video production RSS Digest

Fresh Resources for Web Designers and Developers (July 2025)

Thoriq Firdaus — Thu, 31 Jul 2025 15:00:38 +0000

As always, we’re keeping an eye on the latest tools making life easier for our fellow developers. In this post, we’ve picked some handy open-source tools made for developers like you, whether you’re working with AI, PHP, JavaScript, TypeScript, or Node.js.

These tools are simple to try, fun to explore, and can make your coding life a lot easier.

Without further ado, let’s explore the full list.

.no-js #ref-block-tax-74163-1 .ref-block__thumbnail { background-image: url( "https://assets.hongkiat.com/uploads/thumbs/related/tag-fresh-resources-developers.jpg" ); }

Click Here for More Resources

Check out our complete collection of hand-picked tools for designers and developers.

OpenCodeAI

OpenCodeAI is a terminal-based AI coding assistant that works with over 75 AI models. It can understand your code through Language Server Protocol (LSP), helps with refactoring and suggestions, and runs commands directly in your terminal. It’s fast, customizable, and designed to fit naturally into your coding workflow.

Models.dev

Models.dev is an open-source, community-driven directory of AI models that helps you compare specs, features, and pricing across providers like OpenAI, Anthropic, Amazon, and Google. It lists key details like token limits, context size, and costs which makes it a handy resource for developers, researchers, and teams choosing the right model for their needs.

PHP MCP

PHP MCP Server is a modern PHP SDK for building MCP servers to allow AI tools like ChatGPT to interact with your PHP app. It uses PHP 8 Attributes, supports multiple transports such as HTTP, SSE, stdio, and runs efficiently with ReactPHP. Designed for PHP 8.1+, it’s fast, flexible, and production-ready.

Palmr

Palmr is a secure, open-source file-sharing app that allows you to upload and share files with password protection, custom links, and access control. It has no tracking, no limits, and built with modern tech and actively developed. A perfect solution for those who want to share files privately and securely.

Pino

Pino is a fast and lightweight logging library for Node.js that outputs structured JSON logs. It’s built for performance and is great for production use, making logs easy to parse and integrate with monitoring tools.

VSCode MCP

This page is a hub for discovering Model Context Protocol (MCP) servers you can use with Visual Studio Code. These MCP allows AI agents in VS Code connect to external tools like GitHub, Figma, Playwright, and Sentry as well as enabling actions such as testing apps, fetching data, or editing files. It’s a great resource for developers looking to enhance their coding experience with AI.

Doppar

Doppar is a fast, modern PHP framework inspired by Laravel, focused on simplicity and performance. It offers routing, ORM, caching, and other essentials, and supports PHP 8.3. A great alternative framework for building clean, scalable web apps.

OpenAI Cookbook

OpenAI Cookbook is an official GitHub repo from OpenAI that provides practical examples and guides for using the OpenAI API. A helpful resource for developers looking to integrate and make the most of OpenAI models with ready-to-use code and tutorials.

Databag

Databag is a fast, lightweight, self-hosted messenger built for privacy and low-resource environments like the Raspberry Pi Zero. It offers a responsive UI, unlimited user accounts per node, and is open-source with active development on GitHub. An ideal alternative platform for personal or small-group messaging with full control over your data.

Speedtest Tracker

Speedtest Tracker is a self-hosted app that monitors your internet speed and uptime using Ookla’s Speedtest CLI. It runs in Docker, logs download/upload speeds, ping, and packet loss, and shows trends with graphs.

You can set alerts via email, Discord, or other channels when performance drops. A great tool for keeping tabs on your internet connection’s health and performance.

What’s new in DevTools 136-138

“What’s new in DevTools 136-138” by Chrome for Developers highlights the latest DevTools updates in Chrome. New features include faster workspace setup and better CSS debugging like support for corner-shape, calc(), and var().

The update brings improved AI assistance that can now keep styling changes, use screenshots in prompts, and help explain performance traces. Chrome 138 also adds helpful visual indicators for DOM issues right in the Elements panel.

Gemini CLI

Gemini CLI is a command-line tool from Google that brings Gemini AI models right into your terminal. It can help you speed up your work by automating tasks system, generating codes as well as content using plain language, or simply chatting with the AI.

Mixpost

Mixpost is a self-hosted, open-source tool for scheduling and managing social media posts across platforms like Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok. It supports team collaboration, post customization, video content. I think it’s a great solution for businesses and individuals looking to streamline their social media presence while keeping everything in-house.

Effect

Effect is a TypeScript library for building reliable, high-performance apps with strong type safety. It handles async tasks, errors, and side effects using a functional approach, with built-in support for tracing, metrics, HTTP, SQL, and more. A powerful tool for developers looking to create complex applications.

OpenSaas

OpenSaaS is a free, open-source starter template for building full-featured SaaS apps fast. Built with React, Node.js, Prisma and includes the essentials like auth, payments, and analytics out of the box. A great stack for developers who want to launch modern, scalable SaaS products quickly without starting from scratch.

OCRFlux

OCRFlux is a fast, open-source tool that converts complex PDFs and images into clean Markdown. It handles multi-column layouts, tables, and equations with high accuracy, supports English and Chinese, and runs locally on consumer GPUs or via Docker. A great tool for processing reports, receipts, and structured documents.

Filepond

FilePond is a flexible JavaScript library for building sleek, accessible file upload components. It supports drag-and-drop, image previews, async uploads, and handles files from various sources. It’s easy to customize and integrate into any web app with adapters for React, Vue, Angular, and more.

Pomposer

Pomposer is an experimental tool that acts as a smarter wrapper around Composer. Inspired by PNPM, it aims to avoid repeated downloads of the same dependencies, speeding up installations and saving disk space. While it’s still in beta development, Pomposer shows promise for streamlining PHP dependency workflows.

Redis Insight

Redis Insight is a free, official GUI for Redis that helps you explore, debug, and optimize your databases. It supports all Redis deployments and offers features like visual data browsing, an advanced CLI with auto-complete, AI-powered query assistance, performance insights, and real-time stream monitoring. It’s a powerful tool for both new and experienced Redis users.

Docker macOS

This project allows you to run macOS inside a Docker container using KVM virtualization. You can access the macOS instance via a web browser, customize CPU, RAM, and disk settings, and even pass through USB devices.

It supports macOS versions 11 to 15 and can be run via Docker Compose, CLI, or Kubernetes. It’s an ideal tool for testing macOS apps on non-Apple hardware like Linux or Windows.

The post Fresh Resources for Web Designers and Developers (July 2025) appeared first on Hongkiat.

Google Graveyard Revisited: Shutdowns Since 2015

Ashutosh KS — Tue, 29 Jul 2025 10:00:55 +0000

We know them for Search, Gmail, Android… the giants. But Google’s also famous for something else: trying out tons of ideas. Seriously, hundreds of them! This ‘throw it at the wall and see what sticks’ approach means innovation, but it also means… well, a lot doesn’t stick.

Over the years, Google has become notorious for shutting down services, sometimes leaving us users scrambling for alternatives, other times making us go, ‘Wait, that was a thing?’. This post is a trip down memory lane, revisiting the Google ‘graveyard’ starting from 2015.

100+ Must-Know Google Services and Tools to Boost Your Productivity

Mention Google products and you'd probably think of Google Search, Gmail, Chrome, YouTube or Android but there are... Read more

Google TV

(Discontinued on: Jan 6, 2015)

Announced in May of 2010, Google Video seemed like a smart idea for giving viewers an enhanced TV experience with an interactive overlay over online video sites.

The problem, despite various Android updates, was that it was more about computerizing your television than offering an awesome viewing experience.

With the launch of Android Lollipop and Android TV, the company planned to phase Google TV out and switch to Android TV.

“By extending Android to the TV form factor, living room developers get the benefits, features and the same APIs available for Android phone and tablet development,” said the Google and Android TV teams in a shared Google+ post.

Nonetheless, only some Google TV devices will be updated to Android TV since certain devices can’t work with the new system.

Google Code

(Discontinued on: Jan 25, 2015)

Announced in March 2005, Google Code is a service (which started a year after, in 2006) to host scalable, open source projects reliably.

Google Code went read-only in August 2015, and will shut down on January 25 2016 for version control clients. Public project data will get archived and be accessible via Google Code Archive for years to come.

“…we’ve seen a wide variety of better project hosting services such as GitHub and Bitbucket bloom. Many projects moved away from Google Code to those. … After profiling non-abusive activity on Google Code, it has become clear to us that the service simply isn’t needed anymore“, stated Chris DiBona (Director of Open Source) on Google’s Open Source Blog on March 12, 2015.

Google Talk

(Discontinued on: Feb 23, 2015)

Google Talk app for Windows was officially launched on August 24, 2005 – “a small program that lets you call and IM other Google Talk friends over the Internet for free.“

It was based on the XMPP protocol, and so various XMPP clients such as GAIM, Trillian, etc. were supported.

Mayur Kamat, Product Manager at Google Voice and Hangouts, posted on February 14, 2015 that “… Google Talk app for Windows will be deprecated on February 23, 2015. This will allow us to focus on bringing you the most robust and expressive communications experience with Google Hangouts.“

ClientLogin protocol

(Discontinued on: Apr 20, 2015)

A password-only authentication protocol, ClientLogin, offered API for third-party applications to access one’s Google account data through validation of the account’s username and password.

It was widely used by various apps and websites for getting authorized, but this API was less secure then OAuth 2.0.

Officially deprecated since April 20, 2012, Google finally shut ClientLogin API down 3 years later on April 20, 2015.

“Password-only authentication has several well known shortcomings and we are actively working to move away from it,” wrote Ryan Troll (Technical Lead, Identity and Authentication) on the Google Developers blog as a reason for its shutdown.

Google Helpouts

(Discontinued on: Apr 20, 2015)

The online collaboration and tutorial service, Google Helpouts, was launched in November 2013.

A kind of freelance market, its main objective was to help people find real-time assistance through live, streaming videos with the aim of bringing together solution experts and learners or help seekers.

It lets users talk face-to-face online and avail expert collaboration to sort out problems.

Although considered helpful for masses, yet Google shut Helpouts down on April 20, 2015.

Slow growth was given as the reason behind its termination: “… unfortunately, it hasn’t grown at the pace we had expected. Sadly, we’ve made the tough decision to shut down the product.“

Google+ Photos

(Discontinued on: Aug 1, 2015)

A photo hosting and management solution integrated in Google+, Google+ Photos lets you create, edit, and manage your own private albums online.

It also had cool features like Stories, which would automatically repackage your pictures into a fun timeline or scrapbook.

Google+ announced to start shutting Google+ Photos down beginning August 1, 2015, beginning with the Android version of the app, and then the Web and iOS versions.

To clarify few doubts, Google+ still supports photo and video sharing.

As for why they folded on it, Anil Sabarwal (Lead Product Manager at Google Photos) said, “… it is confusing to users why we have two offerings that virtually do the same thing, and it means our team needs to divide its focus rather than working on building a single, great user experience.“

PageSpeed Service

(Discontinued on: Aug 3, 2015)

Launched on July 28, 2011, Page Speed was an online service, which automatically sped up web page loading and gave 25% to 60% speed improvements on several websites.

It was a free CDN service that fetches content from the site’s servers, applies web performance best practices to the pages, and serves them to the users from Google’s worldwide servers.

Google announced that the PageSpeed service will cease on August 3, 2015.

Google Catalogs

(Discontinued on: Aug 4, 2015)

Launched on August 16, 2011, Google Catalogs app, originally available on Android tablets, offered people the chance to discover trending products from digital catalogs.

Catalogs lets you access and share information about products and their availability and create collages using the favorite catalogs.

Having alerted registered Catalogs users through an email, Google announced that it was going to break off support and services for Catalogs, and the company would trash the Catalogs app on August 4, 2015.

The Google Catalogs team didn’t provide any reason for its shutdown with the alert.

Autocomplete API

(Discontinued on: Aug 10, 2015)

The popular Autocomplete API was a text prediction service that used integrated resources to predict a query before a user finished typing search keywords.

Before the unauthorized access to non-published API was shut down on August 10, 2015, this was a widely available unofficial, non-published tool, which could be incorporated into applications without any restrictions, working independently of Google Search.

Google blocked unauthorized access and various online tools (for example, keyword tools) using this service need to re-invent themselves.

Peter Chiu (on behalf of Autocomplete team) wrote on Google’s Webmaster Central blog, “… uses for an autocomplete data … outside of the context of a web search don’t provide a meaningful user benefit. We want to ensure that users experience autocomplete as it was designed to be used – as a service closely tied to Search.“

Google Moderator

(Discontinued on: Aug 15, 2015)

On September 24, 2008, Google Moderator was released for public use by its developer Taliver Heath, a Platform Engineer at Google.

The Moderator tool allowed crowd-sourcing questions within limited time using Google’s groups by using consensus to elevate questions that were pertinent or useful.

Before making it freely available, it was used inside Google at tech talks to vote if a question should be asked.

Google announced that August 15, 2015 is Moderator’s last day, after which the site will be taken down.

Its data was made available via Takeout so that people can download their Moderator’s data starting from 30^th March 2015.

To explain why the decision was made to close down the project, it was posted, “… has not had the usage we had hoped, so we’ve made the difficult decision to close down the product.“

Google Flu Trends

(Discontinued on: Aug 20, 2015)

Announced in November 2008, Flu Trends was a service by Google.org as a way to track Influenza outbreaks by sourcing and analyzing search trends.

It was a search prediction model used for “nowcasting” estimates of Flu and Dengue fevers based on search trends.

Google stopped posting public data about these estimates on its website (starting from August 2015), and has decided to provide signal data to its partner health organizations.

“Instead of maintaining our own website going forward, we’re now going to empower institutions who specialize in infectious disease research to use the data to build their own models,” says The Flu Trends Team on Google Research blog.

