Tools You’ll Need as a Web Developer
🔧 Tools You’ll Need as a Web Developer (Code Editor, Browser, Local Server like XAMPP)
Before diving into web development,
it’s essential to set up the right tools. These tools help you write, test, and
debug your code efficiently. Below are the basic tools every web developer
should start with:
📝 1. Code Editor
A code editor is where you'll write
your HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, and more.
Popular Code Editors:
- Visual Studio Code (VS Code) – Free, powerful, and widely used.
- Sublime Text
– Lightweight and fast with a smooth interface.
- Atom
– Open-source and beginner-friendly.
Why It Matters:
- Syntax highlighting
- Code completion
- Extensions and plugins to improve workflow
🌐 2. Web Browser
A browser lets you view and test
your websites.
Popular Browsers for Developers:
- Google Chrome
– Offers powerful developer tools.
- Mozilla Firefox
– Great performance and dev tools.
- Microsoft Edge
– Chromium-based, compatible with most sites.
Developer Tools:
Right-click any webpage and select "Inspect" or press F12
to open DevTools – use it to debug HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
⚙️
3. Local Server (e.g., XAMPP)
For backend development (like PHP
and MySQL), you’ll need a local server environment.
What is XAMPP?
XAMPP is a free, open-source local server stack that includes:
- Apache
– The server software.
- MySQL
– The database system.
- PHP – The
scripting language.
- phpMyAdmin
– A GUI to manage your MySQL databases.
Why Use a Local Server?
- Run dynamic websites (PHP, WordPress)
- Test locally without uploading files to a web host
- Simulate real server behavior on your own computer
Other Alternatives:
- WAMP
(Windows only)
- MAMP
(Mac and Windows)
- Laragon,
Local by Flywheel, or Docker for advanced setups
🧰
Bonus Tools You’ll Love
- Git & GitHub
– For version control and collaboration
- Browser Extensions
like:
- ColorPick Eyedropper (for colors)
- WhatFont (for fonts)
- Web Developer Toolbar
✅
Conclusion
To build websites, you don’t need to
spend money on expensive tools. Start with:
- A good code editor (like VS Code)
- A modern browser (like Chrome)
- A local server like WAMP or XAMPP for backend work
Once you master these, your
development journey will be smoother and more productive!