The quality of web development tools can make or break a project. It’s essential to always keep in mind the specific needs of a project – when you know what you need, you’ll know which tools are a good fit.
This blog looks at the top fifteen web development tools, what to look for when picking the right tools, and how Coding Dojo can help you break into tech.
What Are Web Development Tools?
Web development tools allow developers to craft software and debug or test their code before publishing their projects on the internet. These tools don’t help build an application or website. However, they let developers double-check the security and appearance of the app or site, ensuring it functions right and looks incredible.
15 Best Web Development Tools
With so many options available for website development tools, it can be challenging to know where to begin. Below are the fifteen best web development tools, along with some incredible features and a summary of the function of each tool.
1. GitHub
GitHub, the largest online community of programmers, is an online software development website that allows users to store and track code files while collaborating with other developers on projects. The true beauty of GitHub comes from its ability to let developers upload and share their code files with the broader community, creating an open-source library of code.
Key Features:
- GitHub allows users to share code packages, leave the code private, or make it entirely open-source for the entire community.
- As GitHub allows code to be openly exchanged and shared, teams can stay organized and effectively manage even the most complex projects.
- GitHub allows teams to review, create, and discuss adding new code pieces before implementing those changes.
2. Sass
Sass, also known as Syntactically Awesome Style Sheets, is a CSS preprocessor that works to improve the functionality of regular CSS code. This tool gives developers the superpower to change CSS into code that acts more like a programming language.
Key Features:
- Sass has smaller files, known as Partials, which are short snippets of code that can link into different Sass files, making the CSS code easier to maintain and more modular.
- Import features, used alongside Partials, allow developers to import partial files into a current file, resulting in one entirely new code file.
- By using preprocessors, Sass has the unique ability to take complex pieces of code and drastically simplify them while still keeping their functionality intact.
3. Bootstrap
Bootstrap is a free, open-source front-end development framework tool specifically developed to assist with creating websites and web applications. As a web development tool, Bootstrap streamlines the process of designing stellar mobile-first, responsive websites by providing a selection of template designs.
Key Features:
- Bootstrap uses a responsive grid, saving developers tons of time by not having to craft their grid, and it makes it possible to jump right into adding content to the website or app.
- Additionally, Bootstrap uses its unique code to make all images responsive based on the device’s screen size.
- Bootstrap boasts some of the best documentation, with every single code piece coming with a clear description and explanation, making this tool super beginner-friendly.
4. Angular
Angular is an open-source JavaScript framework that uses TypeScript as its written form. This unique programming framework allows developers to harness various cross-platform solutions, making it a highly versatile web development tool.
Key Features:
- Angular is a component-based framework, perfect for developing highly scalable web applications.
- Angular’s vast libraries contain assets ranging from routing, forms management, and client-server management.
- Angular uses a design that allows developers to efficiently build, test, and update their code, making it easier for programmers to create and complete projects in much shorter timelines.
5. Django
As a high-level Python framework, Django uses a unique design that provides quick advancement along with crisp, practical design. The benefit of Django comes from the fact that it’s open-source, which helps to remove all the hassles that come with web development, making it easier to focus solely on developing your site or app.
Key Features:
- Django has a reputation for being complete. Developers that use this tool know they have everything they need, which makes the web development process seamless and highly efficient.
- With applications ranging from content management systems, wikis, social networks, and even news websites, Django is one of the most versatile web development tools.
- Django uses a design engineered to automatically protect a website or app, safeguarding any sensitive information.
6. Laravel
Laravel allows developers to craft stunning and intriguing web applications. As a PHP-based open-source framework, Laravel functions using the MVC architecture, providing the option for more customized software solutions.
Key Features:
- Laravel allows developers to craft incredibly dynamic websites thanks to the innovative template engine; this feature allows developers to create solid structures quickly.
- With a massive selection of built-in libraries, Laravel helps to make the web development process more streamlined thanks to multiple functionalities and different features capable of seamlessly integrating.
- By using the MVC architecture, developers can have the capabilities to enhance website or app performance while also increasing the load-bearing capacity simultaneously.
7. Ruby on Rails
Ruby on Rails is essential for any developer looking to make reading, writing, maintaining, and testing code much more straightforward. This web development tool allows programmers to integrate third-party applications, which helps those working alone to write cleaner code.
Key Features:
- With a comprehensive library known as an active record, Ruby on Rails makes it super easy for developers to use this database to help design interaction queries for websites and apps.
- Following the “convention over configuration” rule, which assigns automatic values without needing developer assistance, lets users stay highly productive without having to stress over configuration elements.
- Ruby on Rails uses RSpec, which is a simple testing tool that lets developers quickly try out their latest code functions, which works to ensure every piece of code functions as needed.
