As a developer, I’ve realized over the years that the best work environment for me is light, fragmented, portable and clean. I don’t want to set up the dev environment on my local machine and struggle with complex dependency stacks. Instead, I built a simple but powerful ecosystem that provides the same comfort wherever I am.
Below I’ve explained the approach I use and why it works so well for me. Everything seems to find its way very naturally; A simple but efficient layout, without strain or unnecessary weight.
Devcontainer: My Must Have
Now, before starting any project, my first reflex is to open a devcontainer.
My local machine remains spotless, dependencies do not spread across the machine, they live in the project’s own box.
- Each project is in its own world
- My machine does not break down
- Wherever I am, I create the same environment in a few seconds
A truly mobile development environment.
Development with Unit Testing: Let the Test Write the Input
When developing features, I try to follow a “test driven” approach as much as possible, but not rigidly; It develops naturally.
I just write the code,
unit test gives input
unit test checks the output
I’m just filling in the gap.
This is also:
- a stronger architecture,
- progress without worrying about regression,
- producing more secure code
It brings it on its own.
AI in IDE: Copilot, Codex and Friends
Google search, StackOverflow navigations…
It used to be necessary, but not anymore.
If there is a Copilot, Codex or similar support within the IDE:
- Recommends code
- Fills in the gaps
- It does the copy-paste work for you
It’s like a lightweight but powerful “second developer” for me.
VSCode: Everything with a Simple Editor
I don’t need heavy IDEs.
For me, VSCode is at the perfect point:
- Lightweight
- Fast
- Does not tire the eyes
- Can be integrated anywhere
Devcontainers, tests, AI tools, remote connections… it all works without any problems.
Gains:
This approach automatically gave me the following advantages:
- A test-driven development culture evolved naturally
- My computer does not get dirty
- My media is fully portable
- Security information such as password, key, token is isolated and secure
- If I set up in-memory bus, queue, s3, db etc. structures in the architecture, it becomes a completely CI-ready mini world.
In short:
Instead of a messy world on a single machine; I build clean, isolated and portable small universes.
This both increases efficiency and allows me to focus without losing the joy of development.
My Favorite Music List
Of course, it wouldn’t be possible without music; This list determines the tempo of the day. In the background of this order, the same list mostly revolves: My YouTube Music playlist. I turn it on when I switch to focus mode and do not turn it off until the code is finished.