Google Hotel Finder

(Discontinued on: Sep 22, 2015)

Launched on July 28, 2011 as an experimental hotel search and inventory tool, Hotel Finder lets travellers find hotel information and book accommodations.

Its features include tourist spotlights for any neighborhood, and short-list results to keep track of them.

At the end of September 2015, Hotel Finder got replaced by Hotel Ads, an advertising service that allows direct bookings from Google Search results.

According to the official announcement on Google’s Inside Adwords blog, Google retired the dedicated Hotel Finder website because “… users are now able to access the hotel information they need right from Google search.“

ADT for Eclipse

(Discontinued on: Dec 31, 2015)

ADT, Android Developer Tools, a plugin for Eclipse provided an Android application development environment for Eclipse users.

Its 0.9.4 version released in October 2009, ADT was a part of Android’s SDK and helped people develop Android applications easily.

After releasing Android Studio as the official IDE for Android app development, Google announced in June 2015 that support for ADT plugin for Eclipse would end by December 2015.

“To that end and to focus all of our efforts on making Android Studio better and faster, we are ending development and official support for the Android Developer Tools (ADT) in Eclipse,” said Jama Eason, Product Manager at Android.

Google Allo

(Discontinued on: Mar 12, 2019)

Launched in September 2016, Google Allo was a smart messaging app that integrated Google Assistant directly into conversations. It offered features like smart replies, stickers, and the ability to whisper or shout messages by adjusting text size.

Despite its innovative features, Google announced in December 2018 that Allo would be discontinued in March 2019. The company encouraged users to switch to Messages for SMS and Duo for video calls.

“We’ve learned a lot from Allo, particularly what’s possible when you incorporate machine learning features, like the Google Assistant, into messaging. We’re bringing the best of Allo into Messages, including Smart Reply, GIFs and desktop support,” said Google in their announcement.

Google+

(Discontinued on: Apr 2, 2019)

Launched in June 2011 as Google’s answer to Facebook, Google+ was the company’s fourth attempt at creating a social network. It introduced innovative features like Circles for organizing contacts and Hangouts for video chat.

After a data breach affecting 52.5 million users was discovered in December 2018, Google announced it would shut down Google+ for consumers in April 2019. The enterprise version, Google+ for G Suite, continued until April 2020.

“While our engineering teams have put a lot of effort and dedication into building Google+ over the years, it has not achieved broad consumer or developer adoption, and has seen limited user interaction with apps,” stated Google in their blog post.

Google Inbox

(Discontinued on: Apr 2, 2019)

Introduced in October 2014, Google Inbox was an experimental email client that aimed to revolutionize email management. It featured smart grouping of emails, reminders, and a clean, modern interface.

Google announced in September 2018 that Inbox would be discontinued in March 2019 (later extended to April 2019). Many of its features were integrated into the main Gmail app.

“We’ve taken popular Inbox features and added them into Gmail to help more people benefit from them,” said Google in their announcement.

Google Daydream

(Discontinued on: Oct 15, 2019)

Announced in May 2016, Google Daydream was Google’s mobile virtual reality platform. It included a VR headset and controller, along with a platform for VR apps and games.

Google announced in October 2019 that it would discontinue Daydream, citing limited adoption and the challenges of mobile VR. The Daydream View headset was discontinued, and the Daydream app was removed from the Google Play Store.

“We saw that the smartphone-based VR experience wasn’t as compelling as we had hoped, and that there were limitations to the technology that made it difficult to develop high-quality VR experiences,” explained Google in their statement.

Google Play Music

(Discontinued on: Dec 2020)

Launched in November 2011,

Getting Started with Gemini CLI

Thoriq Firdaus — Mon, 28 Jul 2025 13:00:49 +0000

Gemini CLI is a free, open-source tool that brings Googles Gemini AI right into your Terminal.

If you’re a developer, it can help you work faster as it allows you to talk to your system and code in plain English. Aside of dealing with code, you can use it for, writing, research, and more. It’s lightweight, supports long prompts, works with tools like VS Code, and is easy to customize.

But, before you can start using its powerful features, you’ll need to install it on your machine. Let’s see how to install it and how to get everything set up.

Installation

First, install Node.js version 18 or higher on your machine. You can download it from the official Node.js website: Node.js Downloads.

You will also need a personal Google Account or a Gemini API key, which you can get from Google AI Studio, to authenticate your access to Gemini AI.

Once you get either of those, you can either run Gemini CLI instantly using npx:

npx https://github.com/google-gemini/gemini-cli

Or, I would recommend to install it globally with npm, so you can use it from anywhere in your terminal. To do this, run the following command:

npm install -g @google/gemini-cli

After the installation is complete, you can verify whether Gemini CLI is installed correctly by running:

gemini --version

Authentication

When you run Gemini for the first time…

gemini

…you will be asked to select the color theme that it will use to render the codes generated. You can select any of the available themes that suit your preference.

Then, you will also need to authenticate your access to Gemini AI by providing your Google Account. Or, If you need higher quotas, beyond the free tier, I’d suggest to provide a Gemini API key from Google AI Studio.

Examples and Use Cases

The Gemini CLI can be used for various tasks including for coding assistant, file management, content generation, research, task automation, and even system troubleshooting. Let’s see some of these examples:

Coding Assitant

Gemini CLI can help you write code, debug, and even explain code snippets. For example, you can ask it to write a function in Node.js that calculates the factorial of a number. To do this, you can simply run gemini. This will bring the interactive mode, as we can see below:

By default, it will be using the gemini-2.5-pro. But, if you do not need all the power of the gemini-2.5-pro model, you can switch it to other Gemini models, such as gemini-2.0-flash-lite, which is a lightweight model that is faster and cheaper to use.

gemini --m gemini-2.0-flash-lite

Now, we can ask it to write our function. In this case, I will prompt it to: Generate a function in Node.js that calculates the factorial of a number.

It generated the code for us. But we can also ask it even further to save it in a file, such as factorial.js. To do this, we can simply prompt it to: Save this code in a file named factorial.js.

You will be asked permission to save the file, and you can either allow it once or always. If you choose to allow it always, it will save the file without asking you again in the future.

Now, we should find the file in the current working directory.

File and Project

As mentioned earlier, Gemini CLI can also help you with file management. For example, you can ask it to create a new directory for your project, and then create a new file inside that directory.

In this example, I’d like to ask Gemini to scaffold a new Go project for me. To do this I will ask it a bit more detail about what needs to be created inside the initial project, for example:

I want to scaffold a new Go project with the following details:

* Module name: github.com/tfirdaus/go-project
* Language: Go
* Purpose: A simple CLI application
* Go version: 1.20+
* Dependency management: Go modules

Please generate:

1. A standard directory structure
2. Initial go.mod file
3. A minimal main.go file (if applicable)
4. Sample README.md
5. Optional: .gitignore for Go projects
6. Test file example

Use idiomatic Go practices and organize the code to be easy to extend later.

After sending this prompt, Gemini will ask you some permissions to make some changes on the file system such as for changing directory, creating directory, creating and writing files.

After you allow it, it will start creating the project structure for you, and you can check the result by running ls command:

Wrapping up

Gemini CLI is a powerful and flexible tool that can help you with all kinds of tasks, from coding and managing files to generating content and answering questions. It’s easy to install, simple to set up, and works right from your terminal using plain language commands.

In this article, we walked through how to install Gemini CLI, setting it up, and explored a few practical examples, like using it to help with code and generate an initial project structure.

But there’s much more to explore. In upcoming articles, we’ll dive deeper into Gemini CLI’s advanced features, like integrating with Model Context Protocol (MCP), customizing context and behavior, and using some of its built-in tools.

Stay tuned for more tips to help you get the most out of Gemini CLI!

The post Getting Started with Gemini CLI appeared first on Hongkiat.

40 Streamlined WordPress Themes for Simplicity

Nancy Young — Sat, 26 Jul 2025 10:00:06 +0000

Not everyone appreciates complexity in design. Extravagant banners, sliders, and various elements can detract from your content. A minimalistic, uncluttered site design lets your work take center stage, unencumbered by unnecessary embellishments. These streamlined themes are ideal for presenting your work neatly and clearly.

That’s precisely why this compilation highlights 40 sleek and minimalistic WordPress Themes suitable for a range of purposes including blogging, portfolios, photography sites, magazines, corporate sites, and more, catering to diverse preferences. This selection includes:

20 Premium Minimalist Themes
20 Free Minimalist Themes

These ensure a clean, minimalistic site that loads quickly and is favored by search engines like Google.

Premium Minimalist Themes

Acerola

Acerola offers a fully responsive design that adapts to various website needs, such as agency, creative studio, and business sites. Its professional appearance is enhanced by clean aesthetics and engaging parallax effects. Users can easily tailor the theme to their requirements, thanks to its extensive customization options. Key features include a drag-and-drop page builder, a slider for eye-catching images, and WooCommerce support for e-commerce functionality.

The theme also provides one-click data import, live customization, and sharp retina-ready displays. Additionally, it is ready for translation and supports WPML for creating multilingual sites. Responsive customer support is available to assist users.

Preview theme

Cafariva

Designed for coffee shop businesses, Cafariva is a minimalist theme that simplifies website creation when used with the Elementor Page Builder for WordPress. It works best with the Hello Elementor theme but fits well with any Elementor-compatible theme.

Cafariva enables a no-code customization process through a drag-and-drop interface, giving you control over fonts, colors, and design elements. Its professional design is not only sleek but also optimized for quick loading, providing a seamless user experience.

Preview theme

DashBag

With DashBag, you can effortlessly build a fashion store website using WordPress and Elementor. This theme features a modern, responsive, and retina-ready design that simplifies the creation process without the need for coding. It includes 10 customizable templates alongside 18 section templates, all embracing a sleek and minimalist aesthetic.

DashBag works seamlessly with Elementor’s free version and incorporates Google Fonts. The designs are crafted to display beautifully across desktops, laptops, and mobile devices. Plus, users benefit from responsive support provided by a committed team, making website customization and usage straightforward.

Preview theme

Famita

Famita offers a clean and simple design suitable for eCommerce stores, including those selling furniture, clothes, tech, and accessories. It enhances the user experience with straightforward Theme Options for customization, such as changing Google fonts without any coding. The theme ensures your site looks great on all devices with its responsive design.

It’s compatible with WooCommerce and features multiple homepage options, AJAX for a smoother shopping experience, quick product views, and a wishlist. Famita also supports multiple languages through WPML, provides different blog layouts, and comes with a selection of color schemes. Social media integration, a custom 404 error page, and demo content are included to help you get your store up and running quickly.

Preview theme

Gute

Designed for Elementor, Gute is a WordPress theme that suits a range of publishing websites, including news portals, magazines, personal blogs, and editorial platforms. It’s built to work seamlessly with Elementor Pro, which is required for its full range of features. Customization is straightforward, allowing you to tailor your site to your needs.

The responsive design ensures optimal viewing on different devices and browsers. However, before you can take advantage of Gute’s capabilities, you’ll need to install a few plugins: Elementor, Themesflat Addons for Elementor, ElementsKit Lite, and WooCommerce.

Preview theme

Inez

Designed for creatives, Inez is ideal for showcasing work through a multi-page portfolio. Photographers, designers, and artists can choose from several portfolio layouts and project templates, including grid and masonry styles. The theme smartly adjusts grid item sizes to display images perfectly. It works with WordPress 4.4+, is fully responsive, and integrates seamlessly with Bootstrap 3.

Inez simplifies the setup process with one-click demo installation and offers customizable grid spacing and video project features. It’s SEO-friendly, boasts a clean interface, and provides access to over 700 Google Fonts. The theme is also translation-ready with WPML, includes a custom CSS field, over 2000 premium icons, and supports threaded comments. Users benefit from regular updates and comprehensive support documentation.

Preview theme

Lixer

Designed for creative portfolios, Lixer offers a modern, clean, and minimalist look that captures the audience’s attention. It’s fully responsive, ensuring a seamless display across all devices.

With the Elementor Page Builder, creating pages is a breeze thanks to its drag-and-drop functionality, streamlining content management. Built on the Bootstrap 4.x Framework, Lixer guarantees a mobile-friendly experience. The one-click demo importer simplifies the setup process, allowing for fast and effortless customization of your website.

Preview theme

Munfarid

With a modern, minimalist design, the Munfarid Blog theme is perfect for bloggers and online retailers using WooCommerce. It’s crafted to meet the latest standards, ensuring your website looks sleek and professional. Munfarid supports the Gutenberg editor, streamlining the site-building process and preparing you for WordPress 5.0. This theme is responsive, easy to customize, and doesn’t require any coding.

It comes packed with features including a robust admin interface, multiple header styles, and customizable title areas. Engage visitors with video and call-to-action elements. The one-click demo import, various blog layouts, and different logo options for headers enhance your site’s flexibility.

Plus, it offers a full-screen menu, a side menu area, and built-in search functionality.

Preview theme

Pekko

Designed for dark portfolio websites, Pekko offers a sleek and minimalistic look that pairs well with the Elementor page builder for easy customization. Enjoy quick loading times thanks to its lightweight design, and captivate your audience with smooth animations and standout typography.

This theme comes with drag-and-drop functionality, a responsive design, and Ajax content loading for a seamless user experience. It’s ready for translation, supports multiple languages, and is easy to customize. Comprehensive documentation and cross-browser compatibility make Pekko a reliable choice for your website project.

Preview theme

Pioneer

Designed with a minimalist approach, Pioneer caters to developers, designers, bloggers, and creatives looking for a user-friendly WordPress theme. It simplifies the process of creating both business and personal websites with over 65 pre-made demos and more than 15 homepage styles that work for multi-page and one-page sites.

The theme ensures your content is easy to read and looks great on any device, thanks to its responsive design. With Pioneer, you get a modern portfolio, various e-commerce shop layouts, and the advantage of SEO-friendly clean code.