8. Postman
Postman assists developers in writing functional, integration, and regression tests as an essential web development tool. Postman is an API platform that works to develop and apply APIs; this tool simplifies each stage of the API lifecycle resulting in a faster overall process.
Key Features:
- With the help of the Postman API, developers can easily access data stored on their Postman account, allowing the performance of CRUD operations on collections, environments, and mocks.
- The Postman Echo allows developers to test and create sample API calls. This feature makes it so the API echoes back to the developer to sample the message sent to the server.
- Using the Postman Visualizer has never been easier. It’s a programmable way to visually articulate the request-response, making it easier to showcase the response data in a digestible format.
9. Foundation
The Foundation is a web development tool that provides a wide array of front-end frameworks that make building a customizable website quick and fast. With the help of Foundation, developers can fully optimize HTML themes along with creating a final product that’s unique and user-friendly.
Key Features:
- Foundation is all semantic, meaning it’s super easy to read along with clean markup, resulting in this tool having a ton of utility in the web development process.
- As a mobile-first tool, Foundation makes sure everything uses a responsive design to ensure every product fits on mobile screens everywhere.
- Being entirely customizable, Foundation lets developers get genuinely creative and define the columns, colors, and font size resulting in a unique final product.
10. Figma
This cutting-edge cloud-based design tool, Figma, allows teams to collaborate and craft beautiful interfaces. Whether the focus is all on drafting up a potential application, logo idea, or website concept, Figma is the right tool for the job.
Key Features:
- Figma is highly collaborative, which allows teams to exchange and gather feedback, keeping all members in the loop on decisions and changes.
- With the option to use features like digital whiteboards for sketching rough ideas, Figma makes producing deliverables much easier and faster.
- Then there’s the freedom to test out these ideas. Figma provides the option to build prototypes and conduct multiple tests before building a finalized version.
11. CodePen
CodePen is a vital web development tool that should be on every list due to its ease of use and intuitive design. CodePen is an online code editor that supports HTML, CSS, and JavaScript code, allowing developers to debug a website or app in no time.
Key Features:
- CodePen allows developers to build, test, and locate new pieces of front-end code, giving peace of mind that each code segment works perfectly.
- Along with that, CodePen provides programmers with a social support network to interact and meet other front-end designers and developers, allowing the exchange of ideas and discussion.
- With the help of CodePen, developers can craft and release dynamic websites, show off their skills and build prototypes to test and debug pieces of code.
12. TypeScript
TypeScript belongs to the superset category of JavaScript, meaning that it carries all the features and functionalities of that programming language along with many bonuses. As an open-source language, TypeScript can take traditional JavaScript and make the code more readable and easier to comprehend.
Key Features:
- TypeScript is JavaScript, meaning any JS file can change its file name to a TS file and is compatible with all original JS material.
- TypeScript is capable of supporting JavaScript libraries; this means that TypeScript is flexible enough to be mixed in with any JavaScript code and any frameworks, tools, or existing libraries.
- TypeScript is versatile across different browsers, devices, and operating systems; in any situation where JavaScript can work, so can TypeScript.
13. Sublime Text
Sublime text is a sophisticated text editor for code, markup, and prose. This tool is used for front-end web development as a code editor capable of multi-line editing and building systems for many different programming languages while acting as a Python API for developing plugins.
Key Features:
- Sublime Text is a very user-friendly text editor, meaning that it’s an excellent tool for beginners out there who want to get their feet wet and code more effectively.
- Sublime Text is packed with many functionalities, from split-editing, command palette, multiple sections, and plugin API, making it one of the most versatile web development tools.
- With the ability for cross-platform UI, Sublime text can work with Mac OS X, Windows, and Linux and, in each case, still functions the same on each unique system.
14. Chrome DevTools
As a complete set of web development tools, Chrome DevTools comes with the Google Chrome web browser. DevTools allows developers to edit and adjust pages in real-time and assess and diagnose issues, quickly developing beautifully crafted websites.
Key Features:
- Chrome DevTools is always up to date, providing peace of mind that this tool provides accurate results and analysis on any problem areas.
- It’s super easy to optimize website page loading times and even add edits to HTML or CSS code in real-time while reviewing your site.
- As a complete digital toolbox, Chrome DevTools gives developers all the essential tools to make a stunning website or eye-popping app with complete ease.
15. Visual Studio Code
Visual Studio Code is one of the top all-time favorites for many developers, mainly because this tool is so flexible and can quickly provide developers with the tools for a streamlined code-build-debug cycle. This code editor can handle tasks ranging from debugging to the task running and even version control.
