Software alternatives

Here's a small list of programs which I use as alternatives to classic UNIX-related tools. Lesser-known first to keep the list interesting:

• LeftWM - a window manager
• Helix - a text editor
• Zellij - tmux alternative, batteries included
• Nu - cross-platform shell with a fresh approach to streams & redirections
• Zola - a static site generator, which powers this website
• Paru - AUR helper for all Arch folks
• Neovide - neovim client with eye-candy animations
• Caddy - a web server with automatic HTTPs and refreshingly simple configuration
• Alacritty - a terminal emulator
• Wezterm - another terminal emulator
• fd - unix find but actually usable without having to read man each time
• duf - like df but easier to read
• Popsicle - USB File Flasher

I encourage you to compare the listed softwares with their more classic alternatives in terms of documentation, contribution guides and CI/CD practices.

Justification/Philosophy

Most of the software that powers our devices runs on C, C++ and Java. I do not mean to criticise those languages, as they were (and still are) a great improvement for the programming community, opening new and exciting paths to better software. However, during the last 2 decades, new languages have emerged, fulfilling the need for:

• Built-in tools for easier code reuse (package/library management)
• Memory safety
• Performance & resource usage efficiency
• Improved approach to macros, code generation and other metaprogramming-related aspects
• Stronger & more expressive type systems