My Favorite Open Source Tools: 10+ Years of Personally Tested Software

This is a curated list of open source tools on my jimmysong.io/en/oss page, featuring high-quality software that I’ve personally used and recommended for over ten years. Many of these tools are part of my daily workflow, greatly improving my development, writing, and overall productivity. I hope this personal list will be helpful to you!

Why Create This List?

Open source tools are the most valuable assets for developers. Over the past decade, I’ve tried countless pieces of software, and this list is what has stood the test of time—reliable tools worth recommending. Whether you’re a developer, writer, or everyday user, you’ll find something here to boost your efficiency.

Main Categories

My open source tools list is mainly divided into the following categories:

• Development Tools: Terminal enhancements, code editors, command-line productivity tools, etc.
• Content & Writing: Writing assistants, ebook management, knowledge management, and more.
• Media & Graphics: Audio/video processing, image compression, vector graphics editing, etc.
• Visualization & Charts: Flowcharts, mind maps, data visualization, and more.
• Utilities: Clipboard managers, window management, cloud sync, screen recording, etc.

Each category features open source software that I have personally tested and can recommend for long-term use.

Why Use Open Source Software?

Open source software precisely addresses real-world needs, allowing users to freely customize and modify according to their own requirements, without being limited by vendor features or policies. Open source tools are usually ad-free and completely free of charge, greatly lowering the barrier to use. Most excellent open source projects are hosted on platforms like GitHub, gathering the wisdom and power of developers worldwide, with continuous updates and improvements, making them more secure and reliable.

If you have more great open source tool recommendations, feel free to leave a comment and share!