---
title: "Uses"
description: "The hardware, editor setup, and tools Cesar uses day to day for AI product development."
canonical: https://cesarwilliam.com/uses
---

# Tools & tech stack

A living document of the tools, technologies, and hardware I use for AI product development and daily work. Inspired by [uses.tech](https://uses.tech).

## Editor & terminal

- **VS Code** _(Editor)_: My primary code editor for everything — TypeScript, Python, React, and infrastructure. I use the GitHub Dark theme and a minimal set of extensions to keep it fast.
- **Claude Code** _(AI Assistant)_: CLI-based AI coding assistant from Anthropic. I use it extensively for code generation, refactoring, and exploring unfamiliar codebases.
- **Cursor** _(AI Editor)_: AI-native code editor built on VS Code. I use it alongside VS Code for AI-heavy workflows where inline code generation and chat are valuable.
- **iTerm2** _(Terminal)_: Terminal emulator for macOS. Split panes, search, and profiles make it essential for juggling multiple projects and SSH sessions.
- **Oh My Zsh** _(Shell)_: Zsh framework with custom plugins and aliases. Autocompletions and git shortcuts save hours every week.

## LLMs, agents & orchestration

- **LangChain**: Framework for building LLM applications. I use it daily for chaining prompts, tool calling, and building AI agents at Arena.
- **LangGraph**: Graph-based orchestration for multi-step AI agent workflows. Powers the complex conversation flows in My Avatar.
- **MCP (Model Context Protocol)**: Anthropic's protocol for connecting AI models to external tools and data sources. I build and integrate MCP servers for our AI products.
- **OpenAI API**: GPT-4 and related models for text generation, embeddings, and function calling in production AI products.
- **LangSmith**: Observability and debugging platform for LLM applications. Essential for tracing, evaluating, and monitoring AI agent behavior in production.

## Languages & frameworks

- **Python**: Primary language for AI/ML work. FastAPI for APIs, LangChain/LangGraph for AI orchestration, and general scripting.
- **TypeScript**: Primary language for front-end and full-stack development. Type safety is non-negotiable for production applications.
- **React**: UI library for all front-end work. Combined with Next.js for server-rendered and static sites.
- **Next.js**: Full-stack React framework. This site is built with Next.js 15 using the App Router, server components, and static generation.
- **Node.js**: JavaScript runtime for back-end services, API routes, and build tooling.

## Hosting, databases & DevOps

- **Vercel**: Deployment platform for Next.js applications. Zero-config deploys, edge functions, and analytics.
- **MongoDB**: Document database for flexible, schema-less data storage. Used for articles, projects, and dynamic content on this site.
- **Docker**: Containerization for consistent development and production environments.
- **GitHub**: Version control, code review, CI/CD with GitHub Actions, and open-source project hosting.
- **AWS**: Cloud infrastructure for production services — S3, Lambda, EC2, and related services.

## UI & animation

- **Figma**: Design tool for UI mockups, prototyping, and design system management.
- **Framer Motion**: Animation library for React. Powers the scroll-triggered animations and transitions across this site.

## Desk setup

- **MacBook Pro 16"** _(M-series)_: Primary development machine. The Apple Silicon performance makes AI model inference and Docker builds noticeably faster.
- **Apple Studio Display** _(27")_: External display for focused coding sessions. The 5K resolution is excellent for reading code and documentation side by side.
- **Sony WH-1000XM5** _(Headphones)_: Noise-canceling headphones for deep focus. Essential for open offices and remote calls.