Preview theme

Saara

Designed with bloggers in mind, the Saara Minimalist WordPress Blog theme offers a sleek, artistically crafted interface that adapts beautifully across devices. Choose from six distinct home page demos to find the perfect style for your content. The gallery page comes alive with a variety of layouts, including video posts and diverse image information placements, ensuring an engaging visual experience for your audience.

Preview theme

Sassoft

Sassoft offers a sleek, responsive design that’s ready for high-resolution displays and easy to tailor using Elementor’s intuitive drag-and-drop interface – no coding needed. This template kit includes 10 versatile templates and 18 sections, all editable with Elementor, even with its free version. It incorporates Google Fonts at no extra cost, ensuring a stylish and minimalist look that adapts flawlessly to different devices.

With Sassoft, you get a smooth design process and dedicated support to help you build a polished business website effortlessly.

Preview theme

Signy

SIGNY combines functionality with ease of use to improve the reader’s experience. Its unique layouts and clean, minimalist aesthetic are enhanced by a selection of widgets. For bloggers looking to sell products, SIGNY includes tailored shopping layouts.

The theme is optimized for speed, ensuring quick loading times, and offers a range of post styles to clearly communicate your message. It’s also fully responsive, making your content easily readable on any device.

Preview theme

Unero

Unero offers a minimalist AJAX WooCommerce theme tailored for online shopping experiences. With a focus on a clean aesthetic and highlighting products, it aims to boost the appeal of e-commerce sites and increase sales.

This theme is ideal for a range of online stores, including fashion, furniture, and home decor. It includes WooCommerce integration, a variety of plugins, customizable settings, a mini cart, and multiple widgets for enhanced functionality. Unero ensures a mobile-friendly layout, advanced product filtering, and an integrated order tracking system.

It also provides comprehensive tax and shipping settings, a coupon system, and detailed store reports to effectively manage your online business. SEO-friendly features and tools for customer engagement, such as product ratings and reviews, are also part of the package.

Preview theme

Mosiso ($23.99)

These folks sell them in a set, with the screen protector for macbook air 15 inch 2023, also comes the plastic hard shell and the keyboard cover.

This company sells a set for the 2023 MacBook Air 15 inch that includes a screen protector, a plastic hard shell, and a keyboard cover.

PYS ($31.49)

This product by PYS is a screen projector that also works as a privacy screen protector. You can easily remove it whenever you want. It restricts the viewing angle to +/- 30 degrees, which means only the person sitting directly in front of the monitor can see the data.

2. Cleaning Cloth

If you don’t want to use a screen protector on your new MacBook Air, a cleaning cloth can be a good substitute. You can use it to wipe off smudges or dirt from the screen. Additionally, you can place it over the keyboard before closing the laptop to prevent the keys from leaving marks on the screen.

Clean Screen Wizard ($19.99)

This is a dark-colored microfiber cloth that is 14 inches in size. It’s perfect for use with a 15-inch MacBook Air.

3. Keyboard Protector

Another simple way to prevent marks on your MacBook’s screen from the keyboard is to use a keyboard cover. These are usually made of silicone and fit perfectly over your keyboard. They not only reduce the noise when you type, but also protect your keyboard from spills or food crumbs.

Here are a few you can consider:

Silicone Keyboard Cover by MasiBloom ($5.99)

Ultra thin Keyboard Cover by MasiBloom ($6.95)

Keyboard Cover with Shortcuts by LEZE ($9.99)

4. Macbook Sleeve / Bag

If you travel frequently, it’s a good idea to get a MacBook sleeve. Carrying your MacBook without any protection can lead to scratches. So, it’s better to keep it safe in a thin laptop bag.

Here are some businesses where you can buy 15-inch MacBook Air sleeves.

Waterfield

Tomtoc

TwelveSouth

Native Union

Nomad

5. Macbook Air Case

In our continued discussion about protecting your MacBook, consider getting a case that you can attach to your MacBook’s exterior to prevent scratches and dents. Here are some MacBook Air cases you might want to think about.

Mosiso ($23.99)

We previously discussed MOSISO when we talked about the MacBook Air 15″ 2023 screen protector. To summarize, it includes a hard plastic case for the MacBook, a screen protector, and a keyboard cover.

SanMuFly ($17.99)

This affordable hard case by SanMuFly is available in different colors. It also includes a cloth for cleaning, a cover for your keyboard, and a cover for your camera to protect your privacy.

6. Macbook Stands

A MacBook stand is a useful item to own, especially if you use a desktop computer as well. It gives you a stylish way to keep your MacBook, or helps you to neatly put it away without making your desktop messy. Here are some companies that sell high-quality MacBook stands, which are also compatible with the new 2023 15-inch MacBook Air.

7. USB Hubs

The 2023 15-inch MacBook Air has two Thunderbolt or USB 4 (USB-C) ports and a 3.5mm headphone jack. If you want to connect more devices, you’ll need a USB hub. Here are some top-notch ones I suggest.

Satechi

Type-C Pro Hub Adapter ($99.99)

1x HDMI port – up to 4K 60Hz
1x USB-C PD port – up to 40 Gbps data transfer, PD charging up to 87W, 4K 60Hz video output.
2x USB-A ports – up to 5 Gbps
1x USB-C data port – up to 5 Gbps (no charging/video)
x micro/SD card readers

4-Port USB-C Hub ($39.99)

4x USB-C ports – up to 5 Gbps

TwelveSouth

StayGo mini USB-C Hub ($39.99)

1x USB-C power | pass-thru 85W USB-C PD charging
1x 4K HDMI | Crystal clear 4K x 2k @ 30Hz HDMI / Full 1080p
1x USB-A 2.0 / BC 1.2 Charging Port | SuperSpeed up to 5 Gbps with BC 1.2 7.5W Fast Charge
1x Headphone/Audio out

Belkin

Belkin USB 3.0 4-Port Hub + USB-C Cable ($69.95)

4x USB 3.0 ports

Belkin Thunderbolt 3 Dock Pro ($299.95)

2x Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports
1x DisplayPort video port
1x UHS-II SD card slot
4x USB-A 3.0 ports
1x USB-C power delivery port

8. iPhone Mount

These mounts let you attach your iPhone to the top (or on the side) of your MacBook. This setup allows you to use the Continuity Camera feature for FaceTime and video conferencing.

Belkin iPhone Mount with MagSafe for Mac Notebooks ($29.95)

CloudValley Magnetic Phone Holder ($15.99)

MOFT Magnetic Laptop iPhone Mount ($29.99)

Final Thoughts

Buying a laptop, especially a high-end one like the MacBook Air 15-inch, is not an everyday occurrence. So, it’s important to ensure it’s protected from accidental damage while also using it effectively for your needs. I hope you find these recommendations helpful.

The post Best Accessories for MacBook Air 15″ appeared first on Hongkiat.

20+ Alternative Web Browsers for Smart Phones

Fahad Khan — Wed, 23 Jul 2025 10:00:38 +0000

Smartphones, we depend on them for everything, from staying on top of emails and browsing through social media to online shopping and handling our finances. And one app that we constantly find ourselves utilizing is undoubtedly the web browser.

Whether you’re an iOS user with Safari or an Android user with Chrome, these are often our first choices. However, did you know that there’s an entire universe of alternative web browsers out there that are just as capable and filled with features?

These browsers often aim to enhance specific aspects such as speed, privacy, readability, and some even offer their own VPN-like proxy services. To assist you in exploring these options, we’ve put together a thorough list of over 20 web browsers specifically designed for smartphones. So go ahead, download them, and give them a test run. Who knows, you might even discover your new favorite browser!

1. Dolphin

Dolphin Browser is available for both Android and iOS. It’s designed to enhance your online experience with its speed and customization options. Dolphin makes browsing efficient with features like multi-tab management, Android Flash support, and user-defined gestures for quick navigation. It integrates seamlessly with social networks and cloud storage services like Facebook, Evernote, and Box, making sharing and syncing effortless.

Additionally, it offers third-party add-ons for a personalized browsing experience, voice search capabilities through Sonar (a feature), and convenient sidebars for quick access to bookmarks and settings.

Features:

Enjoy all-in-one browsing with multiple tabs.
Navigate quickly with customizable gestures.
Share and sync with popular social platforms.
Personalize with third-party add-ons.
Access bookmarks and options swiftly with side bars.

Download Dolphin for:

iOS Android

2. Opera

Opera is a swift and secure web browser that comes with an integrated VPN and ad-blocker for smooth, private browsing. It’s enhanced with AI to deliver personalized content and a distinctive browsing experience. Opera’s data-saving mode optimizes internet speeds while saving data and battery life. Fully adaptable, you can tweak settings to suit your needs, including a night mode to protect your eyes during late hours.

Features:

Secure browsing with free VPNs.
Ad-free and tracker-free experience.
AI-powered personalized browsing.
Customizable reading and search settings.
Sync files across devices with Flow.
Protect privacy with anonymous browsing.

Download Opera for:

iOS Android

3. Firefox Mobile

Firefox Mobile from Mozilla is a secure iOS browser that syncs your devices, allowing easy access to bookmarks, passwords, and history on the go. Its Enhanced Tracking Protection automatically blocks trackers and scripts, keeping your online activities private.

The browser features a private mode that wipes your history and cookies when you’re done. Firefox’s intuitive browsing tools help you quickly navigate to favorite sites and search efficiently. By setting it as your default browser, you support an independent tech company and ensure seamless browsing between your mobile and desktop.

Features:

Enjoy fast browsing with optimal speed.
Browse privately with erasable history mode.
Sync your data across all devices.

Download Firefox Mobile for:

iOS Android

4. Firefox Focus

Firefox Focus, by Mozilla, is a mobile browser designed for quick, private searches without any complications. Ideal for quick look-ups you want to keep private, it features a clean, distraction-free interface for speedy searches. It doesn’t store history, previous sites, or tabs, ensuring your sessions remain confidential. With a single tap, you can erase your browsing history, passwords, and cookies. By blocking numerous ads and trackers, Firefox Focus not only enhances your privacy but also accelerates page loading for a faster browsing experience.

Features:

Design promotes quick, distraction-free searches.
History, passwords, cookies can be erased with one tap.
Pin shortcuts on home screen for favorite sites.
Ad and tracker blocking ensures faster browsing.
Privacy enhanced with superior tracking protection.

Download Firefox Focus for:

iOS Android

5. Microsoft Edge

Microsoft Edge, enhanced with AI and Copilot powered by GPT-4, is a mobile browser that revolutionizes your online experience. It provides detailed summaries, answers questions, and even creates images using DALL-E 3. Prioritizing your privacy, it features tracking prevention, InPrivate browsing, and Microsoft Defender Smartscreen.

Edge also makes shopping smarter with price comparison tools and coupon finders, ensuring a comprehensive and secure browsing experience.

Features:

AI copilot offers comprehensive answers and summarizes pages.
DALL-E 3 creates images from text prompts.
Enhanced privacy with tracking prevention and secure browsing.
AdBlock Plus blocks unwanted ads.
Smart Shopping provides price comparison and cashback.
Password monitoring for potential dark web threats.

Download Microsoft Edge for:

iOS Android

6. Puffin

Puffin Browser is a cloud-powered mobile browser that shifts computing tasks from your device to cloud servers for incredibly fast web page loading. This unique approach not only speeds up browsing but also saves up to 90% of bandwidth with its proprietary technology. Beyond speed, Puffin ensures secure browsing on all networks with encryption and enhances mobile gaming with an on-screen gamepad.

It’s also designed to minimize data usage, making it a fast, secure, and efficient choice for mobile internet users.

Features:

Experience faster browsing powered by cloud computing.
Save up to 90% bandwidth during regular browsing.
Enjoy fast, secure browsing with enhanced encryption.
Control data usage by adjusting streaming and image quality.

Download Puffin for:

iOS Android

7. Ghostery Privacy Browser

Ghostery goes beyond typical ad-blocking; it’s a comprehensive privacy tool available on all browsers and devices. It offers a suite of features to enhance your online privacy, including the ability to block ads and trackers and a private search engine. Built on the reliable Firefox platform, it ensures a secure browsing experience with its private browsing mode and unbiased search options.

Features:

Blocks trackers and intrusive ads on all browsers.
Prevents cookie pop-ups across all browsers.
Integrated private search within the browser.

Download Ghostery for:

iOS Android

8. Brave Browser

Brave Private Web Browser stands out with its integrated Adblock, VPN, and independent Brave Search. Known for its speed, it cuts down page load times and boosts performance. Brave ensures your privacy with advanced features like HTTPS Everywhere, script blocking, and cookie control, offering a secure and efficient browsing environment.

Features:

Ad-free and tracker-free browsing.
Your privacy is protected with enhanced features.
Use Brave Search for private, track-free searching.
Earn rewards while browsing with Brave Rewards.

Download Brave for:

iOS Android

9. Ecosia

Ecosia is a Chromium-based browser with a mission: to plant trees using its search revenue. It provides all essential features like tabs, incognito mode, and bookmarks while ensuring fast browsing with an ad blocker. Ecosia’s commitment to the environment is evident as it funds global tree planting initiatives, fights climate change, and supports communities.

It respects user privacy by not tracking location or selling data and encrypts searches. As a carbon-negative option, Ecosia produces more renewable energy than it consumes, making it an eco-friendly choice for conscious users.

Features:

Browsing without ads with the integrated ad blocker.
Combat climate change by planting trees through search revenue.
Your privacy is protected, they don’t track nor sell data.

Download Ecosia for:

iOS Android

10. Kiwi Browser

Kiwi Browser, based on Chromium and WebKit, offers a familiar and fast browsing experience. It’s known for its speed and includes a robust pop-up blocker and extension support. Unique features like unlocking Facebook Messenger without the app, customizable night mode, and a bottom address bar enhance usability.

