Tools and Resources to Help Web Developers and Designers

After browsing online for five hours or even five minutes, you may get a feeling of Déjà vu. Why is that? Unfortunately, many websites were created using the same basic principles and tools, so they tend to look alike.

For college students and even seasoned Web developers and designers, creating a beautiful and unique website can be a challenge when using the same tools day in and day out. Staying abreast of the latest trends and tools can help keep web developers’ and designers’ projects from feeling and looking mundane. Here are a few of those tools that can help you stay up-to-date with the current trends.

1. Mou: The Missing Markdown Editor for Web Developers

Mou tops the list as a simple yet truly effective text editor for OSX developers. With real-time Markdown parsing, Mou enables people to immediately evaluate their Markdown syntax. In modern Web development, OSX-enabled sites are more important than ever. Each year, mobile Web users exert their influence in ever-expanding numbers. With its convenient split-screen format, Mou caters to new and experienced OSX developers. Powerful search functions and intuitive macros round out Mou’s exciting feature list.

2. XAMPP: An Open Source Cross-Platform Web Server Solution

Site testing is a critical phase for most websites. Most developers appreciate live testing environments that are versatile and affordable. As a free open source Web server, XAMPP has earned widespread praise and appreciation. XAMPP comes in a comprehensive package that includes Apache, MySQL, PHP and many other important development tools. An indispensable part of any developer’s arsenal, XAMPP proves that some of the best things in life are free.

3. Dropbox: The Web-Based and Downloadable File-Synchronization Tool

Dropbox is another outstanding digital tool that has won accolades from Web developers of all types. The premiere cloud storage host, Dropbox provides fast, reliable access to critical files. Offering a hefty 2GB of data for free, Dropbox is adaptable to the needs of diverse modern professionals. Though ideal for up-and-coming developers, this service provides enough file security to satisfy the needs of the largest corporations.

4. Dream In Code: Web Development and Design Community

Excellent Web design bolsters the growth of the global economy. New entrants into this industry deserve recognition and support from all quarters. Learning Web development and design is often a long, complex process. Fortunately, the close-knit Web development community is quite willing to support the growth of novice developers. Although finding the right software is a good first step, Web design is as much art as it is science. Networking with others in the field is an important step for any budding Web professional. Even veteran developers can find inspiring solutions through Web development forums. Dream In Code is one such forum with a well-established reputation. This site features expert opinions from professionals with long years of experience in cutting-edge development and design. Although reading and understanding the site’s posting guidelines is a must, most people who post questions receive worthwhile answers.

5. Dev Shed: Open Source Web Development Tutorials

Dev Shed is another development forum with an outstanding reputation in the online world. Though similar to Dream In Code, Dev Shed features posting rules that are slightly less restrictive.

These are just a few of the many available online tools for Web developers and designers. Individuals who use these tools give themselves major advantages in the competitive landscape today. But most of all, when successful developers stay flexible and willing to change, it helps improve their work and final product.

Author Bio-This article was written by Brandon Serna on behalf of Westwood College, which offers a bachelor’s degree in web design to help students reach their career goals.