Development Tools -

As a programmer I have used numerous programming tools for development on DOS, Windows, and Unix. The programming languages include 8086 PC assembly, c, c++, cobol, php, VB, VB script, java script, ASP. Applications that run standalone on PC, Windows, or Client-Server and Server side. I found a development tool can add to one's coding skill and system knowledge greatly in that it can save large amount of time and facilitates coding, compiling, testing and debugging. The primary factor for me is the capability to customize Menu, Toolbar and even Context Menu, create Macros, remap Keyboards. The deafult settings usually have a lot of items I dont need, they just take up screen space. In addition its annoying to see these unused items. Some functions are set too "dangerously" close. Like "Commit' and "Rollback", the 2 tiny bitmap button next to each other is a potential trap.

I am waiting for the day when voice commands becomes a reality for programming task. For now as little typing as possible.

• text editor - Ultraedit by IDM Computer Solutions. Check out the programmer(&founder)'s story.
  
• terminal emulator - SecureCRT by VanDyke Software
  
• SQL development - Toad by Quest Software