What free tools are you using for web development?

by 57 replies
69
I'm curious what kinds of tools warriors are using for marketing/development. Especially free ones. I'll start out by listing some of the ones I use daily.

Coding:

Notepad ++ <-- The best text editor I know of
Aptana <-- A close second
ArgoUML <-- Great UML Modeling Tool
FlashDevelop <-- Great for actionscript
HTML-Kit <-- great HTML editor


FTP:
You only need one:
FileZilla <--- Great FTP client

PHP/MySQL Related

XAMPP <-- Full PHP/MySQL dev environment on your desktop!
MySQL Workbench MySQL Workbench
PHP Eclipse Good PHP Editor

Microsoft .Net Development

Visual Web Developer Express <-- Amazingly powerful for a free product
SQL Server 2008 Install an SQL server right on your desktop
Visual C# Express Edition Visual C# Express


I know there is a link limit, so this is all I will post for now, I'll add more in this thread.

If this helps, send thanks and add your own Free web dev tools!
#programming #development #free #programming #software #tools #web #website
  • Hi,

    I use the following -

    HTML Web Development-
    HTML-Kit - HTML Kit for more than editing HTML
    InType Code Editor - Intype
    Much better than notepad for doing your code - currently free.
    NoteTab Pro - Award-Winning NoteTab Text Editors and HTML Editors - Another great free text editor that I use regularly. Just use the free version.
    Wordpress - For free websites/themes etc. Plus if I need a HTML site quite often I find a cool WP Theme that I like and just save the page as HTML and use that as a base template for a HTML website.
    Filezilla Portable for FTP - Lives on a portable encrypted USB drive so I can work on sites anywhere in the world.

    E-Commerce-
    Plimus.com - Not really free as you have to pay a small fee on sales (like you do with Paypal) but its free to set up and you dont start paying until you make a sale.

    Other -
    Gmail - I use it to load up 4 or 5 pop3/smtp email accounts al under one interface. Saves having to check 3 or 4 email addresses one by one.
    Truecrypt - TrueCrypt - Free Open-Source On-The-Fly Disk Encryption Software for Windows 7/Vista/XP, Mac OS X and Linux - Keeps all my customer data secure by encrypting all my computers and drives.
    Reseller Panel - Domain, Web Hosting, Virtual & Dedicated Server Reseller Programs by ResellersPanel
    This is a Free Webhosting Reseller Account - you can set up as a webhost using this at no cost. Once you get into it you can pay for domains, IPs, webhosting etc which is no longer free (although still cheap) But its free to start.


    Cheers

    Max
    • [ 2 ] Thanks
    • [1] reply
    • Thank you, this is exactly what I was looking for.

      I'm going to post some linux tools here soon, as I do a lot of development in Linux and I think it might be helpful to put those tools up too, in case anyone is thinking about making the switch someday. It's amazing how nice it is to do php/mysql stuff in a linux environment. Very smooth and nice for sure.
      • [1] reply
  • notepad++ mostly for everything
    FTP: Smart Ftp
  • Using the PC

    1. Coding - Notepad++
    2. FTP -Auto FTP Manager

    Using the Mac (not really free tools, but well worth the price)

    1. Coding - Textmate
    2. FTP - Fetch
    • [ 1 ] Thanks
  • Use netbeans 6.8 on win/ubuntu
    and vim ...

    that pretty much covers it all
  • On mac I use TextMate, Cyberduck and when I want to see live versions when i am editing either NVU or Dreamweaver
    • [1] reply
    • I've spent the last couple months trying out different editing software for PHP programming.

      Originally I used Dreamweaver simply because that's what I used before I learned PHP.

      I tried both Aptana and Eclipse IDE's to see what the whole "IDE" thing was about. I found both to be incredibly sluggish and even simple tasks made the program screech to a halt.

      Notepad++ was alright, but I kept on trying other things.

      Komodo Edit made me very happy, except for the lack of FTP sync. It did have the nice plug-in to let you work directly with remote files, but then you had to download it all later to keep a local copy.

      So now I'm a couple weeks into using NetBeans IDE. It seems to keep me just as happy as Komodo Edit, but also includes the "Upload on Save" feature that I like so much from the Dreamweaver days.


      Another tool worthy of a mention is Firebug. A browser plug-in that lets you fix/tweak/edit CSS in the browser so you can see the results in real-time.

      -Ryan
      • [ 1 ] Thanks
      • [1] reply
  • Most of the tools I use are already mentioned..but ONE which is
    really great to mention is Extention of Firefox called FireBug
    Firebug

    To debug the html/css code ..

    Regards,
    Mohsin
  • Plus one for firebug! Also pagespeed from google which plugs into firebug. Excellent analysis tool to see how efficient your page is.
  • If you're a student, google Dreamspark as they give you all their tools for free, which you can use for development.
    • [1] reply
    • Are you guys using netbeans for web development? As in HTML? I didn't know it was capable.

