What front-end tools and workflows do you use?

1 Editors and IDEs

One of the first choices you have to make as a front-end developer is what editor or IDE (Integrated Development Environment) to use. Editors are simple programs that allow you to write and edit code, while IDEs are more complex and offer features like debugging, testing, and code completion. Some popular editors are VS Code, Sublime Text, and Atom, while some popular IDEs are WebStorm, Visual Studio, and Eclipse. The best editor or IDE for you depends on your personal preference, budget, and project requirements.

2 Version Control

Version control is a system that helps you track and manage changes to your code over time. It allows you to create different versions of your code, collaborate with other developers, and revert to previous states if something goes wrong. The most widely used version control system is Git, which works with online platforms like GitHub, GitLab, and Bitbucket. You can use Git commands to create repositories, branches, commits, and pull requests, or use graphical tools like GitHub Desktop, Sourcetree, or GitKraken.

3 Preprocessors and Transpilers

Preprocessors and transpilers are tools that transform your code from one language or syntax to another, usually to enhance its functionality or compatibility. For example, you can use preprocessors like Sass, Less, or Stylus to write CSS with variables, mixins, and nested rules, or transpilers like Babel, TypeScript, or CoffeeScript to write JavaScript with modern features, types, or alternative syntax. You can use these tools with command-line interfaces, build tools, or plugins for your editor or IDE.

5 Frameworks and Libraries

Frameworks and libraries are collections of code that provide ready-made solutions for common problems or features in front-end development. For example, you can use frameworks like React, Angular, or Vue to create dynamic and interactive web components, or libraries like jQuery, Bootstrap, or Tailwind to simplify DOM manipulation, styling, or responsiveness. You can use these tools with CDN links, package managers, or scaffolding tools.

6 Dev Tools and Debugging

Dev tools and debugging are tools that help you inspect and modify your code in the browser, as well as identify and fix errors or bugs. For example, you can use dev tools like Chrome DevTools, Firefox Developer Tools, or Safari Web Inspector to access elements, styles, console, network, performance, and other features of your web page, or debugging tools like Chrome Debugger, VS Code Debugger, or React DevTools to set breakpoints, watch variables, or inspect components. You can use these tools with keyboard shortcuts, browser extensions, or integrations with your editor or IDE.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?