Kiwi also allows for homepage customization and provides a comfortable browsing experience tailored to user preferences.

Features:

Powerful pop-up blocking.
Night mode offers comfortable reading.
Privacy is prioritized, blocking trackers.

Download Kiwi for:

iOS Android

11. Stargon Browser

Stargon Browser is a compact, swift Android browser featuring a powerful ad blocker and video download capabilities. It enhances your browsing with gesture controls, dark mode, DNS VPN, and an integrated video player. Focused on privacy and ease of use, Stargon includes a QR code scanner, file manager, and safe browsing options, making it a convenient and secure choice for mobile users.

Features:

No ads for cleaner browsing.
Download videos directly.
Save images easily.
Enjoy low-light browsing with dark theme.
Read distraction-free with reading mode.
Browse privately with incognito mode.

Download Stargon for:

Android

12. Surfy Browser

Surfy Browser is a private web browser designed for an efficient and unique mobile experience. It offers password-protected browsing, customizable themes, and data-saving features. Built for a different kind of mobile web journey, Surfy reduces data usage while providing secure, full-screen reading and browsing sessions, catering to users seeking both privacy and practicality.

Features:

Lock browser or sessions with a password.
Personalize with favorite colors and images.
Listen to content with the voice engine.
Navigate tabs with a simple swipe.
Unlock app or bookmarks using a fingerprint.

Download Surfy for:

Android

13. Tor Browser

Tor Browser, from the Tor Project, is synonymous with extreme privacy and freedom online. It ensures truly private browsing by isolating each website you visit, blocking trackers and ads, and clearing cookies after each session.

Tor defends against surveillance and resists fingerprinting by making all users look the same. It employs multi-layered encryption as your data moves through the Tor network, keeping your activities confidential and allowing access to sites blocked by your local ISP.

Features:

Blocks trackers for private browsing.
Safeguards against surveillance.
Protects identity through fingerprint resistance.
Provides multi-layered encryption.
Enables access to blocked websites.

Download Tor for:

iOS Android

14. Vivaldi Browser

Vivaldi is a feature-rich browser designed to enhance productivity, creativity, and safety. It offers advanced tab management, allowing you to organize and handle tabs efficiently. Vivaldi prioritizes your privacy by blocking trackers and ads and includes a range of tools like note-taking, page translation, and full-page screenshots to streamline your browsing experience.

Features:

Experience safer browsing with enhanced privacy protection.
Smart tools like note-taking and translation.
Advanced tab management features for easy organization.
Keep screens tidy with two-level tab stacks.
Access tools like history and downloads in split-screen.
Personalize settings and explore new features.

Download Vivaldi for:

iOS Android

15. Aloha Browser

Aloha Browser combines a sleek interface with a host of powerful features. It guarantees private browsing with no activity logs and includes an unlimited VPN for secure, anonymous internet access.

Aloha comes with a built-in crypto wallet, an ad blocker for uninterrupted browsing, and full Web3.0 support for blockchain games and platforms. It also features a robust media player, background music play, data saver mode, secure private tabs, and a QR code reader, making it a comprehensive tool for modern internet users.

Features:

Assures privacy with no activity logs.
Offers unlimited secure VPN browsing.
Provides a wallet for multiple cryptocurrencies.
Blocks annoying ads for clean browsing.
Supports Web3 for blockchain game access.

Download Aloha for:

iOS Android

16. Orion Browser

Orion Browser by Kagi is a fast, free, and privacy-centric web browser tailored for iPhone and iPad users. It ensures a smooth browsing experience free from ads and telemetry. With its robust anti-tracking technology and built-in ad-blocker, Orion is dedicated to protecting your online privacy and providing a secure browsing environment.

Features:

Clean browsing without data collection.
Ensures your data remains private.
Blocks ads for smooth browsing.

Download Orion for:

AI assistants connect with external data sources, tools, or systems. This makes them much more useful by allowing them to do things like run code, manage files, and interact with APIs.

In my previous article, we looked at how MCP works, how to install it, and how to use a few MCP servers. In this article, we’ll explore more MCP servers, this time focusing on tools that can help developers save time and work more efficiently.

We’ll continue using Claude to run the MCP servers as it has MCP capabilities built-in, is easy to install, and is compatible with major platforms.

So, let’s dive in!

1. 21st.dev Magic

21st.dev Magic is an AI powered tool that allows you to build modern UI components just by describing them in plain language. It works with popular editors like Cursor, Windsurf, VS Code (with Cline), as well as Claude.

So you can just type what you need, and it will instantly create ready-to-use code. This makes building UI prototypes faster and easier, with less manual work.

Installation

To get started, first create an account at 21st.dev to get your API key. Once you’ve signed up, you can find your API key on the API Access page.

To install the MCP server, add the following configuration and replace [api-key] with your own API key.

{
    "mcpServers": {
        "@21st-dev/magic": {
            "command": "npx",
            "args": [
                "-y",
                "@21st-dev/magic@latest",
                "API_KEY=\"[api-key]\"",
            ]
        }
    }
}

Example Prompts

When sending a prompt to trigger 21st Magic MCP, it’s best to start your prompt with code /ui, for example:

/ui create a signup form

After sending the prompt, you will receive the code for the signup form, usually with some variants. You can then copy and paste this code into your editor to use it.

We can improve our prompt by giving it more detailed instructions, for example:

/ui create a pricing table component with two plans: Free and Pro. Each plan should include a signup button at the bottom.

It’s smart enough to understand the instruction and generates pricing tables with just two plans, as shown below, and even provides some variants.

This is a great MCP server for any designers or developers to create prototypes. It can help you create UI components quickly and easily.

2. Filesystem

The Filesystem MCP Server allows an AI assistant to work with your local filesystem to read, write, and manage files. With this setup, the AI can do things like create folders, move files, or check file details. This makes it easier to automate everyday file tasks and boost your productivity.

Installation

{
    "mcpServers": {
        "filesystem": {
            "command": "npx",
            "args": [
                "-y",
                "@modelcontextprotocol/server-filesystem",
                "/Users/tfirdaus/Desktop"
            ]
        }
    }
}

Example Prompts

Let’s first try with a simple prompt:

how many files are there in my Desktop directory?

As we can see above, it’s smart enough to give us the count and details about the files.

You can even take it a step further by giving more detailed instructions. For example, let’s say your Downloads folder is cluttered with all kinds of files and folders. You could ask it to find all the directories that appear to be WordPress plugins with the following prompt:

find and list all the directories that appear to contain a WordPress plugin. A typical plugin folder includes a readme.txt file and several .php files.

3. MySQL

The MySQL MCP Server allows an AI assistant to connect to a MySQL database so it can run SQL queries, manage database connections, and fetch data. This integration makes it easier to retrieve information using natural language commands.

Installation

To install this server, you need to make sure that you have access to MySQL installed either on your machine or on a remote server. Then add the following:

{
    "mcpServers": {
        "mysql": {
            "command": "npx",
            "args": [
                "-y",
                "@benborla29/mcp-server-mysql"
            ],
            "env": {
                "MYSQL_HOST": "127.0.0.1",
                "MYSQL_PORT": "3306",
                "MYSQL_USER": "[your-mysql-username]",
                "MYSQL_PASS": "[your-mysql-password]",
                "MYSQL_DB": "your_database",
                "ALLOW_INSERT_OPERATION": "false",
                "ALLOW_UPDATE_OPERATION": "false",
                "ALLOW_DELETE_OPERATION": "false",
                "PATH": "/Users/[username]/.nvm/versions/node/v22.14.0/bin:/usr/bin:/bin",
                "NODE_PATH": "/Users/[username]/.nvm/versions/node/v22.14.0/lib/node_modules"
            }
        }
    }
}

Make sure to replace [your-mysql-username] and [your-mysql-password] with your own MySQL username and password. You can also change the MYSQL_DB to the database you want to connect to.

As for the PATH and the NODE_PATH, you can find them by running the following command in your terminal:

which node

Example Prompts

To use the MySQL MCP server, you can start by asking it to show you the tables in your database. For example:

List all the tables from my wordpress database?

As shown above, we get a full list of tables. What’s impressive is that the AI even understands and classifies which tables belong to WordPress Core and which ones are from WooCommerce.

We can also ask it to show us specific data. For example:

Get the ID of all posts where the title starts with "Hello"

And we get the results in a nice table, as shown below:

4. Git

The Git MCP Server allows an AI assistant to interact with a Git repository directly. It supports operations such as cloning repositories, creating branches, committing changes, and viewing logs. This integration allows you to manage your Git workflows using just natural language commands. No need to remember complex Git commands.

Installation

To install this server, you need to have Git installed on your machine. You can check if you have Git installed by running the following command in your terminal:

git --version

Then, you will also need to have the uv command installed.

{
  "mcp": {
    "servers": {
      "git": {
        "command": "uvx",
        "args": ["mcp-server-git"]
      }
    }
  }
}

Example Prompts

Let’s try a simple prompt to check the current branch in a local repository:

Check the current branch in this repository [path-to-repository]

We can also perform more complex operations, such as reverting the latest commit. For example:

Revert the latest commit in this repository [path-to-repository]

It is smart enough to first check if the Git tree is clean, meaning that there are no uncommitted changes. Then, it will revert the latest commit and show you the commit message.

There are many other Git commands that this MCP server can execute, such as Git Checkout, Commit, Create branch, Add, etc.

5. Docker

The Docker MCP Server is an MCP server that lets you manage Docker using natural language. You can create containers with simple prompts, inspect and debug running ones, and handle persistent data through Docker volumes. It’s great for server admins managing remote Docker setups.

Installation

To install this server, you need to have Docker installed on your machine. You can check if you have Docker installed by running the following command in your terminal:

docker --version

Then, add the following configuration to run the MCP server:

"mcp-server-docker": {
    "command": "uvx",
    "args": [
      "mcp-server-docker"
    ]
  }

Example Prompts

First, we can try a simple prompt:

List running containers

Since this MCP server supports many Docker commands—like creating containers, starting them, pulling images, and more—we can try a more advanced prompt, such as:

Run a WordPress container using the official image, with MySQL, and Nginx running on port 8000.

This command will set up three containers: one for WordPress using the official image, one for MySQL, and another for Nginx, which will run on port 8000.

Wrapping Up

In this article, we have explored MCP servers that can help you work more efficiently. These servers allow you to automate tasks and interact with internal systems in your local or external services using natural language commands.

You can send prompts that will trigger these MCP servers and save you a lot of time and effort in your daily work.

We hope you find this article helpful and that you can use these MCP servers to boost your productivity.

The post 5 Powerful MCP Servers To Transform Your Development Workflow appeared first on Hongkiat.

Best Business VPN Services for Enterprise Security

Hongkiat.com — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 07:00:50 +0000

In the aftermath of the pandemic, there has been a growing trend of remote working and virtual work environments. To enable your remote workers and virtual teams to connect to your corporate network securely, you need a business VPN service.

A Business VPN shields your corporate data from security threats, enabling virtual workers to connect securely to your company network.

But that’s not all. This post highlights some of the most important benefits of using a business VPN – and if you’re convinced enough, you can take a look at the best business VPN service available today and see which one works best for your business.

Name	Key Feature	Price
NordLayer	Multi-layered security with easy setup and management for businesses of all sizes	From $7/user/month
Perimeter81	Feature-rich cyber security with intuitive dashboard and real-time monitoring	From $8/user/month
Twingate	Zero-trust access solution with cloud-based infrastructure support	From $5/user/month
TorGuard	Multi-platform VPN with strict encryption and dedicated support team	From $32/month (5 users)
StrongVPN	WireGuard Protocol support with fast performance and zero logging	From $3.66/month

How Can Companies Benefit From a Business VPN?

Either you run a big corporation or small/medium enterprise, if you work with a virtual team or have branches in other places, then it becomes imperative to use a business VPN.

Why you ask? Well, here is a list of benefits your company can get from using a business VPN:

Secure connectivity to the company network and shared resources.
Business data protection from security threats like hacking and surveillance.
Enhanced security for a low cost, especially for startups and small businesses.
Connect securely from anywhere – even from a public network.
Bypass geo-restrictions (if any) for remote workers in the country/region that has blocked access to company resources.
Easier to set up and maintainance compared to other network security solutions.

Top Business VPN Services in the Industry

So you decided to get a business VPN owing to the security and connectivity requirements of your company and you’re on the lookout for the best one that aligns with your particular needs.

In the following I’m going to give a brief description of some of the best business VPN services along with their specific features and pricing options so you can make an informed decision.

1. NordLayer

NordLayer is one of the best business VPN providers in the market that’s designed specifically for enhanced business data security for big and small businesses. With its reliable and multi-layered data security features, your remote workforce can safely connect to your network infrastructure.

If we talk about ease of use, NordLayer surpasses all other solutions in this category. It is really simple to set it up (without requiring additional resources), integrate it with your existing infrastructure, and scale it according to the ever-fluctuating requirements of a growing business. With an intuitive control panel, you can monitor user activity, implement security policies, and manage licenses.

Moreover, to manage a user base of more than 40,000 users from 5500 companies worldwide, NordLayer offers efficient and reliable customer support with a record response time as well as a comprehensive blog and FAQ section right on the website.

NordLayer’s features:

Backed by certified information security management systems and military-grade encryption, NordLayer offers some powerful features including:

Multi-layered network security – 2-factor authentication, SSO, auto-connect, threat block, custom DNS, network segmentation, rooted device detection, and smart access, among many others.
Hardware-free setup so you can quickly integrate it within your existing infrastructure and start using a secure network within no time.
Reliable global network of 30+ server locations ideal for conducting product performance tests in any market around the world.
Hybrid work security providing secure access to the company network, managing user verification, and endpoint protection for employee devices.
Integration with many network equipment and endpoints including Google Workspace, Azure, Okta, Amazon Web Services, and OneLogin, etc.
Centralized control panel to implement network security policies, monitor user activity, and manage license transferability all through an intuitive interface.
24/7 customer support offered by network specialists with a response time of under a minute.

