Why This Stack Works for Developers

Developers have unique productivity needs that require carefully selected tools. Developers need tools with markdown support, keyboard shortcuts, API access, and Git integration.

🎯

Tailored for Your Role

Every tool in this stack was chosen specifically for developer workflows and common use cases.

🔗

Works Together

These tools integrate seamlessly through native connections and automation platforms like Zapier.

💰

Budget Conscious

5 of 5 tools offer free tiers—start without spending a dime.

📱

Cross-Platform

Access your productivity system from any device—desktop, mobile, or web browser.

The Complete Developer Productivity Stack

Here are the 5 essential tools that form your ideal productivity system:

1

Obsidian

Note-Taking Apps
★ 9 Free tier

A second brain for local-first knowledge management

Obsidian is a powerful knowledge base that works on local Markdown files. It features bidirectional linking, a graph view to visualize connections between notes, and an extensive plugin ecosystem. Per...

Markdown filesBidirectional linksGraph viewPlugin ecosystem
Why it's great for developers: Markdown-native, local files, extensive plugin ecosystem, and works offline.
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2

Todoist

Task Management
★ 9 Free tier

The to-do list app trusted by millions

Todoist is a beautifully designed task manager that helps you organize work and life. With natural language input, recurring tasks, labels, filters, and cross-platform sync, it strikes the perfect bal...

Natural language inputProjects & labelsRecurring tasksPriority levels
Why it's great for developers: Clean interface with keyboard shortcuts and API for custom integrations.
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3

Toggl Track

Time Tracking
★ 9.1 Free tier

Effortless time tracking for any workflow

Toggl Track is the most popular time tracking app, loved for its simplicity and powerful reporting. One-click tracking, detailed analytics, and integrations with 100+ tools make it perfect for individ...

One-click trackingReports & analyticsPomodoro timerProject tracking
Why it's great for developers: Simple time tracking with detailed reports and IDE integrations.
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4

Notion

Note-Taking Apps
★ 9.2 Free tier

All-in-one workspace for notes, docs, and databases

Notion is a powerful all-in-one workspace that combines notes, databases, wikis, and project management. Its flexible block-based editor lets you create anything from simple notes to complex project d...

Block-based editorDatabases & tablesTemplatesTeam collaboration
Why it's great for developers:
Read Review Visit Website
5

Linear

Project Management
★ 9.3 Free tier

Modern issue tracking for high-performance teams

Linear is a beautifully designed issue tracker built for modern software teams. Known for its speed, keyboard shortcuts, and developer-friendly features, it has become the go-to choice for startups an...

Issue trackingCycles & sprintsRoadmapsGit integration
Why it's great for developers: Built by developers for developers with Git integration and keyboard-first design.
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Stack Cost Breakdown

Here's what this productivity stack costs for developers:

🆓 Free Tier Stack

Use free versions of all tools—perfect for getting started

ObsidianTodoistToggl TrackNotionLinear
Monthly Cost: $0
Recommended

⭐ Pro Stack

Upgrade key tools for maximum productivity

Obsidian (Free) Todoist (Free) Toggl Track (Free) Notion (Free) Linear (Free)
Monthly Cost: ~$39/mo

How to Set Up Your Developer Stack

1

Start with Your Foundation

Begin with Obsidian as your central hub. This will be where you organize projects, take notes, and manage your developer workflow. Spend a week getting comfortable before adding more tools.

2

Add Task Management

Once your foundation is solid, add Todoist for day-to-day task tracking. Use it for personal tasks while using Linear for team sprints.

3

Track Your Time

Add Toggl Track to understand where your time goes. Great for identifying productivity patterns and time sinks.

4

Connect Your Tools

Use native integrations or Zapier to connect your tools. For example, create tasks in Todoist from Obsidian entries, or log time automatically when you complete tasks.

5

Add Specialized Tools

Finally, add role-specific tools like Notion, Linear. These enhance your stack for specific developer needs without overcomplicating your core workflow.

Pro Tips for Developers

⌨️

Keyboard Shortcuts First

Learn keyboard shortcuts before anything else. All recommended tools have extensive shortcut support—master them for 2-3x speed gains.

🔌

Leverage APIs

As a developer, you can build custom integrations. Use Obsidian plugins, Todoist API, and n8n for workflows that match your exact needs.

📝

Markdown Everything

Stick with markdown-native tools. Your notes are just text files, portable and future-proof. No vendor lock-in.

Explore Other Productivity Stacks

Looking for a different stack? Check out our recommendations for other roles:

🎯 Freelancer Stack 🎓 Student Stack 👔 Manager Stack 🏠 Remote Worker Stack 📈 Marketer Stack 🎨 Content Creator Stack 🚀 Entrepreneur Stack

Build Your Custom Stack

Want personalized recommendations? Use our interactive Stack Builder to create a productivity system tailored to your specific needs.

Try Stack Builder

Developer Productivity Stack FAQ

The best productivity tools for developers include Obsidian, Todoist, Toggl Track, and more. These tools are specifically chosen to match the workflow and needs of developers, offering features like code-focused productivity stack for software developers. integrations with ides, markdown support, and automation.
Start by identifying your core needs: task management, note-taking, time tracking, and scheduling. For developers, we recommend starting with Obsidian for notes and documentation, then adding specialized tools like Todoist and Toggl Track for a complete workflow.
Many of the recommended tools for developers offer free tiers or trials. Obsidian, Todoist, Toggl Track, Notion, Linear all have free versions. Some premium tools like specialized apps require paid subscriptions but often offer student discounts or free trials.
For most developers, a solid note-taking or project management tool forms the foundation of their productivity stack. We recommend Obsidian as the central hub because it a second brain for local-first knowledge management. From there, you can add specialized tools for specific needs.
The ideal number is typically 4-6 core tools that cover your main needs: notes, tasks, calendar, time tracking, and communication. Too many tools create fragmentation, while too few may limit your capabilities. Our recommended developer stack includes 5 carefully selected tools that work well together.
Yes, most modern productivity tools integrate with each other. Tools like Zapier and Make can connect Obsidian, Todoist, Toggl Track and more. Many tools also have native integrations—for example, Obsidian integrates with dozens of other apps directly.
Code-focused productivity stack for software developers. Integrations with IDEs, markdown support, and automation. Unlike generic productivity advice, a developer-specific stack accounts for unique needs like markdown support and Git integration.
You can set up a basic productivity stack in a single afternoon. Start with one core tool like Obsidian, spend a week learning it, then gradually add more tools. Most developers have a fully optimized stack within 2-4 weeks of intentional setup and refinement.
Both are important for developers. Fortunately, all our recommended tools—Obsidian, Todoist, Toggl Track, Notion—work across desktop and mobile platforms. This ensures you can capture ideas and manage tasks whether you're at your desk or on the go.
Migrate gradually rather than all at once. Start by running your new developer stack alongside your current tools for 2-3 weeks. Export data from old tools, import into new ones, and give yourself time to build new habits. Most developers complete the transition within a month.