“What is the best text editor for web developers?” — this question bothers not only beginners but experienced developers as well. New software is launched regularly, client requirements are growing, your own skills are improving and you want to automate routine procedures for large projects and get as much as possible out of the box. In this article we talk about best text editors for web developers that currently exist out there.
Sublime Text (Windows, Linux, Mac)
Sublime Text stands out as a versatile, multi-platform text editor, offering a range of commands for enhanced efficiency, enabling rapid code searches within files. One of its notable features is the automatic generation of an index for all functions and methods, facilitating quick code location during editing.
Key Features of Sublime Text:
- Cross-Platform Compatibility: Available on multiple platforms, ensuring widespread accessibility.
- User-Friendly Interface: Provides an intuitive interface for seamless work.
- Single License for All Devices: One license purchase allows usage across all devices.
- Split Editing Support: Facilitates side-by-side file management and editing through split editing.
- Highly Customizable System: Offers extensive customization options using shortcuts and menus.
- Python API Support: Supports a Python API for seamless integration of a variety of plugins.
- Community-Created Packages: Access thousands of community-created packages via the dedicated package manager, expanding its functionality.
Here’re few handy Sublime Text plugins:
Emmet allows you to use shortcuts for entering certain tags, for example:
ul#nav>li.item$*3>a{Item $}
Emmet transforms the shortcut above into a list with three elements:
SublimeLinter is used for syntax verification. It allows you to minimize the amount of errors by checking your code on the fly. You just need to install few packages, such as: SublimeLinter-html-tidy, SublimeLinter-csslint, SublimeLinter-jshint and SublimeLinter-php.
CSScomb helps to place CSS selectors in the right order for ease of future reading and editing.
Sublime Text boasts Python API support, enabling seamless integration of various plugins into the text editing solution. The extensive collection of customizable plugins is regularly updated by the active Sublime Text community.
While Sublime Text is not a free editor, it provides a free trial for users to familiarize themselves with its fundamental features. To unlock the full version, a premium license is available at $99, encompassing three years of updates.
WebStorm (Windows, Linux, Mac)
WebStorm is an integrated development environment designed for coding in JavaScript and its associated technologies. Similar to other JetBrains IDEs, such as IntelliJ IDEA, WebStorm enhances your development experience by automating routine tasks and facilitating the handling of complex coding challenges.
Key Features of WebStorm:
- Language Support: Out-of-the-box support for JavaScript, TypeScript, React, Vue, Angular, Node.js, HTML, and style sheets.
- Smart Editor: Intelligent editor with features like code completion, on-the-fly error detection, safe code refactorings, and fast codebase navigation.
- Built-in Developer Tools: Various built-in tools for debugging and testing client-side and Node.js applications, working with version control, linters, build tools, terminal, and HTTP client.
- Teamwork Efficiency: Tools for effective teamwork, including a service for remote collaborative development, pair programming capabilities, and the ability to share project configurations.
- Customization: personalize your work environment by experimenting with themes and plugins to suit your preferences.
WebStorm is a great finding for those who need lots of features and are ready to pay for them: per user, first-year US $159.00. But if you need something simpler, look at other text editors.
Visual Studio Code (Windows, Linux, Mac)
Visual Studio Code by Microsoft is a versatile, multi-platform text editor accessible for free on Windows, Mac, and Linux. Laden with features such as auto-complete, syntax highlighting, and debugging capabilities, it enhances the coding experience. The built-in Git commands simplify version control tasks, enabling seamless push and pull requests with just a click.
Key Features of Visual Studio Code Editor:
- Completely free with open-source accessibility
- Supports advanced features, including enhanced autocomplete and syntax highlighting
- Built-in Git commands for efficient version control
- Essential documentation readily available on the website
- Direct code debugging within the editor
- Extensive collection of extensions for customization and enhancements
- Active community support for assistance.
Additionally, Visual Studio Code offers a variety of extensions within the editor, facilitating the addition of new languages, themes, and tools to cater to diverse programming needs.
Brackets (Windows, Linux, Mac)
Brackets, specifically tailored for web developers, is a powerful and lightweight editing tool that seamlessly integrates visual elements to enhance user efficiency. Featuring a straightforward UI with numerous keyboard shortcuts and advanced capabilities like split-screen editing, Brackets stands out as a versatile choice.
Key Features of Brackets:
- Workflow Improvement: Streamlined HTML and CSS development with a focus on outstanding speed.
- Library Handling: Convenient management of open-source and third-party libraries.
- File Format Support: Compatibility with nearly every file format.
- Git Integration: Integrated Git support for various platforms, including Windows, iOS, and Linux.
- Auto Pairing: Automatic pairing with CSS and other vendor prefixes for enhanced coding.
- W3C Validation: Provides W3C validation for adherence to web standards.
- Live Preview: Real-time monitoring of web page updates during CSS and HTML file edits.
- Community Support: A dedicated and responsive community ensures frequent updates and the introduction of new features.
With features like inline editing, live preview, and support for processors, Brackets offers a dynamic environment for web development. Additionally, a passionate community consistently contributes to its improvement, making it a reliable choice for developers.
Coda 2 (Mac OS и iOS)
Coda, designed exclusively for Mac users, has remained a top text editor for a decade, cherished for its valuable features and cutting-edge technology. Tailored with Apple enthusiasts in mind, it boasts a built-in file and SSH manager.
Key Features of Coda:
- One-click wildcard token for quick modifications
- Intuitive interface for efficient code writing
- Versatile for working with various languages and syntax highlighting
- Remote code editing and preview watching on iPhone/iPad
- Latest version features Panic syncing for passwords and private keys, along with local indexing for autocomplete functionality
- Colorful syntax highlighting, CSS overriding, and advanced syncing between devices
- Functions practically as an Integrated Development Environment (IDE)
- MacBook Pro users can seamlessly switch between editor and preview modes using the laptop's touch bar.
Coda stands out with its stylish design, rich features, and the ability to cater to diverse coding needs, making it a preferred choice for Mac users. One user license for Coda 2 costs $99.
As you can see, modern text editors for web developers have a lot of useful features so your personal choice will depend on the budget and your preferred platform. So which editor do you use for work or your personal projects? Tell us in the comment section below!
We at Stfalcon are constantly keeping an eye on the latest trends in web design and development. When working with us you can be sure that your website is created according to the modern standards of web design and development.