Pricing:

NordLayer offers different pricing plans according to client’s requirements ranging from:

Basic: $7/user/month, and
Advanced: $9/user/month.

You can also get a Custom Plan for your particular needs after a free consultation with NordLayer specialists.

Get NordLayer Business VPN

2. Perimeter81

Perimeter81 offers a reliable VPN security platform for your business network. It offers a feature-rich cyber security experience that adheres to high standards of software security. Plus, you can find multiple data security solutions customized to your particular industry or business needs.

To develop and manage your security network, Perimeter81 gives you an easy-to-use dashboard that gives you an overview of your network policies and access information. Additionally, you can check user activity in real-time through graphs and charts.

Perimeter81 is pretty simple to install and integrates in your existing network. It also saves you a lot of time that is otherwise wasted in dealing with cyber complexity.

Perimeter81’s features:

Here are some of the features you can look forward to in Perimeter81 business VPN:

Access control encryption for strict data protection.
Easy user management through intuitive dashboard.
Real-time endpoint awareness for all user devices.
Total network visibility to keep an eye on all user activity.
Multi-factor authentication for an extra layer of security where needed.
Split tunneling and secure web gateway.

Pricing:

Perimeter81 offers an array of pricing options including:

Essential: $8/user/month,
Premium: $12/user/month,
Premium Plus: $16/user/month, and
Enterprise with customized security features for your needs.

Get Perimeter81 Business VPN

3. Twingate

Twingate is not exactly a business VPN, but a cloud-based service that’s focused on advanced network security. It offers a zero-trust access (ZTA) solution for your remote workforce to give them fast and secure access to your corporate network.

You can deploy the Twingate VPN in your network or any of the popular cloud-based infrastructures through its lightweight connectors. It supports Amazon Web Services, Azure, Google Cloud Platform, SCIM, One Login as well as Linux server.

What sets Twingate apart is its user-friendly functionality and advanced security features that quietly run in the background and don’t impact user performance or latency.

Twingate’s features:

The security features offered by Twingate are quite similar to a business VPN and here are some of the best:

Split tunneling at the network resource level
Fast and easy set up with efficient management through a simple dashboard
Set software-based filters instead of gateways
Universal multi-level authentication that you can implement on anything including SSH
Real-time insights on user activity in the network
Strong device control to protect sensitive corporate data

Pricing:

Twingate offers a free starter package with a limited number of users and devices. For more advanced features there is:

Teams: $5/user/month, and
Business: $10/user/month.

If your company needs specialized access controls, then you can get a quote on the Enterprise Custom package.

Get Twingate Business VPN

4. TorGuard

If you’re looking for a simple and straightforward business VPN solution, then TorGuard would suit you the best. It’s a multi-platform VPN service (supports Windows, macOS, and mobile VPN apps) that allows you to access your company network or business data securely and from anywhere in the world.

With strict encryption and using the strongest protocols, TorGuard ensures there are no corporate data leaks and users connect securely with your network even if they’re using a public WiFi. Also, it offers a dedicated customer support team of account managers with sufficient tech know-how to help resolve your day-to-day issues.

TorGuard’s features:

TorGuard offers many network security features for businesses of all sizes. Some of these features include:

Professional account admin dashboard to manage users and other settings
Custom server setup available on different pricing plans
Unblock any app or online service with stealth VPN and proxy service
Tunnel encryption feature so every employee can have a secure access to the cloud
Add logo to the management panel to give it a professional look
Unlimited bandwidth and lightning fast speed

Pricing:

TorGuard comes with different pricing plans categorized in line with your specific business needs. These include:

Starter: $32/month (5 users),
Small: $69/month (10 users),
Medium: $110/month (15 users), and
Large: $169/month (20 users).

Get TorGuard Business VPN

5. StrongVPN

As the name suggests, StrongVPN comes with some powerful features for protecting your company’s privacy and securing business data. It’s a multi-platform VPN app that supports Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Chromebook, and Linux etc.

One of the most interesting features of StrongVPN is that it allows you to connect with the WireGuard Protocol that gives faster speed, increased performance, and takes up less resources on your system. Also, your virtual teams can connect easily and with the utmost securely from any location, including public WiFi.

StrongVPN’s features:

Apart from the WireGuard Protocol, StrongVPN offers many other cool features including:

Strong DNS that lets you change your location for added privacy.
IP address masking so you can conceal your activities from third-party spying.
Zero logging that ensures your private and business data is never tracked, stored or sold.
Multi-platform service offering apps for many PC and mobile devices.

Pricing:

StrongVPN has two pricing plans based on how you want it to be billed. There are:

Monthly Plan: $10.99, and
Annual Plan: $3.66.

Additionally, if you opt for the Annual plan, you can avail a 30-day free trial with money-back guarantee.

Get StrongVPN Business VPN

FAQ

Why does my business need a VPN?

Businesses use VPNs to ensure the security of data transmissions, especially when employees are working remotely or using public Wi-Fi networks. VPNs help protect against data breaches, cyber threats, and ensure that remote access to the business network is secure and private.

How does a Business VPN differ from a personal VPN?

A Business VPN is designed to accommodate multiple users, offering advanced management features, dedicated servers, and the ability to integrate with enterprise IT infrastructure. In contrast, a personal VPN is intended for individual use, with a focus on privacy and bypassing geo-restrictions.

Can a Business VPN improve internet speed?

While a VPN encrypts data traffic, which can sometimes slow down the connection, the impact on internet speed is usually minimal. In some cases, it can bypass ISP throttling, potentially improving speed when accessing certain resources.

How do I choose the right Business VPN provider?

When choosing a Business VPN provider, consider factors like security features (encryption standards), server locations, bandwidth limits, user management capabilities, customer support, and compliance with industry regulations.

Is it difficult to set up a Business VPN?

Setting up a Business VPN can vary in complexity depending on the provider. Many offer user-friendly interfaces and support to assist with setup. It’s essential to follow the provider’s guidelines and, if necessary, consult with IT professionals to ensure proper configuration.

Are there any downsides to using a Business VPN?

While Business VPNs offer significant security benefits, they may introduce complexity in network management and can sometimes cause slower internet speeds due to encryption overhead. It’s important to select a reputable provider and configure the VPN properly to minimize these issues.

The post Best Business VPN Services for Enterprise Security appeared first on Hongkiat.

20 Essential Digital Tools for Freelancers

Hongkiat Lim — Fri, 18 Jul 2025 10:00:56 +0000

Freelancing has witnessed a significant upswing, with an increasing number of professionals choosing it for its autonomy and flexibility.

Freelancers represent a substantial segment of the global workforce, making impactful contributions across various sectors. Globally, an estimated 1.2 billion freelancers account for more than 34% of the worldwide workforce.

This article will guide you through the latest technological and software innovations designed to boost productivity, streamline workflows, and enhance communication for those pursuing independent careers in diverse domains. It emphasizes tools that are particularly useful for freelancers.

Project Management Tools

Project management tools are vital for a freelancer’s workflow, offering a unified platform to manage tasks, collaborate with clients and teams, and ensure projects are completed on schedule.

Related: More Project Management Tools

Monday.com

Monday.com is a project management tool that enhances team collaboration and project oversight. With its customizable boards and workflows, Monday.com meets a wide range of project management requirements.

Why It’s Great:

Visual Workspaces: Tailor boards and workflows for a visual snapshot of your projects.
Team Collaboration: Enable real-time collaboration with features for communication, file sharing, and updates.
Automation: Streamline your workflow and increase efficiency by automating repetitive tasks.

Pricing:

Basic Plan: /user/month.
Standard Plan: 0/user/month.
Pro Plan: 6/user/month.

Learn more about Monday.com

Trello

Trello is a project management tool designed for collaborative task organization and team coordination. Its user-friendly interface and adaptable framework make it a favored option for those seeking a visual and straightforward project management solution.

Why It’s Great:

Visual Boards: Organize tasks on boards for a comprehensive view of project status.
Flexible Card System: Customize cards to represent tasks, complete with due dates, attachments, and checklists.
Team Collaboration: Enhance teamwork with task assignments, comments, and file sharing within cards.

Pricing:

Free Plan: Access core features for basic project management needs.
Trello Business Class: 0/user/month when billed monthly.
Trello Enterprise: 7.50/user/month when billed monthly.

Learn more about Trello

Asana

Asana is a project management tool designed to enhance team collaboration and task organization. Its intuitive interface and extensive features make it an excellent choice for teams of various sizes.

Why It’s Great:

Task Organization: Easily categorize and prioritize tasks, fostering efficient project management.
Collaborative Features: Support team collaboration with task assignments, comments, and file sharing.
Project Visualization: Employ timeline and calendar views for a clear overview of project timelines and schedules.

Pricing:

Free Plan: Basic features suitable for small teams and individual use.
Asana Premium: 0.99/user/month.
Asana Business: 4.99/user/month.

Learn more about Asana

Financial Management Tools

Financial management tools are essential for freelancers to streamline invoicing, billing, and expense tracking, promoting financial stability and growth.

FreshBooks

FreshBooks is an accounting and invoicing software tailored for small businesses and freelancers, providing easy-to-use tools for efficient financial management.

Why It’s Great:

Invoicing and Payments: Enables the creation of professional invoices, facilitates payments, and automates recurring billing.
Expense Tracking: Simplifies the process of tracking expenses, making it easy to categorize and manage financial outgoings.
Time Tracking: Offers integrated time tracking to ensure accurate billing and effective project management.
Reporting: Generates comprehensive financial reports for a deeper understanding of business performance.

Pricing:

Lite: 1/month or 26.80/year
Plus: 8/month or 10.40/year
Premium: 5/month or 02.00/year

Learn more about FreshBooks

QuickBooks

QuickBooks is a accounting software tailored for small and medium-sized businesses, offering features for bookkeeping, invoicing, and financial reporting.

Why It’s Great:

Invoicing and Payments: Streamlines the creation of professional invoices and facilitates payment processing.
Expense Tracking: Simplifies the tracking and categorization of business expenses for precise financial records.
Financial Reporting: Provides the ability to generate detailed financial reports to assess business performance.
Tax Preparation: Aids in tax preparation by efficiently organizing financial data and transactions.

Pricing:

Simple Start: 3.94/month.
Essentials: 1.50/month.
Plus: 8.78/month.

Learn more about QuickBooks

Wave

Wave is a accounting software designed for small businesses, freelancers, and entrepreneurs, featuring tools for invoicing, accounting, and receipt tracking.

Why It’s Great:

Invoicing and Payments: Create and dispatch professional invoices and manage payments online.
Accounting Tools: Streamlines accounting with robust expense tracking and financial reporting capabilities.
Payroll Services: Offers integrated payroll services for streamlined salary and tax management.
Free Accounting Software: Provides a complimentary accounting solution with essential features.

Pricing:

Wave Accounting: Free.
Wave Invoicing: Free.
Wave Payroll: Offers payroll services with pricing tailored to location and business needs.

Learn more about Wave

Time Tracking and Productivity Tools

For freelancers, time is an invaluable resource. Time tracking tools provide insights into how time is spent, promoting better management and enhanced productivity.

Related: Check out our posts on time tracking tools that works on browser, or for Mac.

Toggl:

Toggl is a time-tracking and productivity tool tailored for both individuals and teams. With its straightforward interface and comprehensive reporting, Toggl aids users in understanding and optimizing their time.

Why It’s Great:

Time Tracking: Easily monitor time spent on tasks and projects with a straightforward timer.
Project Visualization: Gain insights into project timelines and team activities with detailed reports.
Integration: Seamlessly connect with various project management tools to enhance workflow tracking.

Pricing:

Free Plan: Essential time tracking features for individuals.
Toggl Starter: /user/month.
Toggl Business: 5/user/month.

Learn more about Toggl:

RescueTime

RescueTime is a tool designed to enhance productivity by helping individuals and teams understand and manage their digital habits. It analyzes computer usage to offer valuable insights into time management.

Why It’s Great:

Activity Tracking: Monitors and categorizes computer activities to shed light on time usage patterns.
Goal Setting: Enables users to set productivity goals and tracks progress, offering feedback for improvement.
Focus Metrics: Assesses focus and distraction levels to help optimize work habits and productivity.

Pricing:

Free Plan: Offers basic time tracking and productivity insights.
RescueTime Premium: 2/month or 8/year.

Learn more about RescueTime

Focus@Will

Focus@Will utilizes neuroscience and music to boost concentration and focus during work or study. It’s designed to enhance productivity through a personalized auditory environment.

Why It’s Great:

Neuroscience-Backed Music: Offers music channels scientifically designed to enhance focus and productivity.
Personalized Experience: Tailors music selections to individual preferences and task requirements.
Timer Functionality: Features customizable timers to structure work sessions and breaks effectively.

Pricing:

Free Plan: Provides limited access to features and music channels.
Focus@Will Plus: .49/month or 2.49/year.

Learn more about Focus@Will

Communication and Collaboration Tools

Effective communication is crucial for freelancers, especially when projects involve remote collaboration. Tools for communication and collaboration ensure smooth interactions with clients and team members.

Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Teams is an all-encompassing collaboration platform that integrates chat, video conferencing, file sharing, and app integration, creating a unified hub for teamwork within the Microsoft 365 ecosystem.

Why It’s Great:

Chat and Communication: Offers real-time chat and communication tools for continuous team interaction.
File Sharing: Enables integrated file sharing and collaborative document editing directly within the platform.
Video Conferencing: Provides comprehensive video conferencing capabilities for effective virtual meetings.
App Integration: Supports extensive integration with Microsoft 365 and a wide range of third-party applications.

