node,grunt,git,compass,gitbash,xampp,mamp killing me softly??

Someone who has been using all of these applications, packages, etc. for a long might have a more accurate or particular opinion.... (and of course it depends on your particular computer) but in my case, I've yet to notice any significant decrease in power by having them installed and using them regularly.
What I have had to do is get organized and more detail oriented. Things like…. Pay attention to where you are installing software, downloading Treehouse project files, saving your own project files, etc. Think ahead and keep things clean so you know exactly what you have and what you need to maintain. Only use what you need and if things start to slow down- pull up task manager and check what is using the most CPU, if it's something you don't need open/aren't currently using.... save or commit what you need to and close it.

Yes I have not yet noticed decreased performance, im more concerned with these apps conflicting and breaking each other. Im not massively worried, just thought to pop the question out there kinda thing and see what comes back, but thanks and yes file organisation is definitely worth thinking about "before" you get into a mess lol

Keeping it simple I would say as long as you know what you are installing, that you have the correct version or package, and why you are installing it- you're safe. Just don't get too far ahead of yourself- take it one step at a time so you don't end up being overrun with questions about what's doing what on your computer.

Well gitbash is usually part of git on Windows. And MAMP is only on Macs. XAMPP does the same thing MAMP does.

So I'd suggest you stop a learn about what each of these things do.

Then ask yourself, Is this solving a problem I currently have?