      I've used it for building java apps, and I really like it. It's a very nice IDE for that, never thought of using it for web pages though.
  • Edit Plus as text editor, HTML editor, Java editor and PHP editor, CakePHP as a framework for PHP, Wordpress for CMS, Linux as an OS
  • All free:

    Sequel Pro - great for managing MySQL databases from your desktop (OSX Only)
    Web Developer Toolbar - plugin for firefox (my hot tip!) great for debugging javascript and html/css layouts
    Quirk SearchStatus - Little SEO plugin for firefox, great for backlinks, nofollow, whois etc.
  • Thanks for all of the tools
  • You might want to check out this link as provided by Matt Cutts...to improve site's performance and speed:
    Let's make the web faster - Google Code
    • [ 1 ] Thanks
    • [1] reply
  • There are a many tools available for web development. In web development you can use asp.ent, php, joomla, drupal, crystal report, silver light, ajax etc. And for web designing you can use photoshop, corel drae, illustrator, photoshop etc.
    • [1] reply
    • Hello:

      If you are interesting using Linux, I suggest you look into CERN's version of Scientific Linux which is based on Red Hat's Enterprise version of Linux.

      This is EXACTLY the same operating system as CERN uses and is automatically updated (optionally) just as if you work there. So, when the atom-smashers get bug fixes and software updates, you get them at the same time. This effectively means that CERN's IT department works for you as well.

      NB: There is no other public support, but they recommend Red Hat's documentation as the changes are minimal.

      You can choose what software tools to have installed (including web development tools and a server) when you do the initial installation. Once done, your system will be ready for you to use immediately. As I mentioned above, this is CERN's official operating system so all the tools used at CERN are there for your use also.

      If you decide to try it, here are a few points. If you use the internet install method, DO NOT SKIP over choosing the display time for the initial operating system choice screen. I did that and only had about 3 seconds to view it.

      Also, there is a downloadable version of their latest official release. I found the file was a little too large for a 4.7 Gb DVD after the disc was formatted.

      CERN understandably focuses on reliability instead of newness. So, if you want the latest Linux this is not it.

      There is also a searchable software repository that may be of value to you even if you use a different version of Linux.

      Caritas
      • [1] reply
  • Free essentials for me are CoreFTP and the Firefox WebDeveloper plug-in from Chris Pederick. Oh, and Live HTTP headers.

    I pay for UltraEdit and UltraCompare, and Dreamweaver / Fireworks

    Programming language of choice is Euphoria, which I compile to C for production.
  • Nice list of great tools!

    I would like to add the debugger for PHP, Xdebug.

    Not to mention a system to handle version control, such as subversion.

    ... and the unit testing framework PHPUnit.
    • [ 1 ] Thanks
  • Dreamviewer and own knowledge
  • Banned
    [DELETED]
  • Here is the list what we use for our websites creation. It actual not cheap software, but it simply the best. I guess there are no free or open source software like that:
    Paid one:
    Photoshop
    Fireworks
    Dreamweaver

    Free:
    Notepad++
    Wordpress
    Joomla
    • [1] reply
    • There are open source programs that do similar things, but I wouldn't necessarily say they're "equivalent"

      Photoshop --> The Gimp or Paint.net

      Dreamweaver --> Pretty much any of the editors listed here


      I tell people all the time, you don't have to break the bank to get started in web development. But eventually you are going to want some professional tools that you'll have to pay for. But to start, you can do it all for free.
  • Yes, and then we have Inkscape as well, for vector graphics and illustrations.

    Inkscape. Draw Freely.

    Just had a quick look over at Adobe to check the price tag on Photoshop... You can get a talented, senior designer working full time for two months for that amount!
    • [1] reply
    • That may be true, but another option is buying a copy and using it for years on end like I do. Still rockin CS2 over here!
      • [1] reply
  • If you want to add some cool 3D to your headers, graphics and such then Blender is a great free, open-source 3D content creation suite.

    I'm not saying that 3D is easy, but if you have the time and patience to learn it (or just don't sleep much ) you can create some pretty amazing stuff!

    And then we have ffmpeg for converting almost any video format to Flash video (or another video format). There is a module for PHP as well. And then we have VirtualDub for quick, powerful, video editing.

    Audacity is another tool, great to edit your audio files and lots of filters!
    • [ 1 ] Thanks
  • nice to have have all those list
    but they'll never replace Dreamweaver !
    • [1] reply
    • Dreamweaver sucks.

      Also, I've never been able to get into Notepad++, I've always coded in Context, don't know why but I just can't make the switch to Notepad++.
      • [1] reply
  • I love threads like these...you always pick up useful tool tidbits...