Key Features:
- Visual Studio Code offers developers a dynamic command line interface that allows for control over how the editor launches, giving the option for different files or install extensions on start-up.
- This tool also comes with a Git integration, allowing developers to commit, pull, or push code changes to their remote Git repository.
- All files with Visual Studio Code use a clear hierarchical structure. Every code file is in specific folders relating to an associated project or subject, making it quick and easy to find anything at any time.
What Tools Are Needed for Web Development?
Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned veteran of the web development world, it’s essential to understand what types of web development tools you need to get the job done. Below is a list of different segments within web development, along with some info about what tools are required.
Front-End Web Development Tools
Front-end developers are the heart of the web development process. With a range of skills stretching from knowing server-side CSS, being proficient in multiple top programming languages, and being expert problem-solvers, front-end developers are a walking Swiss army knife. Some of the best front-end tools are Atom, Git, HTML5 Boilerplate, Bootstrap, Chrome Dev Tools, and CodePen.
Back-End Web Development Tools
Back-end developers are the workhorses of any project. Whether you’re bootstrapping that following website or application, it’s imperative to understand what tools will help fill specific needs to complete that job. Some top-rated back-end development tools are Laravel, Ruby on Rails, Apache, MongoDB, Zend, Django, and React Native.
Web Design Tools
The design of any website or application is critical to its eventual success. Web design sits at the center of this vital process, which makes it even more important to have the right tools. Some of the best web design tools are Figma, MockFlow, Balsamiq, Canva, GIMP, and Pixel.
Web Testing Tools
Website testing tools have the power to make or break any site or application. Without proper testing tools, this could be the difference between massive success or miserable failure. WebLOAD, Acunetix, Netsparker, Test IQ, Experitest, and Lambda Test are some of the best web development tools.
Website Mock-up Tools
Mock-ups provide visual feedback, which gives a team insight and confidence to either move forward with a design or head back to the drawing table. Some of the best website mock-up tools are Balsamiq, MockFlow, Moqups, Gravit, and Flinto.
Web Browser Tools
A web browser tool is a type of software that runs within a web browser, sometimes also known as an app, application, or program. Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Safari, and Brave are top-rated web browser tools.
Text and Code Editors
Text and code editors allow developers to write top-notch code with complete ease. Some of the best text and code editors are Sublime Text, Atom, Visual Studio Code, Espresso, and Notepad++. These tools allow programmers to format their code to suit a specific language and color code or autocomplete all coding documentation.
Image Optimization Tools
For any website or app, it’s crucial to ensure the optimization of all images for a better overall user experience. Some popular image optimization tools are JPEG Optimizer, Kraken, Tiny PNG, Optimizilla., and JPEG.io.
What to Consider When Choosing Web Development Tools
When considering the right web development tools for that upcoming project or next task, there are some factors to keep in mind. Below are several aspects to think about before making a final decision:
Cost
This one might seem obvious, but cost requires a certain amount of consideration in the decision-making process. It’s a wise idea to find tools that offer a free demo or trial period, making it easier to determine if that tool is a good fit.
Functionality
Functionality is an essential ingredient for the success of any product. As more people use their mobile devices, it’s crucial to ensure that all final designs can adjust for desktop and mobile device layouts. Since 2020, web traffic in the United States has risen by 22%, with most users spending 155 minutes accessing websites using their phones.
Ease of Use
Some of the best tools for web development are beginner-friendly. The tools that truly have ease of use are the ones that have options such as drag-and-drop features, powerful editing, and customization tools.
Security
Website and user security isn’t something to ever compromise on or ignore. Statistics show that hackers can penetrate 9 out of 10 applications, illustrating the importance of security. It’s critical to ensure that the SSL certificate and multi-level features are all up to par and provide the highest level of protection.
Scalability
Scalability is vital to keep in mind when choosing the right tools. The ability to properly scale a product ensures that there’s plenty of room for growth in the future. The correct tools will allow this to occur seamlessly, and as more users come online, it will help prevent disruptions.
Why Are Web Development Tools Helpful?
Web development tools are helpful because they can take complex tasks and drastically simplify them. The true beauty of web development tools comes from their ability to work seamlessly alongside many other types of tools, streamlining the entire creation process. In the end, these tools allow developers to craft scalable products that are highly functional and intuitively designed that will delight end users.
Learn Web Development at Coding Dojo
Some people think that learning coding or anything relating to web development tools is only for those with extraordinary powers, but this couldn’t be further from the truth.
With some help from Coding Dojo and in 14 short weeks, you can become an expert web developer with the knowledge and tools for a high-paying career in tech.
To learn more, check out our coding bootcamp options so you can start your web development career today!