Mac OS Setup for Developers

The majority of developers use Windows. However, you can be just as successful in using a Mac if you know how to optimally set it up for development tasks. 

Setting up a Mac for development can feel overwhelming, especially with the number of tools and configurations available. This guide walks you through a foundational Mac developer setup tailored for modern workflows, whether you're working on front-end, back-end, or full-stack applications. With a focus on tools widely used in professional environments, this article provides clear, beginner-friendly instructions to help you get productive quickly on a new or freshly reset Mac.

Install nvm using your terminal

Run this command:

You may be prompted to install “command line developer tools”. Simply follow the on-screen instructions to install these tools.

Verify that nvm was installed:

This command should return 0.39.1.

Install Node versions

v12.21.0

Node.js — Run JavaScript Everywhere

v14.19.0

Node.js — Run JavaScript Everywhere

Depending on the type of processor on your mac, you may be prompted to install Rosetta 2. I believe this will have happened when attempting to install Node.

Install gulp globally

Configure .zshrc file

Follow these steps to create a .zshrc file to allow you to use nvm outside of your system terminal (within vscode):

After completing these steps, you should be able to execute npm install and gulp commands as needed in your development environment!

Conclusion

Once you've installed these core tools, your Mac is primed for a productive development experience. From writing clean, testable code to running local servers or deploying apps, each part of your setup plays a key role. Remember: consistency is key. By standardizing your development environment, you reduce bugs, streamline onboarding for new team members, and improve long-term maintainability. Whether you're starting a new job or refreshing your workflow, this setup lays a solid foundation for success.

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