Updating developer tools is essential for developers who want to stay efficient, secure, and competitive. In this episode of Building Better Developers with AI, Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche explore how maintaining modern toolsets helps individuals and teams deliver better software, faster. With support from AI-generated analysis and real-world experience, they outline the risks of falling behind—and how to move forward.
Listen to the full episode of Building Better Developers with AI for practical insights and ideas you can start applying today.
AI captured the core message well: using outdated tools slows down delivery, creates unnecessary friction, and ultimately reduces profitability. For side hustlers and teams alike, this loss of efficiency can make or break a project.
Rob pointed out that many developers begin their careers using only basic tools. Without proper exposure to modern IDEs like IntelliJ, Visual Studio Code, or Eclipse, they miss out on powerful features such as debugging tools, plugin support, container integration, and real-time collaboration.
How do you know it’s time to update your development tools? Rob and Michael discussed key red flags:
Neglecting to update developer tools can lead to slow onboarding, poor collaboration, and increased bugs—especially in fast-paced or regulated environments.
There’s a balance between letting developers choose their tools and ensuring consistency across a team. While personal comfort can boost productivity, it may also cause challenges when teams debug or collaborate.
Rob and Michael recommend hosting internal hackathons to explore new toolchains or standardize workflows. These events give teams a structured way to evaluate tools and share findings.
Michael highlighted that outdated tooling doesn’t just slow developers down—it creates serious security and compliance risks. Being just one or two versions behind can open vulnerabilities that violate standards like HIPPA, OWASP or SOX.
Regular updates to SDKs, plugins, and IDEs are essential for staying compliant, especially in sensitive industries like finance or healthcare.
Rob offered a practical framework for evaluating new tools:
Michael added a note of caution: avoid adopting tools with little community activity or long-term support. If a GitHub project has only a couple of contributors and poor maintenance, it’s a red flag.
To keep your development environment current, Rob suggested reviewing these tool categories often:
Using AI to convert simple apps into different frameworks can also help evaluate new tools—just make sure not to share proprietary code.
Modern development demands modern tooling. From cleaner code to faster deployment and stronger team collaboration, the benefits of updating developer tools are clear. Whether you’re an independent developer or part of a larger organization, regularly reviewing and upgrading your toolset is a habit worth forming.
We invite you to join our community and share your coding journey with us. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or just starting, there’s always room to learn and grow together. Contact us at info@develpreneur.com with your questions, feedback, or suggestions for future episodes. Together, let’s continue exploring the exciting world of software development.
