There are many aspects of website development, and not all of them are always done by one person. Depending on the focus of the site, the best web development tools may differ for each site. Highly graphical sites will need advanced graphics and video editors. Sites that rely on the transmission of textual information to readers will want to use content management software. It is important to find tools that streamline your workflow and are capable of performing all the necessary tasks to build and maintain a targeted website.
When choosing the best web development tools, it is important to consider the workflow for the site.
Small websites can rely on open source or online tools that can help manage the site without the need for detailed programming knowledge. A large website may find advanced offline analytics tracking software and its own web server to be invaluable
The concept of scalability must be carefully thought out. Tools that are not designed to increase the size of a website also exist. The price can be considered here, but a very realistic prediction of the future website needs to be assessed to determine if a small additional investment in a scalable tool, in the beginning, can save time and headaches later.
What are web development tools for?
Web developers have long given up on individually coding pages in HTML / CSS, JavaScript, PHP, or another language, using only a text editor. Platforms are available these days to assist with all stages of the process right down to design.
To simplify the design, you can use a ready-made CMS or website builder, but these options involve a certain degree of limitations.
For standalone websites, the freedom to code and create your own designs can be rewarded not only in terms of aesthetics but also in terms of security. In a short article, we will highlight the best web development tools available today.
Sketch – a set of digital design tools
Good websites aren’t just code, they embody great design elements, including logos and images. Sketch tries to handle these elements but also has the ability to add simple animations and create interactive prototypes. The app allows the user to create a main character, which can then be used anywhere in the document, and also resized as needed, such as for an icon or avatar. Sketch easily transforms text and images into dynamic designs.
A cloud collaboration component, also called libraries, is available as symbols can be shared. Font Rapid tool Custom creates custom fonts to give your site a truly personal look.
Sketch only supports OS X, and it is a commercial application – pricing is based on a one-time license fee per user, or a monthly or annual subscription.
Benefits:
- creates simple animations;
- there are interactive prototypes;
- support cloud collaboration.
Disadvantages:
- OS X only.
InVision Cloud – digital product design platform
The list of technology companies using InVision Cloud includes Amazon, SoundCloud, Evernote and Netflix, which confirms the effectiveness of the platform for digital product development.
The InVision Cloud approach brings traditional design elements and processes into the virtual era with tools such as a library of elements, a whiteboard for photos, navigation flows, a web prototype for desktop sites, and more. The Prototype tool will be of interest to a web development agency in Islamabad as it can prototype a website with interactive elements for desktop or mobile use.
The plus is the availability of a free version that allows you to process one prototype. For more ambitious goals, the Professional plan can include unlimited prototypes for a fee.
Benefits:
- there is a free version;
- there is a set of useful tools;
- the ability to create a website prototype.
Sublime Text is a code editor that simplifies advanced website design
Sublime Text is a popular code editor that is a useful web design tool and is available for download for Windows, OS X, and Linux. Useful features include the GoTo Anything command to find a snippet of code, the Multiple Selections commands, which modifies repeating sections of code and Split Editing to maximize code display on a widescreen monitor or even multiple monitors.
Sublime Text is free to download and evaluate, then purchase a time-unlimited license for all systems.
Benefits:
- there are versions for Windows, OS X and Linux;
- supports extended commands;
- free trial available.
Disadvantages:
- there is no version for mobile platforms.
Foundation
It’s easier to design something when the foundations are in place. It is offering a “family of flexible front-end frameworks” that can be used for website and email design. Each of them is easy to customize to get the look you want. There are several serious heavyweights on the list of sites using this tool, including Disney, HP and Adobe.
Foundation offers a series of HTML templates, each optimized for a specific application, such as a blog or real estate website. They can be added to a website using “building blocks” such as a full-screen page, a signup form, a rating block, or rounded social media buttons. The options are vast. The price is not transparent, but there is a free demo. Experienced users warn that there is a steep learning curve for beginners.
Benefits:
- framework to simplify design;
- customizable building blocks;
Disadvantages:
- opaque pricing;
- steep learning curve
Chrome DevTools – a tool for web developers
Chrome is still a popular choice for Internet users: it also includes developer tools right in the browser. They are designed to debug JavaScript, apply styles to HTML elements, display messages about page activity, and optimize website speed.
Chrome developer tools are free to use, and support is provided through the active DevTools community.
Benefits:
- free;
- availability.
Disadvantages:
- It only supports one browser at a time.
To whom and for what it is useful
The sketch will be useful for a developer using Apple computers to create the design and layout of sites. InVision Cloud is suitable for design, prototyping and modular website building. Sublime Text will make it easier to work with the code of the site or web application. Foundation will help you pick and customize your HTML template. Chrome DevTools are good at testing and debugging a site in the Chrome browser.
