Question 1

Why use Homebrew instead of the Mac App Store?

Accepted Answer

Homebrew offers a level of control and breadth that the Mac App Store cannot match for developers. Apple's App Store imposes strict sandboxing rules that prevent many development tools from functioning correctly (e.g., accessing system files or modifying paths). Homebrew maintains a massive repository of open-source CLI tools and libraries that simply don't exist on the App Store. Furthermore, Homebrew allows you to script your installation, meaning you can set up a new machine in minutes via a 'Brewfile' rather than manually clicking 'Get' and authenticating for every single application in the App Store.

Question 2

Is OrbStack really safe to use over Docker Desktop?

Accepted Answer

Yes, OrbStack has matured significantly by 2026 and is widely trusted in the Mac developer community. It acts as a drop-in replacement, meaning it uses the same Docker CLI commands you are used to. The primary difference is the underlying virtualization technology. OrbStack uses lightweight macOS native virtualization, whereas Docker Desktop spins up a heavier Linux VM. This results in faster startup times and lower battery consumption. However, for extremely specific enterprise compliance setups that require rigid adherence to Docker Inc.'s exact environment, some corporate policies may still mandate Docker Desktop.

Question 3

Do I really need a paid Git client like Fork?

Accepted Answer

Technically, no; you can do everything via the command line (CLI). However, Fork (which has a generous evaluation period and a modest one-time fee) pays for itself in time saved during merge conflicts. The CLI is excellent for linear history, but visualizing a three-way merge conflict in text is painful and error-prone. Fork's visual diff tool helps you understand exactly what lines are changing, preventing you from accidentally deleting a colleague's code. For professionals, the visual safety net is worth the cost, though GitHub Desktop is a viable free alternative.

Question 4

Does this pack work on older Intel Macs?

Accepted Answer

While all the apps listed in this collection support Intel (x86) Macs, the performance characteristics described—especially regarding OrbStack and local AI processing in Warp—are heavily optimized for Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3/M4). Intel Macs may experience slower startup times for containers and higher fan noise when running heavy IDEs like VS Code alongside Docker. If you are on an Intel Mac in 2026, we highly recommend maximizing your RAM, as modern Electron-based apps and containerized workflows are memory-hungry.

Question 5

Why is Zsh the default shell, and should I change it to Bash?

Accepted Answer

Apple switched to Zsh (Z shell) as the default shell starting with macOS Catalina due to licensing issues with the newer versions of Bash. In 2026, Zsh is the standard. It is highly compatible with Bash but offers better autocomplete, theming, and plugin support (via Oh My Zsh). There is generally no need to switch back to Bash unless you are writing strictly portable shell scripts for legacy Linux servers. For interactive terminal usage, Zsh coupled with tools like Warp provides a far superior user experience.

Question 6

How do I backup my development environment configurations?

Accepted Answer

The best practice is to use 'Dotfiles.' This involves moving your configuration files (like `.zshrc`, `.gitconfig`, and VS Code settings) into a Git repository and symlinking them to their expected locations. Tools like 'Mackup' can automate this, or you can use Homebrew's 'Brewfile' to list all your installed apps. By pushing this repo to GitHub, you ensure that if your Mac is lost or wiped, you can clone your settings and restore your entire environment in minutes, rather than days.

Question 7

Is Postman still necessary with VS Code extensions available?

Accepted Answer

VS Code does have extensions like 'Thunder Client' or 'REST Client' that allow for API testing within the editor. However, Postman (and alternatives like Insomnia) remains a superior standalone tool for complex workflows. Features like mock servers, detailed documentation generation, team workspaces, and advanced authentication flows (OAuth2 handling) are more robust in the standalone app. For quick, simple GET requests, a VS Code extension is fine, but for full API lifecycle management, a dedicated tool like Postman is preferred.

Question 8

What about security tools or VPNs?

Accepted Answer

While this starter pack focuses on productivity, security is implicit. We recommend setting up SSH keys with passphrases for all Git operations. Regarding VPNs, typical developer setups often include tools like Tailscale (not listed in the core pack but highly recommended) for secure, mesh-network access to remote databases and internal servers without the headache of legacy VPN configurations. Always ensure your terminal and package manager are updated via `brew upgrade` to patch security vulnerabilities.

DevOps Engineers

Why the Developer Starter Pack Matters in 2026

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