A full-featured, open source image editor for screenshots, mockups, and lightweight design work without subscription traps.

GIMP isn't here to win a beauty contest; it's here to get work done. For developers who need to clean up screenshots, build simple UI mockups, or create graphics for docs and blogs, it's more than enough. Layers, masks, filters, export presets – it's all there, without monthly fees quietly draining your budget. The UI takes a bit of adjustment, but once you learn the basics, it's a reliable workhorse.

GIMP is a mature, open source image editor for screenshots, mockups, and blog graphics with zero subscriptions and plenty of power.

GIMP Review – Open Source Image Editor | Nerd Approved

GIMP – Open Source Image Editing Powerhouse

A fast, extensible, Vim-compatible code editor focused on modern scripting, Lua-based configuration, and plugin ecosystems that don't crumble at scale.

Neovim is what happens when you take the best parts of Vim, ditch the 90s cruft, and wire it for modern development. Lua configs, async job control, LSP support, treesitter-based syntax – it scales from simple dotfiles to full-blown IDE setups without turning your config into a haunted house. If you like your tools fast, scriptable, and keyboard-driven, Neovim is the kind of editor you'll still be using ten years from now.

Neovim is a modern, Lua-configurable evolution of Vim with LSP, Treesitter, and fast terminal-native performance for serious developers.

Neovim Review – Modern Terminal Code Editor | Nerd Approved

Neovim – Modern Terminal Code Editor

Battle-tested open source software for streaming, screen recording, and production-ready overlays without watermarks or paywalls.

OBS Studio is the default answer to "how do I record my screen properly?" for a reason. It handles multi-scene setups, overlays, audio routing, and streaming to basically anywhere without branding your output or nagging for an upgrade. For devs, it's perfect for recording coding sessions, walkthroughs, and demo videos in high quality. Configure it once, save a couple of profiles, and you've got a studio in a single app.

OBS Studio is the gold-standard open source tool for high-quality screen recording and streaming, ideal for dev demos and technical tutorials.

OBS Studio Review – Screen Recording Tool | Nerd Approved

OBS Studio – Screen Recording & Streaming Workhorse

Curated developer tools products we use and recommend. Each item tested in real-world scenarios. Find 3 products with detailed reviews, pros, and cons.

Developer Tools Products

GIMP – Open Source Image Editing Powerhouse

Neovim – Modern Terminal Code Editor

OBS Studio – Screen Recording & Streaming Workhorse