Why Setapp is a game-changer for developers on Mac

For developers, juggling various tasks can become overwhelming, especially when they are juggling some challenging coding. So, why not simplify it with a set of development tools from Setapp?

Setapp has easy-to-use Mac developer tools in 2025 for all tasks. It offers instant access to pro-level macOS apps, including coding tools for Mac, all under one affordable subscription. 

In this article, I will guide you through the developer tools in Setapp and how they are useful for your workflow.

Quick benefits for developers

As a developer, you can benefit from:

• One subscription, full stack: 250+ apps for coding, testing, debugging, and shipping
• Built for Mac & iOS devs: Tools optimized for Apple ecosystems
• Pro-level tools included: All apps come fully unlocked, no freemium limits
• Auto-updating apps: Stay current with the latest macOS without breaking your tools
• No ads, no clutter: Clean installs, no distractions
• Transparent pricing: Flat monthly fee, no surprise charges
• Dev tools, not bloatware: Use what you need, ignore what you don’t
• Deploy faster: Skip license setup and tool comparisons
• Safe & secure: Curated, trusted apps without sketchy downloads

What developers typically struggle with on Mac?

The real struggle for developers is finding, managing, and paying for the right tools. Let’s be honest — macOS isn’t exactly developer-friendly out of the box.

You buy a new Mac and start with big hopes, but soon realize that setting up a dev environment is frustrating. You struggle to find the right tools, compare editors, wonder which ones are actually free, and end up juggling multiple tabs just to get your workflow in place.

The essential Setapp workflow stack for developers

Setapp offers a complete collection of powerful, Mac-native apps, like CodeRunner, TeaCode, Core Shell, ForkLift, DevUtils, Clobbr, Proxyman, XCOrganizer, and more. They work seamlessly on Mac to provide the best developer workflow for Mac. 

Here’s how to build your complete development workflow using Setapp.

1. How to set up a coding environment?

For stress-free work, your coding environment needs to be fast, flexible, and easy to manage. Stapp has a set of reliable coding tools for Mac: 

• CodeRunner has over 25 languages, including AppleScript, C, C++, C#, Go, Haskell, HTML/CSS, Java, JavaScript, Kotlin, LaTeX, Lua, etc. Also, there are over 230 syntax highlighters that are updated to the latest language specifications. You can also use essential IDE features, a documentation sidebar, customizable preferences, and dark/light mode. Moreover, this coding tool has a built-in web inspector for debugging.

• TeaCode is a great option for automating repetitive code. It supports multiple variables, subexpressions, optional patterns, and filters. The best part is that there are no bloated IDEs or terminal gymnastics, just a clean, productive setup for coding.

2. How to use terminal utilities that supercharge the command line?

To supercharge the command line, you can use terminal utilities for Mac that are available on Setapp. These apps offer more control and speed with split panes, session restoration, ultra-fast performance, and more. 

Here are the best tools to work with command lines:

• Core Shell is a fully featured, Mac-native terminal built for developers. It offers you a secure, organized, and powerful remote access to manage multiple servers with ease. Additionally, the app safely connects with macOS Keychain to store your login information.

• ForkLift is a dual-pane file manager. With it, you can move files faster than Finder ever could. You can easily revert the interface to the standard single-pane view, or select to display dual panes horizontally or vertically.

• DevUtils is best for quick dev tasks and clipboard-based utilities. It detects clipboard content like JSON, Base64, regex, and UUIDs and instantly launches the right tool to process it offline. 

3. How to test API & debug a network?

Setapp’s API testing tools for Mac can simplify tasks like testing endpoints, monitoring traffic, and debugging. Developers can skip heavy, bloated API tools as Setapp offers fast Mac-native apps for all your API and debugging needs: 

• Clobbr is a powerful API testing tool that supports REST, GraphQL, and more. It also allows easy team sharing and full request/response history. 

• Proxyman gives you a real-time view into HTTP/S traffic to monitor network traffic or debug app connections. This app is best for testing endpoints or analyzing payloads without overkill. Additionally, you can access the iOS version of the tool.

You can find additional tools on the Setapp list of tools for developers.

4. How to track time tracking and increase productivity?

Setapp offers top productivity and time tracking tools to help you manage your time. With these apps, you can log hours automatically, stay in deep work mode, and reduce distractions without breaking your flow: 

• Buildwatch is specially designed for developers to track build time in Xcode. With this app, you can also view the number of builds for the apps you are working on. 

Source: buildwatch.app

• To organize your development environment, use XCOrganizer. It keeps all your Xcode projects, workspaces, and playgrounds organized in one dashboard, saving you time and increasing productivity. 

5. How to record a screen and share work documents?

Use screen recording and file-sharing tools to explain your work clearly and collaborate faster. That’s where Setapp’s Mac developer tools for 2025 make things easier:

• CleanShot X easily takes screenshots, records your screen, and annotates everything. It also allows you to share your screen instantly using its built-in cloud. This tool is ideal for submitting quick bug reports or creating concise how-tos.

• For a more advanced approach, Capto is a great option. This app gives you full control over video tutorials and screen recordings that you can store in the app’s library. The best part is that you can even trim, edit, add voiceovers, and capture specific windows or regions. 

• To show small UI changes, you can use Gifox. It records high-quality GIFs and is ideal for showcasing interaction bugs. You can also convert videos to GIF directly from the app’s menu bar by simply dragging and dropping the file to export it as a GIF.

Developer personas + how they use Setapp

Setapp is like a personalized workspace for different types of developers. Whether you’re working on solo projects, collaborating remotely, or managing complex APIs, Setapp has every app you need under one subscription. Here’s how Setapp is useful for developer personas:

Indie hacker building solo

As a single-person army, you handle everything alone, including coding, launching, marketing, and fixing bugs. Juggling between all these while working on tight deadlines can put a lot of stress on you. 

But with Setapp, you get every app for every task in one place.  There are apps for lightweight coding across languages (CodeRunner), testing APIs (Clobbr), recording product demos (CleanShot X), and more. This saves you valuable time while keeping you stress-free from juggling between workspaces.

Frontend developer in a remote team

Frontend developers work across various time zones, where visual collaboration and clarity matter to complete a project. Setapp apps help keep you productive by making UI-related database tweaks easy (SQLPro Studio), documenting UI issues (CleanShot X), sharing visuals in a second (Dropshare), and much more. 

Backend/API developer

Your day revolves around server logic, endpoints, and network debugging. With Core Shell, you SSH into environments seamlessly, Clobbr handles your REST and GraphQL API testing beautifully, and WiFi Explorer helps you debug local network hiccups. All fast, native, and right at your fingertips, no clunky browser tools needed.

Why Setapp beats the DIY dev stack

Managing different toolkits to complete a project can be very frustrating for developers. Making payments for each tool, renewing licenses, etc, can fill you with a lot of stress, especially when you are already dealing with complex coding. So, what’s the solution?

Setapp is the solution to all your needs for the best developer workflow for Mac.  For just $9.99 a month + tax, you get instant access to over 250 high-quality Mac, iOS, and web apps. The best part is that they get updated automatically, and there are no separate charges for any app. 

This not only saves money but also saves valuable time and brings mental peace. So, why wait?Start your 7-day free trial today.