Indie Hacker's Toolstack 2024

Indie Hacker's Toolstack 2024 - Adam Gospodarczyk #

This document summarizes Adam Gospodarczyk's workflow and toolstack for 2024, highlighting his approach to optimizing his work and learning processes.

Writing & Text Editing #

• Multiple Text Editors: Adam uses a combination of editors for different purposes:
  • iA Writer: Markdown editor for long-form writing.
  • Paper: Writing experience is even better but has bugs and limitations for simple notes.
  • Obsidian: Organizing content, sharing notes as a static website with Vitepress.
  • Notion: Collaboration, content sharing, and leveraging its API for integration.
• Markdown Syntax: Adam utilizes Markdown syntax throughout his workflow.
• AI Assistant Integration: GPT-4 or Claude provides assistance with content readability, transformation, brainstorming, and discussions.
• Workflow Optimizations: Adam optimizes his writing environment with:
  • Full-screen mode.
  • Wooting 60HE keyboard.
  • Music playback (Spotify or Endel).
  • Xnapper for screenshots.
  • Ray.so and Puppeteer for code snippets.
  • TinyPNG for image optimization.
  • Dropshare for sharing.
  • DigitalOcean for hosting images and files.
  • Converters for HTML, Markdown, and Notion formats.
  • Keyboard shortcuts for navigation, text editing, and AI interaction.
  • Trackpad gestures for music control, window management, and AI interaction.
  • Clipboard manager Paste.

"Using multiple text editors actually works pretty well. iA Writer is for long-form writing, Paper for quick notes, Obsidian for organizing, and Notion for sharing with others."

Task Management #

• Linear: Task management tool of choice with APIs for automation and data organization.
• Workflow:
  • Adds and edits tasks via voice, Slack, and AI assistant messages.
  • AI assigns categories, priorities, and deadlines, with manual overrides available.
  • Automations based on events and schedules.
  • AI assistant fetches additional task information.
  • Focus on API availability for automation and reducing organizational burden.

"Of all the task management tools, I've liked Todoist and Linear the most so far. Both offer APIs that allow nearly unrestricted data management."

Email Management #

• Google Workspace with Superhuman: Gmail's automation capabilities, Superhuman's features, and keyboard shortcuts for efficiency.
• Automation:
  • Gmail filters with labels trigger make.com scenarios for tasks like attachment management and Linear entry creation.
  • Manual label addition using Superhuman shortcuts.
  • AI assistant account for sending messages after task completion.

  • "For me, email automation means responding to new messages that Gmail labels automatically. For instance, emails with 'Invoice' get the 'Invoices' label."

Calendar Management #

• Zencal: Scheduling meetings with pre-set time blocks that disappear automatically.
• AI assistant Integration: Adding calendar entries via voice messages, checking availability, and retrieving events.
• Notion Calendar: Intuitive keyboard shortcuts and minimalist interface.

Web Browsing #

• Arc Browser: Command Bar and Little Arc features for streamlined browsing.
• AI Assistant Integration: Sending open pages to the AI assistant for information retrieval and saving links in Linear and Feedly.
• Feedly: Staying up-to-date on topics of interest through an API connection with Make.com.
• AI Knowledge Base: The AI assistant saves links in its long-term memory, accessible through Algolia and Qdrant search engines.

"I use the browser just for Internet browsing. I don’t save bookmarks or other info. Instead, I use macros and automation to organize knowledge in set places, all controlled by LLM (GPT-4-turbo and GPT-4o)."

Graphic Design #

• Generative AI: Midjourney or Stable Diffusion 3 for image generation.
• Figma: UI design, components, and auto-layout features.
• Webflow: Graphic editor for creating and editing templates, combined with HTMLCSSToImage for automated graphic generation.
• AI Assistant Integration: Generating graphics based on user input, automating Webflow updates, and delivering the final assets.

"Figma works phenomenally for UI design, especially when using components and the auto-layout feature."

Programming #

• IntelliJ IDEA: Main code editor for TypeScript and Rust development.
• Supermaven: Code completion and intelligent suggestions.
• iTerm: Terminal of choice due to simplicity and reliability.
• TablePlus: Database client for macOS.
• AI Partnering: GPT-4-turbo and Claude 3 Opus for code generation, debugging, problem discussions, and learning new technologies.
• Automation: GitHub Actions for application deployment.

"Generative AI takes pair programming to another level for me. In this case, such a partner is available to me all the time and often has much more knowledge than I do, although it quite frequently makes mistakes. Despite this, the overall balance of mistakes versus the value I receive is definitely positive."

Macros and Automations #

• Applications: Shortcuts, Keyboard Maestro, Better Touch Tool, Raycast, and Make.com.
• Personal API Integration: Seamless communication between macros, automations, and the AI assistant.

Fun #

• Reading: Amazon Kindle and Audible apps with synchronized progress.
• Gaming: PlayStation 5, Nvidia GeForce Now, Steam Deck, and Nintendo Switch.
• Music: Spotify and Endel.io for focused work.

"My setup isn't just about boosting productivity—it's about making each day more enjoyable and fun."

Key Takeaways #

• Optimize workflow with tools and automation: Adam leverages the power of tools and automation across different areas of his work to improve efficiency and reduce manual effort.
• AI as an integral part of the workflow: AI assistants play a crucial role for content creation, task management, information retrieval, and code assistance.
• Customization and personalized approach: Adam prioritizes tools and features that suit his individual needs and preferences.
• Continuous improvement and evolution: Adam's setup is constantly evolving with new tools and changing workflows based on his growth and experience.
• Focus on enjoyment and fun: Optimizing his workflow goes beyond productivity and aims to create a more enjoyable and fulfilling work experience.

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