WordPressBricks Builder with Automatic.css or Core Framework, depending on the project.
PerformancePerfmatters. Covers what most people install three plugins for.
SEOSEOPress or SureRank, depending on the project. Both solid, neither bloated.
eCommerceWooCommerce for flexibility, SureCart for simpler setups where speed matters more.
FormsFormidable Forms. Reliable and handles complex form logic well.
EditorSublime Text. Most assume VS Code. I just prefer Sublime.
Dev envStaging on client VPS or VM through Proxmox on my homelab. No Local or MAMP.
HostingHetzner for my own. Kinsta for managed client hosting.
DesignFigma for UI. Affinity for image editing and print.
AIClaude. Research, drafting, thinking through problems.
LearningAstro for headless CMS setups. Not client-ready yet.
Version controlGit when the project calls for it.