A web development tool refers to the software program, framework, applications, library and online platform the website developers use for designing, building, testing and managing websites and web applications. The web development tools are available in different shapes and sizes. Each supports at different stages of the overall website development process.
The designers also use some of these tools to create visually appealing layouts and graphics. The developers use the web development tools as robust building blocks to fulfil the functionalities for writing, testing and debugging code.
Thus, at every web development company, the web development team uses the tools for executing web projects with appreciable efficiency. Starting with text editors and Integrated Development Environments (or IDEs), the web development tools include graphic design tools and version control systems.
Frontend Vs. Backend Website Development Tools
All website developers of a web development company have great hands-on in the fundamental distinctions between the frontend and backend web development tools.
Frontend development tools, in simpler terms, are useful to build the interface and functionalities engaging the users in direct interaction. Using these tools, web developers create graphic elements, animations, visually appealing fonts, and more.
But on the next side, the backend development tools streamline the behind-the-scenes process of server development and user data management. The emphasis is on simplifying the intricate task of a unique logic creation functioning under the hood.
It should be noted there are certain versatile web development tools, those are the IDEs. So, the web development team utilizes them in the backend as well as the front end.
Now we shall cover all the web development tools used at all reputed web development companies.
- Adobe Illustrator CC
Adobe Illustrator CC is now the industry-standard, for the quality vector drawings and editing it offers for web designs. Its amazing compatibility backed it up, so the website developers can fabricate designs to use anywhere, whether for websites, logos, applications, hoardings or games.
There is yet another advantage of Adobe Illustrator CC. It has a library of royalty-free stock images, vectors, graphics, video footage and illustrations to be used. Even it seamlessly interfaces with video and animation apps, which include Premiere Pro, After Effects and Animate CC. The works can be easily shared among teams by means of desktop and mobile-based Adobe Apps.
2. Chrome DevTools
Google Chrome includes within itself a set of tools for working with, which are conveniently built into the browser. These tools are capable of changing and viewing a page’s style. It even has a functionality to view and change the Document Object Model and run JavaScript. These tools even enable troubleshooting, reading messages, optimizing website speed, editing on the go and more such operations. No operational cost is involved, thus a useful tool for a web development company.
3. AngularJS
AngularJS is a superb tool for expanding knowledge of HTML vocabulary. This is the best platform for developing dynamic documents, which alleviates the HTML problems and is vastly good for static documents. Having a versatile toolkit allows crafting the basic framework for app development.
AngularJS synchronizes appreciably with other libraries. It enables website developers to work on the behavioural aspects of a project in a readable, clean format. Because AngularJS has good old JavaScript objects as the basic foundation, recycling, maintaining and testing codes are easier. This extra benefit is because AngularJS is an open-source, free tool.
4. GitHub
GitHub is a popular software development tool, available at affordable pricing from $7. Perfectly meshing with the tools already being used, GitHub seamlessly integrates into the workflow. GitHub allows website developers to do easy project management, create a custom review process for the code and help conduct experiments with new programming languages.
5. Bootstrap
Bootstrap can be said to be the best tool for web developers. Using this toolkit, the web developers can conduct development work with JS, CSS and HTML. It is used for developing top-of-the-line mobile-first projects for the responsive and powerful web. Bootstrap’s open-source, front-end component library has extensive pre-fabricated components along with powerful plug-ins that are built on JQuery.
6. JavaScript
JavaScript enables executing dynamic material on a webpage It is an object-oriented scripting language, along with the HTML utilized in web pages. Being embedded with various tools, JavaScript can enhance the application’s functionality. IDEs, Frameworks and Libraries are the JavaScript tools:
- IDEs – The website developers use this platform for implementing code for creating applications. Codes can be edited and dubbed. Web developers can use integrated CLI to work on commands. For instance, Eclipse, Atom and VS Code.
- Frameworks – Frameworks are used for building applications and serving as a structure for holding applications. Using the framework, the website developers can avoid code redundancy. It also includes programs, APIs and libraries. For instance, Angular, React and Vue.
- Libraries – Libraries are a collection of functions for operating used for quick implementation. For instance, socket.io, mocha, npm and webpack.
7. React
React is a free and open-source JavaScript library used to create modern and responsive web and mobile app user interfaces. The primary benefit of using React is components can be easily written and pre-build. That is how the development process becomes faster and more efficient.
At the same time, React is useful for server rendering with Node.js and for powering mobile apps with React Native. Using React VR, the developers can build virtual reality sites with 360-degree experiences.
PHP FrameworksA PHP framework is defined as the structure and set of guidelines that web developers use for creating reliable and consistent applications. Because a PHP framework delivers a list of benefits like swift development time, improved code maintainability and increased scalability – everything is possible for it to have built-in libraries and tools that help speed up development, which include database abstraction layers and authentication systems. Rather, the frameworks generally comprise robust security measures for preventing common vulnerabilities such as cross-site scripting (XSS) and SQL injection attacks.
a. Laravel
As a popular PHP Framework, Laravel contains all the functionalities the website developers need. Nevertheless, it is much simpler to be used by newbies to start with their PHP journey.
These are its features:
i. High Security
ii. Artisan
iii. OOP Libraries and Modular Web Apps
iv. MVC Architecture.
b. CodeIgniter
The fastest available PHP Framework is CodeIgniter. CodeIgnitor is free and open-source, ideal for building small projects with minimal configuration. These are the embedded features of CodeIgnitor:
i. Light Footprint
ii. Speed
iii. Caching
iv. Flexible – both MVC and non-MVC support
v. Security
c. Elementor Page Builder
Replacing the basic WordPress editor with a live frontend editor, the visual WordPress website builder Elementor helps in creating complex layouts visually and designing the website live. There is no need to switch between the editor and the preview mode.
With Elementor, website developers can create beautiful and functional designs without using code or CSS. By default, these created designs and responsive, indicating they are bound to look great automatically on desktop, mobile and tablet.
Its intuitive user interface helps in inserting by selecting from professionally designed templates for saving time and then using simple control for easy customization.
Elementor interface has been built with the latest technologies, hence it offers a lag-free and speedy design experience. It means the designs can be created faster and there is absolutely no need for slowing down due to lagging or glitches.
d. Custom Theme Development
Custom Theme Development is ideal for delivering complete control and flexibility. This approach empowers website designers and developers to be in line with unique brand identity when designing a site and creating a scalable website to grow in the future. When a new website is being built, then custom theme development is a fantastic option comprising website building from scratch using CSS, PHP and HTML.
Custom Theme Development on the whole gives complete control over the website’s code and scalability. At the same time, it could demand a significant time and money investment along with technical expertise.
The world of web development is a continuously evolving picture. At these present times, website developers have a wide range of applications in their toolkits. Hence, staying tuned and updated with all the latest technologies for business proficiency is rather a critical task. Since the websites are to be simplified for easy navigation, the web developers of a reputed web development company will progressively need better and more adaptable tools to keep up with the escalating expectations.
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