How to automatically quit apps on Mac when you're not using them

On Macs, applications remain open even when the last window is closed, a behavior that has persisted since the 1980s and can be confusing for recent Windows converts. To manage distractions from apps like Slack or email, users can either manually quit apps using shortcuts or employ tools like MagicQuit and Raycast for automation. MagicQuit is a free app that closes applications after a set period of inactivity, customizable to user preferences, while Raycast, a versatile application launcher, includes a similar feature for automatic quitting. Despite these automated options, users can still manually quit apps by using keyboard shortcuts, right-clicking the Dock icon, or navigating the app switcher, which is particularly useful when transitioning between projects.