Let me preface this post by saying: I rarely pay for software.  I use open source tools for the vast majority of my work, and in cases where I need commercial software, I usually find a way to have the company I’m working for provide it, borrow a friend’s copy, or in some rare cases, begrudgingly pay the license fee.  As a software developer, this may seem contradictory: after all, how can I expect to both be paid for my work, and receive free software? Well friends, that’s a discussion for a different time.

That being said, when I say that I gladly paid the $50 licence fee for TextMate, you understand the full meaning behind this statement. TextMate, as it’s tagline states, really is the Missing Editor for OS X.  I could spend a few paragraphs gushing about how much I love the shortcuts, shell integration, optional vi bindings, its lightweight footprint, but why take my word for it, go try it for free.

Here’s some recommendations to improve the experience:

• Install Proggy fonts and adjust your text size in TextMate as needed to make them look right.  I use ProggySquare, 11pt.
• Install the Dominion Day theme, or another more suitable theme.  I find the default ones a bit lacking.
• Read the Manual.  TextMade does a heck of a lot more than show pretty colored text.

That’s it!