7 Essential Tools For Front-End Web Development

Front-end web development tools and technologies are evolving almost every day. If it’s not a new tool, it’s definitely an updated version of the same tool. The dynamics of achieving more with less input is something that is on every front-end developer’s wishlist.

To accelerate your front-end development process in 2021, choosing the right tools is what keeps you ahead in the game as a front-end developer.

If you’re wondering, makes a tool a great pick for your front-end development needs? It’s less daunting than you think, it simply should be faster, better, responsive, and an open-source platform.

We have got it all for you on this list. Let’s go!

1. Sublime Text

The first on the list is a code editor tool that effortlessly manages and edits all your codes. A code editor tool also needs to be ultra-smooth and fast when it comes to its user interface. Numerous options are already obtainable in the market which are Atom, Notepad++ as well as VIM to name a few, however, we would like to vouch for an even better and speedy platform, i.e- the sublime text.  

Sublime is an efficient front-end code editor tool that is managed by a one-man development team. Its uniqueness lies in its multiple keyboard shortcuts, easy customizability via plugins, and robust interface you can leverage to the fullest. 

The keyboard features like using the same interactive codes multiple times, quick navigation, lines, files, and symbols; all fall in place and coordinate perfectly with each other. It also natively supports a range of diverse programming markups and languages.

Key Hallmarks

i) Supreme search and replace functionality

ii) Minimap to help you view the original file size

iii) Concurrent editing and revisions

iv) Multiple screens and panels format

v) Lightweight and stable 

vi) Powerful python API’s

2. jQuery

It came as a breather to the annoying challenges and inconsistencies of javascript’s front-end functionalities. jQuery entered the market about five years from now and clearly stood out. It’s compact, powerful and fast javascript library came dominating the market that also supported cross-platform operations. 

 

jQuery not only simplified the entire front-end process but also enhanced the overall development to look more interactive with added plugins, animations, navigating documents, and various other elements in its libraries. 

 

It has allowed the flexibility to the front-end developers to approach operations effortlessly similar to that of Ajax, HTML, CSS, and DOM manipulations. 

 

Key Hallmarks

 

i) Interactive effects and animations

ii) Works on the theory of “write less, do more”

iii) Single line codes

iv) Grants browser support

v) Strong theme mechanism

3. Sass

A front-end tool that is deemed easy to use, stable, and is also an upgraded extension to the CSS language. Sass stretches out one step further, making CSS more dynamic through incorporating language extensions like nesting, variables, and mixins to make your style sheets easily readable and DRY (Don’t Repeat Yourself). 

 

Codes need to be DRY because an evergreen code encourages you to use them over and over. Anything that diminishes the amount of CSS you need to put effort into writing codes, is worth it!

 

Key Hallmarks

 

i) Clear front end tool to write codes

ii) Customizable and well-rounded

iii) Access to manipulating tools 

iv) Write CSS in fewer codes

v) Open-source project

 

4. Github

Next up, we have the most useful version control to save you from all the accidental moments as a front-end developer. You can use any programming language for developing purposes like python, ruby, or even javascript, however, getting a firm grip on the version control workflow is remarkably vital. That’s when the expertise of Github comes to our rescue. 

 

Github makes the implementation of the workflow way easier by giving the front-end developers a pool of great tools to work with. As a developer, your code goes through ‘n’ number of transformations that need the protection of a platform as reliable as Git to work as a repository.

 

The repository helps the developers to break through the official channels of communications and interact real in a much simpler way. Elements such as feature requests, bug tracking, and managing tasks become less hectic. 

 

Key Hallmarks

 

i) Collaborative features with other developers

ii) Open source software

iii) Showcase your work with other developers

iv) Integration options

 

5. Angular JS

It is considered among one of the favourite open-source software for front-end development among developers. Angular js is a product of Google and an extension to HTML’s limitations. When HTML failed to manage the dynamic views, angular js came as a solution to expand the HTML syntaxes for the web applications. 

 

If you are on the lookout for a premium internet application that is accurately readable, expressive, and easy to develop, and provides better output, it’s Angular.js after HTML. 

 

Key Hallmarks

 

i) Model View Controller (MVC) Framework

ii) Compatible with Javascript codes

iii) Free open source software

iv) Two-way binding feature

6. Chrome Developer Tools

When it comes to the chrome developer tools, it’s hard to find an alternative. They are a collection of debugging tools for front-end developers that makes testing smooth, saves time, and allows access to the internals of their web applications. 

 

In addition to this, you can combine custom CSS rules, a definitive timeline for you to depict how the browser is performing at present as well as the options of network tools to help you check and fix your loading flaws if any. 

 

Key Hallmarks

 

i) Works right into the browser

ii) Extensive accessibility to web applications

iii) Developer tools can also be used in editor mode


7. WebStorm

 Advanced coding is possible with WebStorm to help front-end developers work efficiently even on massive projects. Plus, it comes with the assistance of JavaScript, React.js, Angular, and even vue.js. 

 

The in-built features like debugging, tracing, and testing all can be done with webstorm on a single platform without worrying about bouncing from tools to tools. 

 

Key Hallmarks

 

i) Powerful version control mechanism

ii) Customizable to suit all your coding needs

iii) Smart coding assistance 

iv) IDE features

Final Words

We hope this list furnished you with everything you were looking for. Comment below with some of your favourite tools and platforms, we would love to explore those as well!

In case you are looking out to hire great front-end developers to take care of your web and app requirements, hit us up at www.quokkalabs.com.

You won’t regret trusting a company who got recognised as one of the Top Web & Mobile App Development Companies in India by Clutch and Goodfirms.