    Edit Plus for writing code
    FireFTP firefox ftp plugin
    Bitvise Tunnelier for SSH, SFTP etc
    WampServer for local Apache, PHP, Mysql
    Wordpress (self explanatory)

    All the other good toys i utilize unfortunately aren't so free...
  • I'm using MacVim with RubyOnRails and some Testing frameworks.
  • Thanks for all
  • Thanks for the info!
  • I use visual studio most of the time (paid ones) or XSitePro. Notepad2 looks good, but yeah Notepad++ is even better.
    • [1] reply
    • There are many different type of tools available to web development. In web development, you can use asp.ent, PHP, Joomla, Drupal, Crystal Report silver light, ajax, etc. And for web design, you can use Photoshop, Corel DRAE, Illustrator, Photoshop, etc.
  • I am also using Visual Web Developer which is free for ASP.NET Development. Its the best IDE for .NET development. And its free which is the best thing.
  • I use NuSphere-PhpEd, its really cool program I think so far for PHP, and of course MySQL GUI Tools is a must for me
  • Thank's for the infos.
    I've been using
    filezilla for file transfer
    gimp for image editing
    microsoft web expression (demo version), didn't know that Visual Web Developer Express is free until i found this thread (thank you)
    For php, i am just using a normal notepad.
    • [1] reply
    • Experienced 14 years in doing web development / running a business

      Coding:
      Dreamweaver
      EditPlus

      Graphics:
      Photoshop

      FTP:
      CuteFTP (Just used to it)

      Firebug - essential

      Teamviewer - essential for coordination with team members

      Excel - great for bulk editing of data for reupload to phpmyadmin
  • Banned
    [DELETED]
  • Notepad ++ is still the best for free editor, if you want using a paid software, I still using NuSphere PhpEd until now ..

    don't forget mysql GUI tools, it makes your job easier
    • [1] reply
    • I want to learn php Does Notepad ++ for php ok? Is this ( notepad-plus-plus.org/release/5.7 ) its official site? Is it safe to download and install? Is it free or it will ask you to pay for upgrading? Thanks
      • [1] reply
  • If anything is obvious from the above posts its that we each have our own preference when it comes to common tools like FTP clients and Text Editors.

    On the PC Platform (I also work in LINUX) here is my hit list:

    Text Editor - PS Pad - editor PSPad - freeware HTML editor, PHP editor, XHTML, JavaScript, ASP, Perl, C, HEX editor - (I also like Ultra Edit, but it is not free)
    FTP Client - Win SCP - WinSCP :: Free SFTP and FTP client for Windows
    PDF "Printer' - Cute PDF - CutePDF - Create PDF for free, Free PDF Utilities, Edit PDF easily;.
    Office Suite - Open Office - OpenOffice.org - The Free and Open Productivity Suite
    File Comparisons - Win Merge - WinMerge

    Bill
  • Notepad++ for the win! It's free, lightweight, and opens/runs so smoothly its great!
  • Dreamviewer
  • Got a little Joomla mini-course here that's actually good quality... GO YOUTUBE!:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?annotat...QuQ&feature=iv

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?annotat...spY&feature=iv

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?annotat...P68&feature=iv

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?annotat...fBM&feature=iv
  • I use
    NotePad++ for quick editing
    XAMPP for a local server

    I was using
    Aptana for an IDE then I switched to NetBeans when they dropped PHP support.
    Now I am using a paid IDE phpStorm mostly because of its preset feature, helps me code a lot faster.

    Moving on,
    WinMerge is a free line for line or directory diff software.

    Directory/Drive access
    Win SCP


    FireFox browser add-ons
    FireFTP
    FireBug
    Web Developer Toolbar
    FireCookie
    FireQuery
    ColorZilla
    FireShot
    PageSpeed
    ShowIP
    Live HTTP Headers

    Browsers
    FireFox
    Safari
    Opera
    Chrome
    IE Tester
    IE 7
    IE 8
    iTouch and a AnDroid phone for browser testing

    Screen recording -> Jing

    Repository tools
    msysGit
    TortoiseGit
    TortoiseSVN

    Repository sites
    Assembla <- my favorite
    GitHub
    GoogleCode
    • [ 1 ] Thanks
  • My favorite tools:
    VirtualBox - for virtual desktops and Operating systems - allows me to test downloads, and run automation scripts in a safe unchanging place (and continue working)

    Eclipse - For my automation scripts

    Selenium RC - QA of the sites that I'm testing (web front-end testing)

    Selenium IDE - Firefox extension allows me to record my actions and work with certain forms - log into some websites - allows me to be more productive

    vi - This is my text editor of choice - unless I need to start making several copy and paste edits, then I open up the script in gedit (or notepad++)

    SVN - Allows me to roll back certain changes and have a repository of changes

    Firefox - my favorite web browser because of the extensions that are available.

    jQuery - my favorite javascript library
    • [ 1 ] Thanks
    • [1] reply
    • WT, C++ Web Toolkit


      Been hearing a lot about this recently, and very curious to try it out. Would be nice to get something with some real flexibility and the performance of native code. Has anyone messed with this stuff yet?
  • Speaking as a long time programming hack, I have been using Ultra-Edit by IDM Computer Solutions. It is heavy weight programming tool. Alas, it is not free (around $60), but it is full functioning programming tool for C, C#, C++, VB, VB.Net, Javascript, HTML, etc, etc...
  • Banned
    [DELETED]
Join the discussion

Next Topics on Trending Feed