A comprehensive guide to setting up a MacOS development environment with pre-configured dotfiles and scripts.
- MacOS Development Environment Setup
This repository contains configuration files, scripts, and documentation to set up a complete MacOS development environment. It includes terminal configuration, development tools, recommended applications, and best practices for Mac users, especially focused on web development.
Setting up a development environment on a new Mac can be time-consuming and tedious. This project aims to:
- Save time: Automate repetitive setup tasks
- Standardize environments: Ensure consistent configurations across machines
- Optimize workflow: Include best-in-class tools and configurations
- Reduce friction: Eliminate common setup issues and pitfalls
- Share knowledge: Document best practices for Mac development
- Developers setting up a new Mac
- Teams wanting to standardize their development environments
- Anyone looking to improve their MacOS development workflow
- MacOS Ventura (13.0) or later
- Administrator access
- Internet connection
- At least 20GB of free disk space
# Install Rosetta 2 (required for running Intel-based apps on Apple Silicon Macs)
softwareupdate --install-rosetta --agree-to-license-
Appearance:
- Enable Dark Mode
- Show battery percentage
- Configure Night Shift
-
Dock:
- Make it smaller
- Turn off "Show recent applications in Dock"
- Enable auto-hide
-
Finder:
- Set New Finder windows to show: Downloads
- Configure sidebar favorites
- Disable all tags
- Show filename extensions
- Set search to the current folder
-
Safari:
- Set Safari to open with all windows from last session
- Enable developer features
# Take screenshots as JPG instead of PNG
defaults write com.apple.screencapture type jpg
# Don't reopen previous previewed files when opening a new one
defaults write com.apple.Preview ApplePersistenceIgnoreState YES
# Show Library folder
chflags nohidden ~/Library
# Show hidden files
defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles YES
# Show path bar
defaults write com.apple.finder ShowPathbar -bool true
# Show status bar
defaults write com.apple.finder ShowStatusBar -bool true
# Reload Finder to apply changes
killall Finder# Install Homebrew
/bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"
# Add Homebrew to PATH
echo 'eval "$(/opt/homebrew/bin/brew shellenv)"' >> ~/.zprofile
eval "$(/opt/homebrew/bin/brew shellenv)"
# Update Homebrew
brew update# Install terminal applications
brew install --cask warp iterm2
# Install Nerd Font for terminal
brew install --cask font-hack-nerd-font
# Install modern CLI tools
brew install eza bat fd ripgrep tealdeer fzf wget git delta zoxide mcfly jq yq starship commitizen htop# Install Oh My Zsh
sh -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/ohmyzsh/ohmyzsh/master/tools/install.sh)"
# Install Powerlevel10k theme
git clone --depth=1 https://github.com/romkatv/powerlevel10k.git "${ZSH_CUSTOM:-$HOME/.oh-my-zsh/custom}/themes/powerlevel10k"
# Install essential plugins
git clone https://github.com/zsh-users/zsh-autosuggestions ${ZSH_CUSTOM:-~/.oh-my-zsh/custom}/plugins/zsh-autosuggestions
git clone https://github.com/zsh-users/zsh-syntax-highlighting.git ${ZSH_CUSTOM:-~/.oh-my-zsh/custom}/plugins/zsh-syntax-highlighting
git clone https://github.com/zsh-users/zsh-completions ${ZSH_CUSTOM:-${ZSH:-~/.oh-my-zsh}/custom}/plugins/zsh-completions
git clone https://github.com/lukechilds/zsh-nvm ~/.oh-my-zsh/custom/plugins/zsh-nvmThe repository includes a pre-configured .zshrc file with:
- History configuration
- Better completion setup
- Custom aliases for modern replacements of standard commands
- Useful functions like
mkcdandextract - Integration with tools like FZF, zoxide, and more
# Install NVM (Node Version Manager)
curl -o- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nvm-sh/nvm/v0.40.1/install.sh | bash
# Configure environment
echo 'export NVM_DIR="$HOME/.nvm"' >> ~/.zshrc
echo '[ -s "$NVM_DIR/nvm.sh" ] && \. "$NVM_DIR/nvm.sh"' >> ~/.zshrc
echo '[ -s "$NVM_DIR/bash_completion" ] && \. "$NVM_DIR/bash_completion"' >> ~/.zshrc
# Install SDKMAN for Java
curl -s "https://get.sdkman.io" | bash
source "$HOME/.sdkman/bin/sdkman-init.sh"
echo 'source "$HOME/.sdkman/bin/sdkman-init.sh"' >> ~/.zshrc# Node.js
nvm install node # Install latest Node.js
npm install -g pnpm yarn typescript depcheck next-platter npm-check-updates
# Python
brew install pyenv
echo 'export PYENV_ROOT="$HOME/.pyenv"' >> ~/.zshrc
echo '[[ -d $PYENV_ROOT/bin ]] && export PATH="$PYENV_ROOT/bin:$PATH"' >> ~/.zshrc
echo 'eval "$(pyenv init - zsh)"' >> ~/.zshrc
pyenv install 3.13.2
pyenv global 3.13.2
# Poetry (Python dependency management)
# Option 1: Install via the official installer (manual approach)
curl -sSL https://install.python-poetry.org | python3 --
echo 'export PATH="$HOME/.local/bin:$PATH"' >> ~/.zshrc
# Option 2: Install via Homebrew (recommended for easier updates)
brew install poetry
# Common configuration (applies to both installation methods)
poetry config virtualenvs.in-project true
# Java
sdk install java
sdk install maven# Database Management Tools
brew install --cask dbeaver-community pgadmin4 sequel-ace dbnginFor detailed database installation and configuration instructions, including PostgreSQL, MariaDB, MongoDB, and Redis setup, please refer to the Database Installation Guide.