Pricing:

Essentials Plan: /user/month.
Microsoft 365 Business Basic: /user/month.
Microsoft 365 Business Standard: 2.50/user/month.

Learn more about Microsoft Teams

Slack

Slack is a dynamic team collaboration platform that enhances communication through channels, direct messages, and integrations, fostering team connectivity and productivity.

Why It’s Great:

Channel-Based Communication: Organizes discussions into channels for efficient and structured team interactions.
Integration Hub: Offers extensive integrations with third-party apps to create a centralized workspace.
Direct Messaging: Enables direct messaging and file sharing for personalized or small group conversations.

Pricing:

Free Plan: Provides basic features suitable for small teams and casual users.
Slack Standard: .25/user/month.
Slack Business: 2.50/user/month.

Learn more about Slack

Dropbox

Dropbox is a cloud-based file storage and collaboration platform that enables users to securely store, access, and share files from any device.

Why It’s Great:

File Sync and Sharing: Ensures seamless file synchronization and sharing across various devices and with team members.
Collaborative Workspaces: Allows the creation of shared folders and files for collaborative workspaces.
Offline Access: Provides the ability to access files offline, ensuring continued productivity regardless of internet availability.

Pricing:

Basic Plan: Free, offering limited storage and features.
Dropbox Plus: .99/month.
Dropbox Business: 0/month.

Learn more about Dropbox

Online Portfolio Platforms

An online portfolio is a critical tool for freelancers, serving as a virtual showcase of their work, skills, and achievements to attract potential clients.

Behance

Behance is a leading platform for creative professionals to display their work, engage with a global creative community, and explore a wide array of inspirational projects.

Why It’s Great:

Portfolio Showcase: Offers a platform to create an attractive portfolio and present creative projects.
Community Connection: Engage with an international community of creatives for exposure and feedback.
Project Discovery: Explore and draw inspiration from a diverse range of creative projects.
Job Opportunities: Access various job openings and freelance opportunities within the creative field.

Pricing:

Startup Plan: 9/month.
Behance Pro Agent: 0/month (usage-based).

Learn more about Behance

Dribbble

30 Innovative Computer Keyboards for Gaming and Professional Work

Ashutosh KS — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 07:00:20 +0000

Discover the world of innovative computer keyboards with our handpicked list of 30 cool keyboards that are a must-buy! Keyboards have evolved far beyond just typing; they’re now an integral part of gaming experiences, and can even be your go-to navigation tool when your mouse takes a day off.

For those who crave uniqueness and style in every aspect of their computing experience, this list is a treasure trove. Featuring keyboards that are more than just functional – they’re almost art pieces. Each item on our list is not just a concept; they are available for purchase through provided links. Get ready to elevate your typing and gaming experience with these extraordinary keyboards!

Logitech K780 Keyboard

4.99

Logitech K780 can connect up to three devices via Bluetooth. It offers a stand to hold your mobile or tablet and comes with beautiful, rounded keys. Logitech K780 is compatible with Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android devices.

Get from Amazon

Microsoft Foldable Keyboard

4.99

This foldable keyboard is easy to carry, thanks to its ultra-thin, foldable, and lightweight design. It pairs simultaneously with two devices, and you can switch between them by pressing a button. It avails a rechargeable battery as well.

Get from Amazon

iPazzPort Mini Keyboard

3.95

This mini-keyboard from iPazzPort comes with an ergonomic design and a sensitive touchpad that makes it look adorable. It has media control keys as well as gaming keys, making it an all-in-one keyboard and remote control device.

Get from Amazon

Logitech G413 Carbon

9.99

Level up your gaming with the Logitech G413 Carbon Keyboard. It boasts smart lighting, a USB pass-through port, and versatile function keys with media controls, game mode, and programmable macros for an enhanced gaming experience.

Get from Amazon

Corsair K95 Platinum

42.51

The Corsair K95 RGB Platinum Keyboard is a gamer’s dream, featuring dynamic, adjustable multi-color keylighting, six programmable gaming keys, and advanced anti-ghosting technology for an unparalleled gaming session.

Get from Amazon

Keychron K2 Keyboard

9.00

Explore seamless connectivity with the Keychron K2 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard. This compact powerhouse offers tactile Gateron G Pro switches, large battery life, and multi-device Bluetooth 5.1 pairing, perfect for various uses from gaming to office work.

Get from Keychron

Razer BlackWidow Keyboard

89.99

Dive into a customizable gaming world with the Razer BlackWidow V4 75%. This compact keyboard boasts hot-swappable keys, Razer Chroma RGB lighting, and an aluminum case, enhancing your gaming with style and performance.

Get from Razer

F77 Model F Keyboard

start from 25.00

F77 Model F Keyboard is a resurrection of the classic keyboard, the IBM Model F, which was very popular during the early days of computers. While making an order, you can customize its layout (including its right-side block), keys, color, etc.

Get from Model F Keyboards

Atrix FPS Keyboard

0.98

Designed for FPS enthusiasts, the Atrix FPS Wired Mechanical Keyboard delivers rapid response and tactile feedback. Outemu brown switches, full RGB lighting, and a compact form factor make it a top choice for competitive gaming.

Get from GameStop

MonsGeek M2

29.99

The MonsGeek M2 offers a compact 1800 layout with a two-piece aluminum case and QMK firmware compatibility. Perfect for customization enthusiasts, it includes south-facing LEDs and supports various mods for a personalized typing experience.

Get from The Key Company

Das MacTigr Keyboard

99.00

For Mac users seeking elegance and efficiency, the Das Keyboard MacTigr stands out. This 100% metal keyboard features low-profile Cherry MX red switches, a built-in USB-C hub, and durable PBT keycaps for a premium typing experience.

Get from Das Keyboard

K100 RGB Keyboard

49.99

Experience ultra-fast gaming with the Corsair K100 RGB. Its aluminum build, dynamic RGB lighting, and Corsair OPX switches provide unmatched speed and style. Advanced features like 8,000Hz hyper-polling technology elevate your gaming sessions.

Get from Corsair

Logitech K400 Plus

4.99

This keyboard comes with a touchpad and has long-range wireless connectivity so that you can work comfortably from a distance. Interestingly, it boasts of a plug-and-play setup that connects up to six devices and battery life of more than a year.

Get from Amazon

POP Keys Keyboard

9.99

Brighten up your workspace with the POP Keys Wireless Mechanical Keyboard. Its playful design, customizable emoji keys, and typewriter-style mechanical switches add a fun, personal touch to your daily typing.

Get from Logitech

Keyboard 81 Pro

19.00

The Keyboard 81 Pro redefines efficiency with its unique three-segment switch and Marble-mallow keycaps. Suitable for diverse operating systems, it offers a comfortable typing experience, ideal for both work and gaming environments.

Get from OnePlus

iClever Folding Keyboard

9.99

The iClever Folding Keyboard with Touchpad redefines portability. This unique, foldable keyboard with a durable aluminum body and integrated touchpad connects to three devices at once, fitting perfectly in your pocket.

Get from Amazon

Mad Catz S.T.R.I.K.E.TE

59.99

Mad Catz S.T.R.I.K.E.TE Tournament Edition Gaming Keyboard is tailored for gamers with its modular design, adjustable palm rests, removable numpad, and E.Y.E OLED display for enhanced gaming control and comfort.

Get from Amazon

BlueFinger Keyboard

5.99

Stand out with the BlueFinger Mechanical Computer Keyboard. Its unique crack pattern, backlit design, and 10 multimedia keys make it a visually striking and functional choice for gamers.

Get from Amazon

Sungwoo Silicone Keyboard

9.99

The Sungwoo Foldable Silicone Keyboard offers unparalleled flexibility. Waterproof, lightweight, and made from non-toxic silicone, this keyboard can be easily rolled up for silent typing on the go.

Get from Amazon

cyber thefts and hackers, and most of them do not have protection against it.

VPNs are generally not expensive, but they can still add to your annual expenses. But thankfully, there are some VPNs out there that you can use for free. Whether you want to try it out before buying/subscribing or merely using it without paying, here’s a list of free VPN providers you might want to check out.

In Our List:

VPN Service	Platforms	Bandwidth Limit
PrivadoVPN	Windows, macOS, Android, iOS	10 GB/month
ProtonVPN	Windows, macOS, Android, iOS	Unlimited
Windscribe	Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Opera	10 GB/month
AtlasVPN	Windows, macOS, Android, iOS	Unlimited
Hotspot Shield	Windows, macOS, Android, iOS	500 MB/day
TunnelBear	Windows, macOS, Android, iOS	500 MB/month
Hide.me	Windows, macOS, Android, iOS	10 GB/month
Psiphon	Windows, Android, iOS	Unlimited
FinchVPN	Windows, macOS, Android, iOS	3 GB/month
Zenmate	Chrome, Firefox, Edge (browser extension)	Unlimited
SecurityKISS	Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, routers	300 MB/day
Hideman	Windows, macOS, Android, iOS	4 hours/week
Speedify	Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux	2 GB/month
Kaspersky VPN	Windows, macOS, Android, iOS	200 MB/day
Datho VPN	Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux	Unlimited
Avira Phantom VPN	Windows, macOS, Android, iOS	500 MB/month

1. PrivadoVPN

Pros

Safe and secure.
No-logs policy.
It has a kill switch.

Cons

Limited servers.
Limited to 10 GB data usage per month.

PrivadoVPN, like other VPNs, helps users to keep their anonymity and bypass censorship for unregulated access to all the contents that they seek.

Regarding security, they are generous because they give the same level of security for both free and premium versions like IP masking, point-to-point encryption, and so on. But of course, the free version has its limits because it only has 12 global servers for the free version.

PrivadoVPN is available on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. You can also get their service on other devices by following their step-by-step instructions.

Try PrivadoVPN

2. ProtonVPN

Pros

No-logs policy.
Safe and secure connection.
Unlimited data usage.
Available for desktops and mobile devices (Android and iOS).

Cons

Lower Internet speed for free users.
VPN connection is limited to one device.
Server locations are limited to three countries (Japan, US, and the Netherlands).

Some VPNs offer free services but what most users don’t know is that they sell your information to advertising companies to profit off of your device. ProtonVPN doesn’t do that, while they do have a paid version of their service, there’s no catch for free users, your browsing experience will be safe and worry-free.

Moreover, ProtonVPN has no cap limit on your data usage compared to most VPNs out there that have a daily or monthly data usage limit. But it’s not all positive, here are the pros and cons of ProtonVPN.

Try ProtonVPN

3. Windscribe

Pros

Safe and secure connection.
Up to 10 server locations.
Blocks ads and malware with the browser extension.
Available for desktops and mobile devices (Android and iOS).
Has a built-in firewall for desktop.

Cons

Limited to 10 GB data usage per month.
Logs data about the amount of data we’ve used and the times of our connections.

Another popular VPN that helps protect your privacy, grants access to blocked content in your country, and can even block ads. It is available as an application and has a web browser extension for Chrome, Firefox, and Opera.

Windscribe gives you a 10 GB data allowance per month, which isn’t much if you’d think about it, but you have the option to use it only when browsing while doing other stuff online like video calls without consuming your monthly data allowance. They also offer additional data allowance through referrals, tweets about Windscribe, and simply visiting their official Subreddit.

Try Windscribe VPN

4. AtlasVPN

Pros

Free version has many features.
No-logs policy for user privacy.
High-speed streaming through streaming-optimized servers.

Cons

No browser extension.
Small server network and only based in US.
Certain features are missing in the desktop version.

Atlas VPN lets you browse the internet without the risk of threats and privacy concerns. It routes your traffic through an encrypted tunnel and masks your IP address so you can easily bypass geo-restrictions.

To uphold user privacy, Atlas VPN follows a strict no-logs policy so none of your online activity is tracked by the VPN or anyone else. Moreover, it supports many popular streaming services and offers high-speed streaming through streaming-optimized servers.

Try AtlasVPN

5. Hotspot Shield

Pros

No-logs policy.
500 MB of data usage per day.
Available for desktops and mobile devices (Android and iOS).

Cons

Limited to US-based servers.
VPN connection is limited to one device.
2 Mbps speed limit.

This VPN also has a strict “no logs” policy. This means that your personal information is not recorded or collected by their system. They also use military-grade protection, so rest assured that you will remain anonymous and protected from viruses, and cyber-attacks.

The free version of this VPN gives you an allowance of 500 MB of data per day, which is quite generous compared to other free VPNs. Here are the pros and cons.

Try Hotspot Shield VPN

6. TunnelBear

Pros

No-logs policy.
VPN connection is up to 5 devices simultaneously.
Over 20 server locations.
Available for desktops and mobile devices (Android and iOS).

Cons

Limited to 500 MB data usage per month.
Doesn’t work with Netflix.

Similar to other VPNs, TunnerBear encrypts your device’s incoming and outgoing data, protecting your online privacy and allowing you to access global content that isn’t available in your county. TunnelBear also took a different approach by providing easy-to-use features helping users to access and switch between servers with ease. Pros and cons of using TunnelBear are:

Try TunnelBear VPN

7. Hide.me

Pros

No-logs policy.
No ads.
Good internet speed.

Cons

VPN connection is limited to one device.
Limited to 10 GB data usage per month.
Only 5 available servers for free users.

This is one of the best free VPNs out there today; although there will be limits for free users, the overall service that it can provide without you paying a penny is really good. They stated that the free service that they offer is their way of reinstating that Internet Privacy is a basic human right and that they don’t compromise the logs and security features for free users. Instead, they give additional benefits to their premium users.

Try Hide.me VPN

8. Psiphon

Pros

Available for Windows, iOS, and Android devices.
Unlimited Data usage.
Over 20 server locations.
AD free and no unwanted app permissions.

Cons

2 Mbps speed average.
Not available for macOS, Linux, or routers.
Doesn’t work with Netflix.
No VPN kill switch.
Not a privacy protection tool.

