Web Development tools I can’t live without
There are many tools I use when a I develop web sites. I wanted to make a list of web development tools I just can’t live without.
Web Browsers
Here’s a list of Browsers that I use. You should always check your website in all these browsers.
Side note. If you want to test older version of Internet Explorer I recommend that you look at this tool called “IETester”.
Code Writing
Well my favorite code editor is: NetBeans. It helps me write as little clean code as possible. The autocomplete for html, CSS and JavaScript is awesome.
Side Note – After going through some of the NetTuts tutorials, I have say I really like using the Web development tool bar for making quick edits. You can see how those edits effect the DOM in real time! There is no code completion AT ALL in it. You should be ok with coding without hints. My wish is that the program would also support a “TAB” input.
FireFox Plugins
Some of these plugins are just amazing. I don’t know what I would do without them!
- FireBug – Allows you to send variables to the console. This software is honestly the best add-on for FireFox hands down.
- Web Developer & Web developer Tool Bar – I love being able to make sure there are no errors in the code just by glancing at the page. You can use a ruler tool, edit html, CSS, and validate code on the fly.
- FireQuery – Allows you to debug and code jQuery code. Requires Firebug.
- FirePHP – Allows you to debug and code on the fly with PHP. Requires firebug.
- ColorZilla – Allows you to use an eye dropper tool within the browser on any website.
- HideMenubar – I hate that FireFox forces you to look at the menu bar. This plugin will give you more real estate when code/viewing.
Web Tools
This list wouldn’t be complete without some online web tools. Here are some of my favorites:
- Online CSS3 creator – Spits out CSS code that will be able to be viewed across different CSS3 capable browsers.
- FontSquirrel – Ever wanted FREE @Face-Fonts that are very easy to use? Font Squirrel takes all the head-aches out of using fonts on the web.
- Lorem Ipsum – An easy way to get some text for making content in mockups.
- Cheat Sheets – Here’s a ton of cheat sheets you can use
Graphic Tools
The web is very much about Graphics. Here are the tool I recommend you learn.
- Adobe Photoshop – Should I say anymore?
- Adobe Illustrator – The best vector drawing program on the planet.