# Install Productivity Applications
brew install --cask \
raycast \
google-chrome \
firefox \
brave-browser \
rectangle \
calibre \
vlc \
skype \
logi-options+ \
imageoptim \
alt-tab \
spotify
# Install QuickLook plugins for developers
brew install --cask \
qlcolorcode \ # Syntax highlighting in previews
qlstephen \ # Preview files without extensions
qlmarkdown \ # Preview Markdown files
quicklook-json \ # Preview JSON files
quicklook-csv \ # Preview CSV files
webpquicklook \ # Preview WebP images
suspicious-package \ # Preview .pkg files
apparency \ # Preview apps and extensions
qlvideo # Preview videos
# Reload QuickLook to apply changes
qlmanage -r
# Note: After installing QuickLook plugins like qlmarkdown, you need to open a Markdown file
# and select "Open" when prompted about security. macOS requires you to explicitly approve
# the QuickLook generator the first time it runs. Until you do this, previews may not work properly.Raycast is a powerful alternative to Spotlight. After installation, configure these essential extensions:
- Clipboard History
- Window Management
- Calculator
- Calendar
- System Commands
- Terminal Commands
- Color Picker
- Password Generator
# Install Development Applications
brew install --cask \
visual-studio-code \
cursor \
trae \
github \
figma \
postman \
insomnia \
mockoon
# Manual installation of Docker Desktop
# Download from https://www.docker.com/products/docker-desktop
echo "Remember to manually install Docker Desktop from the official website"
# AI Tools
brew install --cask claude chatgptNote: Some applications like Postman appear in both lists because they can be installed either via Homebrew or downloaded directly.
# Install SetApp
brew install --cask setapp latestRecommended apps from SetApp include:
- Bartender (menu bar management)
- CleanShotX (screen capture)
- TablePlus (database management)
- Paste (clipboard manager)
- OneSwitch (system toggles)
- QuitAll (application manager)
- Mission Control Plus (window management)
- CleanMyMac (system maintenance)
- NotePlan (note-taking and planning)
- OpenIn (file opener)
- Better Zip (archive management)
- AirBuddy (AirPods integration)
- MagicMenu (menu extensions)
- Spark (email client)
Install these applications from the Mac App Store:
- Wappalyzer - Technology profiler for websites
- Octotree - GitHub code tree
- OctoLinker - Navigate through GitHub repositories efficiently
- File Icons for GitHub and GitLab - Add file icons to GitHub and GitLab
- 1Blocker - Ad blocker
- Microsoft Office - Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.
# Productivity
- Checker Plus for Gmail™
- File Icons for GitHub and GitLab
- I don't care about cookies
- uBlock Origin
- Window Resizer
# Development
- JSON Viewer
- JSONVue
- Lighthouse
- OctoLinker
- Octotree - GitHub code tree
- React Developer Tools
- Wappalyzer - Technology profiler
Install these extensions from the Chrome Web Store in your preferred browser.