It is a circumvention tool that makes use of VPN, SSH, and HTTP Proxy technology, allowing you to bypass securities and restrictions to gain access to videos and other contents currently blocked or censored in your campus, corporation, or country. Browse freely using public wifi without any worries and give you the freedom that you deserve.

This VPN is not a privacy tool, though, and they are transparent about it, stating that it should not be considered an online security tool.

Try Psiphon VPN

9. FinchVPN

Pros

It has anti-DPI (Can bypass Securities that blocks VPN).
Available for desktops and mobile devices (Android and iOS).

Cons

Doesn’t work with Netflix.
Limited to 3 GB data usage per month.
It saves the records and connection logs of the user.
VPN connection is limited to one device.

This VPN also has a free version that you can make use of. It allows you to use unsecured public WiFi with no worries, encrypts all your information to protect your private information, and unblocks all contents that are unavailable in your region, area, or country. Like other VPNs, it can also improve your connection speed when surfing or browsing.

Try FinchVPN

10. Zenmate

Pros

No-logs policy.
Can work with Netflix.
It has a kill switch.

Cons

Only free as a browser extension.
Unreliable streaming servers.
2 Mbps speed limit.

Zenmate is a premium VPN that offers a free VPN browser extension that is available for Chrome, Firefox, and edge. You would have to buy the premium version to use it on mobile. It uses strong encryption that hides your real IP address and it grants you access to restricted websites and contents. It even works with Netflix and supports torrenting.

Try Zenmate VPN

11. SecurityKISS

Pros

No-logs policy.
No ads.
Supports multiple OS including Linux and routers.

Cons

Limited to 300 MB data usage per day.
Only 4 available servers for free users.
Slow internet speed.

This is another top-notch free VPN that values user privacy. They have stated that they do not store any log data and they also provide an Ad-free environment, thus securing your personal data from advertisers and hackers. The SecurityKISS VPN also supports multiple operating systems, including Linux and routers.

Despite its limitations, SecurityKISS remains one of the top free VPNs out there.

Try SecurityKISS VPN

12. Hideman

Pros

No-logs policy.
No ads.
Available for desktops and mobile devices (Android and iOS).

Cons

Limited to 4 hours of usage per week.
Only 5 available servers for free users.
Slow internet speed.

Hideman VPN is another good option if you’re looking for a free VPN provider. They provide a secure connection and hide your identity while browsing the internet. They have a free version that has limitations such as speed, server locations, and usage time.

Hideman VPN is available for desktops and mobile devices (Android and iOS).

Try Hideman VPN

13. Speedify

Pros

Channel bonding for faster speeds.
No-logs policy.
Supports Linux.

Cons

Limited to 2 GB data usage per month.
VPN connection is limited to one device.
Limited features in the free version.

Speedify stands out with its channel bonding technology, which combines multiple internet connections (like Wi-Fi and cellular) for increased speed and reliability. While the free plan has data limits, it offers a good glimpse into its performance-enhancing features.

It maintains a no-logs policy and provides robust encryption, ensuring your online activities remain private. Speedify is available across a wide range of platforms, including Linux.

Try Speedify VPN

14. Kaspersky VPN

Pros

Backed by a reputable security company.
Kill switch feature included.
Simple and easy-to-use interface.

Cons

Limited to 200 MB data usage per day.
No server selection in the free version (connects automatically).
Some logging (connection timestamps, data volume).

From the well-known cybersecurity company, Kaspersky VPN Secure Connection offers a free tier f

3 Ways to Run Linux in macOS

Thoriq Firdaus — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 13:00:31 +0000

If you’re a developer on a Mac, you might find yourself needing a real Linux environment. While macOS shares some similarities with Linux, it doesn’t always match the environments, the tools, or behavior of a true Linux system.

Running Linux on your Mac helps make your setup more like the servers where your apps or websites will eventually live, which means fewer surprises when you deploy your work.

In this article, we’ll explore three easy ways to bring Linux into your Mac workflow which can help you build, test, and experiment more efficiently right from your Mac.

Without further ado, let’s check it out.

1. Using Docker Container

Docker is a popular tool that brings containerization into your macOS. It allows you bundle your app and everything it needs like libraries and settings into something called a “container”. This container ensures your app runs the same way everywhere, whether it’s on your macOS or on a server.

Installation

To install Docker on your macOS, you’ll first need to make sure that system meets the basic requirements; you’ll need macOS 10.15 (Catalina) or newer, and at least 4 GB of RAM. Although I think it’ll be better to get 8 GB or more for the better performance.

Then, get the .dmg file from the Docker site. Be sure to choose the version that matches your Mac’s processor, Apple Silicon or Intel.

Once downloaded, open the .dmg file and follow the installation instruction.

After the installation is complete, you confirm everything is working by running the following command in Terminal:

docker --version

If you see a version number, you’re all set!

Running a Linux Container

Let’s say you want to use Docker to run a Linux environment (like Ubuntu), and you also want the container to have access to a folder from your macOS, maybe to run files or apps.

You can do this by mounting a directory using the -v flag. For example:

docker run -it -v ~/Projects:/workspace ubuntu:latest /bin/bash

This command will first download the latest Ubuntu image (if you don’t already have it) and then start an interactive command line inside the container.

At this point, you are effectively “inside” a Linux environment, ready to type Linux commands.

Instead of using the latest tag, it is generally recommended to use a specific version of the image, like ubuntu:20.04, to ensure consistency in your environment. You can replace latest with any specific version you need, for example:

docker run -it -v ~/Sites/hkdc/ubuntu:/workspace ubuntu:20.04 /bin/bash

We can check the version and can confirm that we are now running Ubuntu version 20.04.

Now, that we’ve run Linux using Docker, let’s see an alternative way.

2. Using OrbStack

OrbStack is a newer, faster alternative to Docker Desktop, made for macOS. Aside of a Docker container, OrbStack is also capable of running a lightweight virtual machine to run Linux.

Let’s see how this works.

Installation

First, we are going to install OrbStack.

The easiest and best way to install OrbStack on macOS is by using Homebrew Cask. You can open your Terminal app and type this command:

brew install --cask orbstack

Or, download the installer file from the website.

Running Linux VM

OrbStack support various Linux distros that you can run, including Ubuntu, Debian, OpenSuse, and even Arch.

To create these Linux virtual machines, you can open the OrbStack app, pick your favorite Linux version, and create a new machine using the visual interface.

Or, you can do it automatically using the command line:

orb create ubuntu local-ubuntu-vm

This will create the VM with the latest Ubuntu version, in this case, it’s Plucky Puffin. It’s a non-LTS version, so you might want to use a specific version like 24.04 (Noble) or 22.04 (Jammy) instead.

To install specific version, for example 24.04 (Noble), you can use the following command:

orb create ubuntu:noble local-ubuntu-vm

OrbStack Commands

One of the things, that I like from VM in OrbStack is that it comes with the commands built in and integrated with the SSH configuration in your macOS. This means you can easily SSH into your VM without needing to set up anything else.

To SSH-in to the VM that we’ve just created, local-ubuntu-vm, you can simply run the following command in your Terminal:

ssh local-ubuntu-vm@orb

One my favourite is that OrbStack automatically mount your macOS directory in /mnt/mac, and already configured with proper permission, something that can be often a hassle in Docker.

Now, you can run any Linux commands, install packages, or even run your apps inside the VM.

3. Using LimaVM

Lima, which stands for “LInux MAchine”, provides a simple way to run lightweight Linux VM directly on your macOS.

Let’s see how to install it and how it works.

Installation

The easiest and most common way to install Lima on macOS is using Homebrew. You can open your Terminal and type this command:

brew install lima

Then, you can run the following command to check if it’s installed correctly:

limactl --version
// Or, just 
lima --version

Running up a Linux VM

Lima works with many different versions of Linux, letting you pick the environment that best fits what you need. To see a list of available options of the Linux distros you can run with Lima, you can use this command:

limactl start --list-templates

Lima supports various distros which includes Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, and even Docker and Podman.

Let’s try starting an Ubuntu VM like in our previous examples, using the following command:

limactl start default

Once the VM installation is done, you can just run the following to SSH-in the VM:

lima
// Or
limactl shell default

Installing specific Ubuntu version

By default, Lima will create the VM with the latest LTS version of Ubuntu. If you want to install a specific version of Ubuntu, you can use the following command:

limactl start ubuntu-20.04 template://ubuntu-20.04

To SSH-in the ubuntu-20.04 VM, you can run:

limactl shell ubuntu-20.04

One thing that I like about Lima is that it automatically shares files between macOS and the Linux VM. This file sharing in Lima is also as fast as if it were in your macOS machine.

You can find your macOS home directory in /Users/<username> inside the VM.

Listing the home directory in Lima VM

Wrapping up

Choosing the best way to run Linux on your Mac depends on what you need, how comfortable you are using the command line, and how powerful your Mac is.

Docker, OrbStack, and Lima each offer different benefits: Docker is great for running apps in containers, Lima is better for full Linux virtual machines, and OrbStack does both in a fast and efficient way. Instead of asking which one is better overall, think about which one suits your needs best.

So to help you decide, we’ve included a table that compares all three tools side by side, making it easier to see their pros and cons at a glance.

Feature	Docker	OrbStack	Lima
Primary Use Case	Containerization	Lightweight Container/VM	Full Linux VM
OS Supports	Windows, macOS	macOS	Windows (untested), macOS, Linux
Filesystem	Docker Volumes	Shared Folders	Shared Folders
GUI	Yes	Yes	No (Only CLI)
Kubernetes Support	Yes	Yes (k3s)	Yes (with templates k3s, k8s)
Cost	Free with Paid for Commercial Use	Free with Paid for Commercial Use	Free

The post 3 Ways to Run Linux in macOS appeared first on Hongkiat.

20 Essential WordPress Themes & Plugins for Creating Job Boards

Hongkiat.com — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 07:00:41 +0000

Are you exploring online platforms to either secure freelance opportunities or recruit qualified professionals? Job board websites serve as digital marketplaces where employers can list job openings and prospective employees can submit applications. With the increasing prevalence of WordPress-based job boards, numerous specialized WordPress themes and plugins have been meticulously crafted to cater to this niche.

If you’re considering developing a bespoke job board system using WordPress, you’ve come to the right place. We present a curated list of 20 premium and free WordPress job board themes and plugins to facilitate your endeavor.

.no-js #ref-block-post-6398 .ref-block__thumbnail { background-image: url("https://assets.hongkiat.com/uploads/thumbs/250x160/50-freelance-job-sites-for-designers-programmers-best-of.jpg"); }

50 Job Sites for Freelancers and Independent Professionals

Being a freelancer can be extremely advantageous and is probably a dream for many designers and developers who... Read more

WordPress Job Board Themes

Cariera ($79)

Designed for professionals, Cariera is a WordPress theme built on Automattic’s WP Job Manager. It serves as a comprehensive tool for both job seekers and employers.

The theme features various job listing styles, in-depth analytics, a secure messaging system, and customizable dashboards tailored to different user roles. With a simple import, you can replicate the live demo site in just a few minutes.

Preview

Civi ($59)

Civi is an excellent choice if you aim to build a streamlined job board or freelance marketplace using WordPress. This theme allows you to effortlessly establish a fully-responsive job portal, simplifying tasks related to human resource management, recruitment processes, and job listing management.

Preview

Jobtex ($59)

Jobtex is a comprehensive WordPress theme designed to create functional and user-friendly job listing websites. More than just a job board, it serves as a complete platform for HR management and recruitment.

The theme is fully responsive and provides a straightforward way to monetize your job portal, making it an ideal choice for those seeking an efficient job board solution.

Preview

Jobster ($29)

Jobster is a robust WordPress theme designed for creating job listing websites. With pre-designed demos at your disposal, launching your site becomes a breeze. The theme offers a rich set of powerful and user-friendly features, providing limitless customization options.

It includes various well-designed components, ranging from header sections to job displays and card layouts.

Preview

Careerfy ($89)

Careerfy offers an advanced yet straightforward solution for displaying job listings on various types of websites. This WordPress theme enables you to access extensive job databases from major job boards, enriching your site with a wide array of job offers.

It features dedicated control panels for both employers and job seekers, automating many tasks. Some job providers even offer commissions for job link clicks originating from your site.

Preview

WorkScout ($79)

WorkScout is a comprehensive WordPress theme designed for recruitment agencies, job offices, and employment services. This theme allows you to launch a polished, professional website in a short amount of time.

Preview

Jobhunt ($59)

Jobhunt is a user-friendly and efficiently coded WordPress theme that works seamlessly with WP Job Manager. It provides a full range of features, including searchable job listings, job submissions, and dedicated dashboards for employers.

The theme also supports additional functionalities through the WP Job Manager Core Add-on Bundle, such as resume management, job alerts, and integration with hiring platforms like Indeed.

Preview

JobScout (Free)

JobScout is a responsive WordPress theme designed for HR firms and recruitment agencies. It integrates seamlessly with the WP Job Manager plugin, adding job board features to your site. The theme is beginner-friendly, requiring no coding skills, and offers high customizability through an intuitive live customizer.

Preview

Job Portal (Free)

Job Portal is a WordPress theme that offers both free access and premium features for building standout job portal websites. It allows easy customization via the WordPress customizer and is fully responsive, ensuring optimal display on various screen sizes.

The theme also supports drag-and-drop page building for effortless layout customization.

Preview

JobRoller ($69)

JobRoller is a WordPress theme designed specifically for job boards. It features a range of monetization options for paid job listings and includes dedicated sections for blogs and landing pages.

The theme supports accounts for both employers and job seekers and offers a resume database, job submission forms, and Ajax-enabled search and filtering. Additionally, it comes with a variety of display settings and a comprehensive options panel for quick setup.

