I use Joe's Own Editor. You must configure it to prevent it from making backup files (which are security risks) and to highlight based on your language, but ov

I use Joe's Own Editor. You must configure it to prevent it from making backup files (which are security risks) and to highlight based on your language, but overall, it is excellent in terms of its speed and intuitive interface. I use putty for my SSH connections. It is a nice way to remotely access your server from a Windows client. The programming language you use should fit the job so that is something that is specific to the project. Using subversion for version control is really one of the best tools available. I would fear making changes in my code even if I had backups because changing it might break functionality, and I would spend a long time hunting for solutions of what I did. With any kind of version control system (and subversion is very easy to use), you can make changes without worry, and you can get old code you wanted to keep even though you were not using easily (because commented code is evil). It encourages you to clean your code, remove dead code, and to refactor your code because you know you can always go back. You should learn vi in case you must use an archaic machine where you only have remote access and do not want to try installing new apps. (Some very old yet very stable telephone switches running with Solaris interfaces come to mind.) Grooveshark for listening to music. The site is fantastic, and I do not need to waste time hunting for music that gets me in the mood to work. Lastly, a notepad. I keep a notepad beside my bed. I find that it helps me sleep. I will be thinking of code, and one idea leads to another as I relax. So, instead of staying up for hours focusing on it (This has happened to me hundreds of times.), you can write it down. My brain then relaxes because it knows I do not need to remember it. Then, I can go to sleep. In the past, I would not be able to actually fall asleep unless I got up, coded what I was thinking about it, and then went back to sleep. Now I know I can put it off until tomorrow and actually get a good sleep for the night.