The repository includes a settings.json file with optimized settings for development:
- Tokyo Night theme with customized colors
- Font configuration (Hack Nerd Font)
- Editor behavior optimizations
- Language-specific settings
- Git integration
- GitHub Copilot configuration
The repository contains scripts to install essential VS Code extensions:
# Core Extensions
code --install-extension aaron-bond.better-comments
code --install-extension austenc.tailwind-docs
code --install-extension bradgashler.htmltagwrap
code --install-extension bradlc.vscode-tailwindcss
code --install-extension christian-kohler.npm-intellisense
code --install-extension christian-kohler.path-intellisense
code --install-extension chunsen.bracket-select
code --install-extension csstools.postcss
code --install-extension davidanson.vscode-markdownlint
code --install-extension yzhang.markdown-all-in-one
code --install-extension dbaeumer.vscode-eslint
code --install-extension donjayamanne.githistory
code --install-extension eamodio.gitlens
code --install-extension ecmel.vscode-html-css
code --install-extension editorconfig.editorconfig
code --install-extension enkia.tokyo-night
code --install-extension esbenp.prettier-vscode
code --install-extension formulahendry.auto-close-tag
code --install-extension formulahendry.auto-rename-tag
# GitHub Integration
code --install-extension github.copilot
code --install-extension github.copilot-chat
code --install-extension github.github-vscode-theme
code --install-extension github.vscode-github-actions
# Utility and Productivity
code --install-extension humao.rest-client
code --install-extension kisstkondoros.vscode-gutter-preview
code --install-extension lokalise.i18n-ally
code --install-extension meganrogge.template-string-converter
code --install-extension mikestead.dotenv
code --install-extension ms-azuretools.vscode-docker
code --install-extension ms-ceintl.vscode-language-pack-es
code --install-extension ms-playwright.playwright
code --install-extension ms-vscode-remote.remote-containers
code --install-extension naumovs.color-highlight
code --install-extension pflannery.vscode-versionlens
code --install-extension pkief.material-icon-theme
# Language Support
code --install-extension prisma.prisma
code --install-extension pustelto.bracketeer
code --install-extension quicktype.quicktype
code --install-extension ritwickdey.liveserver
code --install-extension shardulm94.trailing-spaces
code --install-extension stivo.tailwind-fold
code --install-extension stkb.rewrap
code --install-extension streetsidesoftware.code-spell-checker
code --install-extension tombonnike.vscode-status-bar-format-toggle
code --install-extension unifiedjs.vscode-mdx
code --install-extension usernamehw.errorlens
code --install-extension vincaslt.highlight-matching-tag
code --install-extension vitest.explorer
code --install-extension vscode-icons-team.vscode-icons
code --install-extension wayou.vscode-todo-highlight
code --install-extension yoavbls.pretty-ts-errors
# Language-specific extensions
code --install-extension ms-python.python
code --install-extension ms-python.vscode-pylance
code --install-extension kevinrose.vsc-python-indent
code --install-extension njpwerner.autodocstring
code --install-extension vscjava.vscode-java-pack
code --install-extension redhat.java
code --install-extension vscjava.vscode-maven
code --install-extension vscjava.vscode-java-debug
code --install-extension ms-vscode.vscode-typescript-next
code --install-extension pmneo.tsimporter
# For Cursor editor (alternative to VS Code)
# Use the same extensions with cursor --install-extension instead of code --install-extensionAll extensions match the complete list from the Steps.docx document. You can use this script to install them all at once, or pick the ones you need.
# Install GitHub CLI
brew install gh
# Configure Git user
git config --global user.name "Your Name"
git config --global user.email [email protected]
# Set default branch to main
git config --global init.defaultBranch main
# Configure diff visualization
git config --global core.pager "diff-so-fancy | less --tabs=4 -RFX"
git config --global interactive.diffFilter "diff-so-fancy --patch"
# Login to GitHub and check repositories
gh auth login
gh repo list
# Configure npm author details
npm set init-author-name="your name"
npm set init-author-email="[email protected]"
npm set init-author-url="example.com"~/workspace/
├── python/ # Python projects
├── typescript/ # TypeScript/JavaScript projects
├── java/ # Java projects
└── setup/ # Setup and configuration files
├── dotfiles/ # Configuration files (.zshrc, etc.)
├── mac-setup/ # MacOS setup scripts
├── dev-setup/ # Development environment setup
└── setup-scripts/ # Maintenance and utility scripts
The repository includes a comprehensive maintenance script (maintenance-script.sh) that:
- Updates Homebrew and its packages
- Updates Python and its packages
- Updates Node.js and npm packages
- Updates Java and related tools
- Manages database services
- Cleans up system caches
- Backs up configuration files
This script provides a menu-based interface with various options:
./maintenance-script.shThe script offers these options:
- Update everything
- Update Homebrew and packages
- Update Python and packages
- Update Node.js, npm and pnpm
- Update Java and tools
- Update databases
- Clean system
- Check system status
- Backup configurations
The script uses color-coded output and performs comprehensive checks to ensure your development environment stays up-to-date and optimized.
# Install additional utilities
brew install p7zip unar # Archive utilities- Add examples of configured environments
- Include alternatives to recommended tools
- Add detailed database configuration guides
- Add Docker compose configurations for common development stacks
- Create sample projects for Python, Node.js, and Java
- Provide terminal cheatsheet with common commands
- Add specific development environment setups for different roles (Frontend, Backend, DevOps)
- Initial repository setup
- Added basic documentation
- Included configuration files (.zshrc, settings.json)
- Added maintenance script
- Added PostgreSQL, MariaDB, MongoDB, and Redis database configurations
- Added database connection and management instructions
- Added Docker Compose configuration for all databases
- Added initialization scripts for each database system
- Added container volume persistence
- Added container management commands
If you find this project helpful, consider buying me a coffee.
MIT License
Contributions are welcome! Please feel free to submit a Pull Request.