Preview

Careers ($19)

Careers is a free WordPress theme designed for creating job boards and recruitment websites. With its well-structured layout, customization is straightforward. The theme comes pre-designed with a modern and professional look, requiring minimal adjustments.

It offers features like advanced search, animated stats, a testimonials section, and social media icons. The theme also includes blog pages for sharing valuable insights for both employers and job seekers.

Preview

JobEngine ($89)

JobEngine is a WordPress theme aimed at creating robust job board websites. It features a welcoming front-page template and allows users to easily list jobs. The theme offers various monetization options, including charging for job listings or offering premium plans. It supports multiple payment gateways, such as PayPal and Stripe.

With extensive customization options, you can tailor the look of your job board using the built-in page builder. The theme is also translation-ready, making it suitable for multilingual platforms.

Preview

Comport ($19)

Comport is a free, user-friendly WordPress theme designed for job listing websites. It features a modern, eye-catching design that is ready to use right out of the box but can also be easily customized to fit your specific needs.

The theme includes an advanced search bar, hover effects, a section for recent jobs, and a newsletter subscription box. It also features a testimonials slider and is optimized for search engines and mobile devices. Additionally, it comes with an active contact form and Google Maps integration.

Preview

WordPress Job Board Plugins

WP Job Manager (Free)

WP Job Manager – by Automattic – is a streamlined plugin that adds job board functionality to your WordPress website. Compatible with any theme through shortcodes and minimal CSS adjustments, it is easy to integrate.

The plugin allows you to add, manage, and sort job listings through an intuitive WordPress interface. It also features frontend forms for job submissions, live previews of listings, and options for job seekers to apply directly. Employers can manage their listings, while job seekers can receive alerts for new job postings via RSS.

Preview

Recruitly Addons ($27)

Recruitly Addons is an extension designed for the Elementor page builder, aimed at simplifying the job posting process on WordPress websites. It eliminates the need for additional plugins, requiring only Elementor. Employers can easily post job vacancies, while job seekers can apply for roles that interest them.

The plugin offers eight distinct widgets, such as job lists and search panels, to assist applicants in their job hunt. Employers benefit from three categorization options – job sector, job type, and region – to better organize their listings. Additionally, the plugin supports multi-agency postings and allows each recruiter to specify their company details, ensuring that applications are sent directly to the appropriate company email.

Preview

Simple Job Board (Free)

Simple Job Board by PressTigers is a straightforward and lightweight WordPress plugin designed to add a job board to your site. It’s user-friendly and highly customizable, allowing you to manage a variety of job openings with ease. By using the shortcode [jobpost], you can display job listings on any page of your website.

The plugin also lets you tailor application forms for each job listing and add unique features to them. Plus, you have the option to annotate applications directly from your dashboard.

JobBoardWP (Free)

JobBoardWP is a user-friendly plugin that adds a comprehensive job board to your website. It features a clean and modern interface where job seekers can browse and search for jobs, while employers can post and manage job listings.

The plugin offers three key pages: a Jobs Page for listing jobs with search and filter options, a Post Job Page for job submissions that can be saved as drafts, and a Jobs Dashboard Page where users can manage their job listings, including editing and deleting posts.

Job Board Manager (Free)

Job Board Manager is designed to help you effortlessly create and manage a job board on your website. It comes with various shortcodes for displaying job archives, submission forms, and user accounts.

The plugin is SEO-optimized and follows schema.org markup standards. It features a tab-based account dashboard that can be customized using filter hooks, allowing you to add or display content as needed.

Preview

WP Job Openings (Free)

WP Job Openings is a straightforward yet robust plugin for adding a job listing section to your WordPress site. Designed based on extensive research on job listing layouts, the plugin offers two well-crafted layouts – Grid and List. It stands out for its highly customizable filter options, making the job search process more efficient for users.

Preview

easy.jobs (Free)

Fresh Resources for Web Designers and Developers (June 2025)

Thoriq Firdaus — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 13:00:17 +0000

It’s time again to share some cool resources and tools for our fellow developers. There are so many cool tools out there to help you build faster, write better code, and stay organized.

In this post, we’ve picked some handy open-source tools made for developers like you, whether you’re working with Tailwind, writing notes, learning DevOps, or building with AI. These tools are simple to try, fun to explore, and can make your coding life a lot easier.

So without further ado, let’s jump in to see the full list.

.no-js #ref-block-tax-74147-1 .ref-block__thumbnail { background-image: url( "https://assets.hongkiat.com/uploads/thumbs/related/tag-fresh-resources-developers.jpg" ); }

Click Here for More Resources

Check out our complete collection of hand-picked tools for designers and developers.

PrismPHP

PrismPHP is a Laravel package that makes it easy to add AI features to your app using LLMs. It gives developers a simple and consistent way to generate text and work with AI in Laravel. You can use it to build smart features like a to-do app where users manage tasks through natural language. PrismPHP supports services like OpenAI, DeepSeek, Gemini, Groq, and even AWS Bedrock.

Luma

Luma is a deployment tool that allows you to ship Docker containers to their own servers with zero downtime. It supports blue-green deployments, automatic SSL via Let’s Encrypt, health checks, rollbacks, and multi-server setups. Configured with a simple YAML file, Luma works with both apps and services, giving developers full control without vendor lock-in. It’s built with TypeScript and Go, and can be installed as an npm package.

Crawlee

Crawlee is a web scraping and browser automation library for JavaScript and Python. It supports both HTTP and headless browser crawling, handles proxies, sessions, and retries, and includes a CLI, queue management, and pluggable storage. Designed to avoid bot detection, it’s great for scraping dynamic sites, APIs, and files.

FairPM

FAIR Package Manager is an open-source project backed by the Linux Foundation that promotes decentralized, federated software distribution. It includes a WordPress plugin to bypass centralized services, a protocol spec, and a mini-repo plugin to self-host packages. The goal is to give developers more control over how software is shared and installed, especially within WordPress and similar ecosystems.

Google Stitch

Stitch is a free AI tool from Google that allows you to turn text or image prompts into web and mobile UI designs within minutes. It is powered by Gemini 2.5 Pro. You can customize themes, refine designs via chat, and export code or send layouts to Figma. This is a great tool for quickly generating UI mockups and prototypes, especially for developers and designers looking to streamline their workflow.

Google AIStudio

Google AI Studio is a free tool that allows you to quickly build and test AI features using Gemini, Google’s powerful new AI model. It supports text, images, video, and code, and connects with Google Cloud tools to make it easy to fine-tune and launch your own AI apps.

FileKey

Filekey is a tool that allows you to encrypt and share files securely using passkeys. It works fully offline and keeps your data private with zero-knowledge encryption. You can use passkeys stored in tools like iCloud Keychain or Yubikey to lock and unlock your files safely.

AG UI

AG-UI is a lightweight protocol that helps AI agents and front-end apps to connect in real time, making it easier to handle live updates, user input, and collaboration smoothly. It supports different communication methods including WebSockets and Server-Sent Events, and it works with popular tools like React and Vue.

What’s new in Web UI

Google has announced some new features that are coming to the browser. These new features will allow you to build stunning, responsive experiences with just a few lines of code. You can finally remove thousands of lines of JavaScript as you can achieve the same results with with just a few lines of clean, declarative HTML and CSS. Check out the video to learn more about these new features.

TinyLLM

TinyLLM is a project-based course that will teach you how to serve Qwen2-7B LLM from scratch. Across three weeks, you’ll start with basic Python, move to custom C++/Metal optimizations, and end with batching for speed, all without high-level libraries. It’s built for macOS with the Apple Silicon. A perfect source for systems engineers and developers who want to understand the inner workings of LLMs.

FastMCP

FastMCP is a lightweight Python framework for building MCP servers and tools. It abstracts the protocol complexity so that you can focus on your logic using the decorators. It supports various transports and includes features like proxying and auth. Visit https://gofastmcp.com to get started.

Dozzle

Dozzle is a real-time, self-hosted Docker log viewer with a clean web UI. It’s fast, lightweight, and requires no log storage. It also includes features like search, split views, live stats, multi-user auth, and support Swarm mode and Kubernetes. It comes as just a 7 MB Docker container and can be run with a single command.

JSON Schema to TypeScript

json-schema-to-typescript is a tool that allows you to convert JSON Schema to TypeScript types. It also supports YAML input, beside JSON, it can smartly handle references, and gives you clean, customizable .d.ts output. A handy tool for keeping your TypeScript projects type-safe and in sync with your JSON data.

DevOps Exercise

DevOps Exercise is a massive collection of 2600+ questions and challenges covering everything from Linux, Docker, and Kubernetes to AWS, Terraform, and CI/CD. It includes hands-on scenarios, project ideas, and practical exercises to help you build a strong DevOps foundation. Perfect for DevOps interview prep or leveling up your real-world skills.

Tailwind Animate

tailwind-animate is a modern Tailwind CSS plugin for smooth, utility-based animations built for Tailwind v4.0. It provides a CSS-first architecture by including a CSS file with custom utilities for animations as well as some composable utility classes for duration, delay, and more. A handy library if you want to add animations to your Tailwind projects without writing custom CSS.

Goose

Goose is an open-source AI tool that goes beyond code suggestions. It can automate full development tasks like debugging, testing, and deployment. It runs locally, supports any LLM or API via MCP, and is fully extensible. A great tool for any developers who want to automate their workflows and improve productivity.

Memos

Memos is a privacy-first, self-hosted note-taking app for individuals and teams. It supports Markdown, letting you write notes in a simple, readable format. Built with Go and React, Memos stores all data locally, no cloud storage, and no tracking. It’s a perfect solution if you want to keep their notes private and secure, or if you want to see how to build a note-taking app with modern web technologies with Go and React.

Tailwind Merge

tailwind-merge is a small JavaScript tool that helps you combine Tailwind CSS class names and avoid conflicting CSS classes. It’s useful when you have dynamic or conditional classes, like in React apps. It works with the latest Tailwind versions, supports TypeScript, and is fast and lightweight.

TailwindCSS for React Aria Components

tailwindcss-react-aria-components is a Tailwind CSS plugin that makes it easier to style React Aria components. It gives you shorter class names for states like selected or disabled, so you don’t have to write long data selectors. It also adds autocomplete support in editors, making styling faster and more convenient. It works with both Tailwind v3 and v4 and helps keep your code clean while following accessibility best practices.

WordPress MCP

WordPress MCP is a plugin by Automattic that exposes WordPress features via the Model Context Protocol (MCP), allowing AI models and tools to interact with WordPress programmatically. A handy tool if you’re looking to build AI-powered apps that connects to WordPress to create, manage, or update content, and more.

The post Fresh Resources for Web Designers and Developers (June 2025) appeared first on Hongkiat.

ProGrade's New CFexpress Cards are Ready for High Resolution Image Capture videotutorial nofilmschool.com/progrades-new-…

rockkvid (@rockkvid) — Wed, 10 Jun 2020 09:09:49 +0000

ProGrade's New CFexpress Cards are Ready for High Resolution Image Capture videotutorial nofilmschool.com/progrades-new-…

Deity Connect Interview Kit Review – Affordable and Complete Wireless Package videogear cinema5d.com/deity-connect-…

rockkvid (@rockkvid) — Wed, 10 Jun 2020 03:09:49 +0000

Deity Connect Interview Kit Review – Affordable and Complete Wireless Package videogear cinema5d.com/deity-connect-…

You Can Now Use Panasonic LUMIX Cameras as a Webcam videohelp nofilmschool.com/panasonic-lumi…

rockkvid (@rockkvid) — Wed, 10 Jun 2020 03:09:49 +0000

You Can Now Use Panasonic LUMIX Cameras as a Webcam videohelp nofilmschool.com/panasonic-lumi…

GNARBOX 2.0 Software Update 2.6.0 – Integration with Frame.io videogear cinema5d.com/gnarbox-20-sof…

rockkvid (@rockkvid) — Wed, 10 Jun 2020 01:09:49 +0000

GNARBOX 2.0 Software Update 2.6.0 – Integration with Frame.io videogear cinema5d.com/gnarbox-20-sof…

Best Practices for Filmmakers Documenting the 2020 Demonstrations videotutorial nofilmschool.com/filmmaker-docu…

rockkvid (@rockkvid) — Tue, 09 Jun 2020 21:09:49 +0000

Best Practices for Filmmakers Documenting the 2020 Demonstrations videotutorial nofilmschool.com/filmmaker-docu…

Tactics4 | Holy Stone F181W Wifi FPV Drone with 720P Wide-Angle HD Camera Live Video RC Quadcopter with Altitude Hold, Gravity Sensor Function, RTF and Easy to Fly for Beginner, Compatible with VR Headset | is.gd/HdbMaa | @Tactics4Tweets

Josh Adams (@JoshQAdams84) — Tue, 09 Jun 2020 17:09:49 +0000

Tactics4 | Holy Stone F181W Wifi FPV Drone with 720P Wide-Angle HD Camera Live Video RC Quadcopter with Altitude Hold, Gravity Sensor Function, RTF and Easy to Fly for Beginner, Compatible with VR Headset | is.gd/HdbMaa | @Tactics4Tweets

Is Newton 3 the Ultimate AE Plugin? Here is Our Review videoproduction rocketstock.com/blog/newton-3-…

rockkvid (@rockkvid) — Tue, 09 Jun 2020 17:09:49 +0000

Is Newton 3 the Ultimate AE Plugin? Here is Our Review videoproduction rocketstock.com/blog/newton-3-…

30+ Films You Need to Watch About Race in America videohelp nofilmschool.com/2016/07/20-fil…

rockkvid (@rockkvid) — Tue, 09 Jun 2020 00:00:00 +0000

30+ Films You Need to Watch About Race in America videohelp nofilmschool.com/2016/07/20-fil…

5 Things You Need to Know About DaVinci Resolve's Fairlight videohowto nofilmschool.com/what-you-need-…