Cool Software

Inkscape
 
Blender
 
jedit
 

I've found a lot of random programs that I personally really like. They help me get stuff done faster, and are usually free.

Graphics Programs

One of the more complex areas of my day-to-day work includes generating and modifying a lot of computer graphics. There was a time, when I was pretty much tied to Photoshop and its features. These days, I use a lot more specialized programs to meet various needs. For someone serious about computer graphics, I can safely say all of these programs are worth your time to learn their usage.

Inkscape is quickly becoming the most advanced, open source vector graphics editor out there. By starting with open standards and supporting a vast array of path editing tools, Inkscape is in a position to capture market share from the most expensive/entrenched commercial programs.

Learning Blender has been a hobby of mine for about four years now. As with any advanced 3D modeling/animation package, there is a fairly steep learning curve. But, I'm happy I've stuck with it. It has helped me generate some truly fantastic images that I've used in web design and for my own amusement. I'm currently fleshing out my experience with rigging, animation, and composite-ing with the hopes of being able to produce short-story style cartoons. I have spent enough time in 3DSMax and Maya to know that in Blender's short life, it has made more advancements in the last five years than either of those programs have in the last ten.

Pictured to the right is the PlanetZac logo in Inkscape, and a wire-mesh preview image of one of my cartoon models' face in Blender.

Code Editors

One of the early searches for most programmers involves nailing down a code editor to meet their needs. For me, a big need is language flexibility (sometimes having three or four programming languages embedded in the same file) for syntax highlighting and API/library dictionaries. I also like reasonable control over the syntax highlighting and type formatting. Since most of my work currently involves constant updates over FTP, an embedded FTP client saves an amazing amount of time. To date, the best editor I've used that meets all these needs is PSPad. Not only is it free, but it is an excellent editor by any standard (commercial IDE or otherwise).

That being said, I still enjoy my brief encounters with KATE (and the many programs that embed her editor), and all of my administrative duties involve vi.

Update 2009-10-02:

Since writing this, I've discovered a new editor: jEdit. I tried the editor a few years ago, but it was slow and clunky. I think the JVM improvements over the last two or three years has made performance less of an issue, and this editor makes an excellent option for all kinds of development. Some of the required features for my editor are available from 3rd party plugins, but that's fine by me. The customize-ability with this editor covers every important aspect that makes development easier.

Posted: April 15, 2009   Last Modified: October 2, 2009