Nowadays, startups and technical innovations, there are a million reasons to create your own website and, it seems, a million tools that will facilitate the work. Regardless of whether the person is a brilliant designer or just a beginner, he probably already has a basic knowledge of working with HTML editors.
Why is it needed?
Such a program can be a standalone tool. But it is often part of a larger integrated development environment (IDE), which is basically a developer toolbar that provides space not only for editing code, but also for compiling, interpreting, and debugging it.
The program is a tool that helps you keep track of your code. While a word processor can be used , the HTML editor has tools to help ensure that the code is well written or at least correct.
Key features:
- syntactic correction or the presence of a tool for checking spelling for the code;
- selection of different parts of the code, which simplifies reading, dividing by lines;
- Insert or auto-complete common HTML elements.
These features, which are provided by the programs listed below, are a real find for future and real designers.
Who is using?
Even a master programmer can make a typo when he writes codes all day. The HTML editor helps you catch bugs. This eliminates the need to manually sort through hundreds of lines to find where inaccuracies are made.
Although we specifically focus on the ability of the program to process HTML, many of them can process other languages, such as CSS or PHP, providing more options if the developer ever wants to develop his web design skills.
There are 2 types in total:
- textual
- HTML visual editors (WYSIWYG).
Fortunately, almost all of them have free open source versions.
Text
Such a tool displays the code line by line - exactly as it was written. Most popular HTML text CSS editors:
- Aptana Studio 3;
- Arachnophilia;
- CoffeeCup;
- Komodo IDE;
- "Community" Microsoft Visual Studio;
- PSPad
- Notepad ++.
They can be used by more experienced programmers. They are also suitable for those who want to control their code. Text editors do not have all the most necessary features and functions, so it will be difficult for beginners to work with them.
Visual
When a designer uses the WYSIWYG HTML editor, he will understand exactly what it will look like before uploading it to the site or checking it. Everything will be displayed immediately during operation.
Most Popular:
- BlueGriffon;
- SeaMonkey;
- NetObjects Fusion.
The drag-and-drop function makes visual editors very easy to use. They are suitable for less experienced programmers and those who are more focused on design than code.
Aptana studio 3
Aptana Studio is a custom open source development environment. Along with HTML5, the program can also help edit CSS, JavaScript, PHP, Ruby, Rails, and Python. The editor integrates with Git to simplify version control and supports the use of FTP, SFTP, FTPS and Capistrano protocols. Its last update was in March 2017.
Arachnophilia
Arachnophilia is a free, open source HTML editor written in Java. It can support Unicode, helps edit projects in PHP, Perl, C ++, Java and JavaScript. The program also has a built-in FTP client, the last update was in November 2016.
Coffeecup
CoffeeCup is a free text corrector. Developers also offer a visual editor for an additional fee. You can use CoffeeCup to create HTML and CSS files, as well as edit existing website files. In addition, it is possible to update content on different pages using its component library.
Komodo IDE
Komodo IDE provides paid licenses. But its free version still contains useful features, such as automatic completion and debugging tools. The program can help edit several other languages, including Python, Perl, and Node.js.
Community Microsoft Visual Studio
Noteworthy is the free version of Community Microsoft Visual Studio with its development environment, which supports up to five users. Although their paid versions offer more advanced features, all the necessary tools for editing HTML are available. In addition, the editor has useful tools for developing mobile applications, such as the exchange of codes between Android and iOS.
NoteTab Light
The creators of NoteTab Light claim that their minimalist syntax highlighting method makes it easier to read HTML or CSS, unlike some other suggestions. They also have Standard and Pro versions of the product if you need a more extensive feature set.
PSPad
PSPad is another Windows solution. It can be used free of charge by commercial and government agencies. The program offers code templates, spell checking and automatic correction capabilities. It was updated in March 2017.
Notepad ++
Notepad ++ is a free source code editor written in C ++. It is available only for Windows users. The Notepad ++ interface is fully customizable, and users can decide for themselves how the syntax will stand out. The last update was in August 2017.
Bluegriffon
BlueGriffon has several paid versions of the product, but the free one offers all the necessary tools for developing web pages. It is officially recommended by the French government as a web development tool for the French administration.
BlueGriffon offers a dual view of the source code and design, so you can track the code while making sure the site looks beautiful. The editor can also help edit CSS and SVG. Additional features in the paid version of the product include design functions, such as a full-screen editor, an eyedropper for choosing colors and warning about the number of words.
Seamonkey
SeaMonkey is a comprehensive open-source all-in-one application package that includes tools for browser, mail, chat and web development, including an HTML editor. Therefore, those who are looking for only one function can choose another option for themselves. Developers who need a full Internet experience, SeaMonkey is worth a try. The project is powered by Mozilla. It was last updated in July 2017.
NetObjects Fusion
NetObjects Fusion describes itself as a code generator, not an editor. Its drag and drop functionality allows you to create a well-designed website in the same way that users will view it. The free version allows you to create HTML5 websites with photo galleries, input forms, and e-commerce features.
In order to determine the most suitable program, you need to try a few. In this case, there will be something to compare. It will be easier to make a choice.