# Developer utilities for Mac > Package managers, containers, Git clients and debugging tools. From dockpicks (https://dockpicks.com/), a hand-picked, independent directory of Mac apps. Web page: https://dockpicks.com/developer-utilities/ Group: Developers. 8 apps, listed best first. Prices are the vendor's wording, checked October 2026, and can change. Nothing comparable is built into macOS. macOS ships with no package manager, container runtime, Git GUI, database client or network debugger, so developers usually install these on day one. Start with Homebrew, since it can install most of the other tools on this list, then add only what your work needs. ## 1. Homebrew The standard package manager for command-line tools and apps - Price: Free - Pricing model: Free. No payment needed for the full app. - Usable without paying: Yes - Open source: Yes, BSD-2-Clause (https://github.com/Homebrew/brew) - Developer: Homebrew - Website: https://brew.sh/ - Facts checked: 2026-10-24 - On dockpicks: https://dockpicks.com/developer-utilities/#homebrew A free, open-source package manager that installs command-line tools and Mac apps from the terminal with one command. It also runs on Linux and WSL. Our take: Install this first on any developer Mac. It keeps tools up to date and makes setting up a new machine much faster. ## 2. OrbStack Light, fast way to run Docker containers and Linux machines - Price: Free personal; Pro $8/user/month - Pricing model: Free tier. A usable free version, with a paid upgrade for more. - Usable without paying: Yes - Open source: No - Developer: Orbital Labs - Website: https://orbstack.dev/ - Facts checked: 2026-10-24 - On dockpicks: https://dockpicks.com/developer-utilities/#orbstack A native Mac app for running Docker containers, Kubernetes and Linux virtual machines. It works as a drop-in replacement for Docker Desktop. Our take: The better choice than Docker Desktop for most Mac users: quick to start and light on battery and memory. Commercial use requires the Pro plan. ## 3. Fork Fast, friendly Git client with a one-time price - Price: $59.99 one-time - Pricing model: Paid. A one-time purchase. A free trial may exist. - Usable without paying: No - Open source: No - Developer: Danil Pristupov - Website: https://git-fork.com/ - Facts checked: 2026-10-24 - On dockpicks: https://dockpicks.com/developer-utilities/#fork A graphical Git client for Mac and Windows for browsing history, staging changes, resolving conflicts and managing branches. Our take: A good value Git GUI for people who want a visual view of their repositories without a subscription. A free evaluation is available. ## 4. TablePlus Native database client for SQL and NoSQL databases - Price: Free with limits; $99 one-time - Pricing model: Free tier. A usable free version, with a paid upgrade for more. - Usable without paying: Yes - Open source: No - Developer: TablePlus Inc - Website: https://tableplus.com/ - Facts checked: 2026-10-24 - On dockpicks: https://dockpicks.com/developer-utilities/#tableplus A native macOS app for querying, editing and managing databases, including PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQLite, SQL Server, Redis, MongoDB, DuckDB and many more. Our take: Covers most databases in one fast, tidy app. The free version limits you to 2 open tabs, 2 windows and 2 advanced filters, which is enough for light use. ## 5. Docker Desktop Docker's official app for building and running containers - Price: Free personal; Pro $11/month - Pricing model: Free tier. A usable free version, with a paid upgrade for more. - Usable without paying: Yes - Open source: No - Developer: Docker - Website: https://www.docker.com/products/docker-desktop/ - Facts checked: 2026-10-24 - On dockpicks: https://dockpicks.com/developer-utilities/#docker-desktop Docker's own desktop app, bundling Docker Engine, the CLI, Compose, Build, a local Kubernetes cluster and extensions. Builds are available for Apple silicon and Intel Macs. Our take: The official option, and sometimes required by employers or tooling. It is free for personal use and small businesses (fewer than 250 employees and under $10 million revenue); larger companies need a paid plan. ## 6. Proxyman Debugging proxy to inspect and mock HTTP(S) traffic - Price: Free with limits; $89 one-time - Pricing model: Free tier. A usable free version, with a paid upgrade for more. - Usable without paying: Yes - Open source: No - Developer: Proxyman LLC - Website: https://proxyman.com/ - Facts checked: 2026-10-24 - On dockpicks: https://dockpicks.com/developer-utilities/#proxyman A native macOS debugging proxy that captures, decrypts and lets you modify or mock HTTP and HTTPS requests from your Mac, iOS and Android devices. Our take: Essential for app and API developers who need to see exactly what is going over the network. The free version captures traffic but leaves out breakpoints, Map Local and scripting. ## 7. Tower Powerful Git client with undo and advanced workflows - Price: Basic $69/year; Pro $129/year - Pricing model: Subscription. A recurring payment for real use. - Usable without paying: No - Open source: No - Website: https://www.git-tower.com/mac - Facts checked: 2026-10-24 - On dockpicks: https://dockpicks.com/developer-utilities/#tower A Git client for Mac and Windows with drag and drop, undo for most actions, interactive rebase, a conflict wizard, pull requests and worktrees. Our take: For heavy Git users and teams who want advanced features like stacked branches. It costs more than Fork and is subscription-only. ## 8. DevUtils Offline toolbox of 47+ small developer tools - Price: $29 one-time - Pricing model: Paid. A one-time purchase. A free trial may exist. - Usable without paying: No - Open source: No - Developer: Typing Technology Company Limited - Website: https://devutils.com/ - Mac App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/devutils-app/id1533756032 - Facts checked: 2026-10-24 - On dockpicks: https://dockpicks.com/developer-utilities/#devutils A Mac app that bundles dozens of offline tools such as JSON and SQL formatters, JWT and Unix time decoders, Base64 and URL encoders, a regex tester, text diff and UUID generators. Our take: Handy if you often paste data into random websites to format or decode it, since everything stays on your Mac. Many of the same tasks can be done free with command-line tools.