My Tool Collection (Intro)

(Visit Chinese Version: 我的工具集)

I hope to share tools and their practical applications in real-world scenarios. I prefer sharing my experiential journey rather than just providing a list of tools for experimentation and evaluation.

The Dilemma of Tool Selection

I have been caught up in the dilemma of tool selection, constantly trying new tools while neglecting the original purpose—solving real problems. More focus should be placed on practical applications in our scenarios rather than incessantly switching tools. Especially when faced with paid tools, the dilemma of searching for various tool reviews becomes exhausting.

I am still curious about new tools but avoid changing them hastily. Understanding new tools is more about observing the tool ecosystem.

Subscription services are on the rise, and user acceptance is increasing. Therefore, I have subscribed to many services. If a service proves unsatisfactory, quick replacement is possible. While this seems like an incentive for products and gives users more choices, beneath the surface, companies strive to enhance user retention.

Self-Building vs. Purchasing

When deciding to use software, online services, or build independently, we often face considerations such as technical barriers, financial investment, and time costs. This complex and crucial decision requires balancing various factors.

I usually adopt a hybrid approach, where some self-built services may rely on open-source projects or heavily depend on specific developers. However, when these developers abandon projects or open-source projects are no longer maintained, how do we cope? This is a thought-provoking issue concerning the stability and sustainability of self-built services.

In the upcoming series, I will delve into this theme based on practical needs, considering various costs (money, maintenance, time, etc.) associated with using self-built services.

Rise of Online Tools

With the prevalence of high-speed broadband and mobile networks, many tools are gradually being replaced by online services or web-based tools. In the past, during the dial-up internet era, I would download a comprehensive unit conversion software for my needs. Back then, the internet played more of a role in content presentation than being a powerful interactive tool.

However, the situation has changed significantly. Network response times have shortened to milliseconds, and search and interaction have become more potent. With technologies like GPT, we can now solve many problems through simple conversations, similar to interacting with an expert.

In this part of the series, I aim to introduce tools, good services, share experiences, and provide tutorials on building web applications to better adapt to today’s rapidly changing network environment.

My Toolset Series

I named this series “My Toolset,” not just as a title but as a hope. I wish the tools I share genuinely integrate into your daily workflow and life, rather than adding more dependencies. My goal is to provide valuable tools and knowledge through this series, making your life more efficient and convenient.