Basic Fundamental Programs Used in Web Design By Web Developers
Aside from a computer and an Internet connection, the majority of the tools required to create a website are software applications, some of which may already be installed on your computer. To upload files to a web server, you need a text or HTML editor, a graphics editor, web browsers, and an FTP client.
Selecting a Simple or HTML Editor Text
HTML may be created with a plain text editor, such as Notepad on Windows 10, TextEdit and Sublime Text on a Mac, or Vi or Emacs on Linux. You construct the HTML code for the page, save the document as a web file, and then open it in a web browser to verify that it appears as intended.
Use an HTML editor instead of a plain text editor if you want the extra capability. HTML editors recognise code and may detect coding mistakes before the file is launched. Additionally, they may add missing closing tags and flag broken connections. They recognise and support more coding languages, including CSS, PHP, and JavaScript.
There are a variety of HTML editors on the market, ranging from simple to professional. If you are new to creating web pages, one of the WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) editors may be the most suitable option. Some editors solely display the code, while others enable you to switch between coding and visual perspectives. Here are a handful of the many accessible HTML web editors:
The user-friendly design of Komodo IDE is suited for both novice and experienced web developers. The autocomplete function of Komodo IDE is extremely useful while creating code for common components such as links. The software supports the colour coding of several programming languages, including HTML, CSS, and others. Komodo IDE is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux.
CoffeeCup HTML Editor is particularly beneficial for novice developers who are more interested in learning to code than in a graphical user experience. This comprehensive editor includes templates and validation checks to assist maintain error-free code. It offers code completion and supports other coding languages that may be used with HTML. The programme identifies problems, explains why they occurred, and provides instructions on how to correct them. CoffeeCup HTML Editor is a Windows application.
Mobirise is an HTML editor for those who do not want to work with coding. It is as simple as selecting a theme and dragging and dropping pieces into the website. Mobirise handles the coding for you, allowing you to add content as you would in a standard text editor and incorporate photos, videos, and icons without having to write any code. Mobirise is free and accessible for Windows and Mac.
Web Browsers
Websites might seem differently among browsers; thus, it is essential to test your web pages to ensure they appear and work as intended. The most popular web browsers are Chrome, Firefox, Safari (Mac), Opera, and Edge (Windows).
You must also test the look and functionality of your websites on mobile browsers. The majority of desktop browsers allow users to view webpages in windows of varying sizes. For instance, Google Chrome provides an abundance of testing options under View > Developer > Developer Tools. Select the smartphone symbol located in the upper-left corner of the developer window to see any page in various window sizes and mobile operating systems.
Visual Editor
Your website will determine the sort of image editor you require. Adobe Photoshop is the industry standard, although you may not need that much capability. In addition, you may want a vector graphics application for logo and illustration work. Consider the following graphical editors for fundamental web development:
GIMP is a free, open-source picture editing tool that offers many of the same capabilities as its more costly rivals. It is accessible as open source software for Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Photoshop Elements for Mac and PC is a stripped-down version of its namesake, yet it still has a wealth of capabilities.
Corel PaintShop Pro for PC includes a user-friendly interface and almost all the capabilities found in Photoshop.
For Windows, Mac, and Linux, Inkscape is a free vector graphics editor. This alternative to the more expensive Adobe Illustrator is more than capable of handling minor design tasks and online graphics.
FTP Client
You need an FTP (file transfer protocol) client to upload HTML files, pictures, and graphics to your web server. FTP is accessible through the command line in Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux, but a specialised FTP client is significantly more user-friendly. The leading FTP clients are:
FileZilla is available for free download on Windows, Mac, and Linux. It allows drag-and-drop file transfers and includes the ability to stop and restart huge file uploads.
Cyberduck is a free, open-source, cross-platform application renowned for its smooth interaction with other editors and its aesthetically pleasing user interface.
Free FTP and Direct FTP are created by the same manufacturer. Free FTP is a lightweight client that fulfils fundamental file transfer requirements. Direct FTP is a premium version with improved capabilities. Windows 7, 8, and Vista support both versions, however only Direct FTP is compatible with Windows 10.
Transmit is a paid FTP client for Macs only. It allows for very quick transfers and supports Amazon CloudFront.
Cute FTP is a robust premium FTP client that supports up to 100 simultaneous transfers. It is regarded as one of the safest FTP clients available.
Kyrnin, J. (2009, April 12). The Basic Software You Need to Build a Website. ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/basic-tools-for-web-design-3466383