, or examples that make your life easier and keep your hands on your keys?
Developer | Bioinformatician – Decoding the world, one line at a time.
Highly motivated developer predominantly working in Linux and developing software tools. All about open source software and fascinated by working with multitudes of technologies and languages. Striving to make a positive impact in this world.
