1. Atom
Atom is an HMTL editor that came
out in 2014 and gained tremendous momentum since. Atom is a free, open-source
code editor, and it was developed by the GitHub team. Atom uses a free software
license for its package and it is maintained by the GitHub community. It aims
to offer a premium feel to the editor while keeping it completely free. As well
as the flexibility to customize the software itself.
As for the tagline, they boast as
a hackable text editor for the 21st century. It means that developers can contribute
to edit, extend, change, and share the program source code as well as create
their own packages to improve Atom.
Let’s review the key features of
Atom.
Key
features
- Atom comes with 81 built-in
packages and you can add up to 8,700 additional installable packages. You
can also develop your own package.
- Open Source Text Editor. The
entire Atom editor is a free and open-source program and is available at
GitHub.
- Atom supports Teletype. It
is an important feature if you want to do a collaboration with other
developers in real-time.
- Supports multiple panes.
Atom can split the interface into many windows so you can compare and
write code side by side
- Smart autocompletion. Atom
helps you write your code faster and smarter with a flexible autocomplete.
Why web
developers love Atom
- Customizable. Atom is very
easy to customize, tweak how the interface looks and add other essential
features. You can also build packages and themes from scratch. Or, simply
install pre-made packages and themes from the community.
- Atom in Dev Mode. You can
experiment by adding features to the core system.
- Git and GitHub integration.
- Cross-platform editing. Atom
works across all operating systems.
Design
overview
Atom offers a slick design with a
premium look to it, plus has a live preview.
Available for: Windows, OS X, and Linux
(64-bit).
2. Notepad
++
Notepad++ is a free HTML editor
that was developed for Windows-based machines. Linux users can also use it via
Wine. This editor is distributed as free software and its repository is also
available in GitHub. Like other community projects, third-party plugins are
supported.
Notepad++ distinguishes its
development environment for its simplicity. Notepad++ is super lightweight;
there’s even a mobile version if you fancy it. Here are some highlights:
Key
features
- Notepad++ interface is
simple, lightweight, and fast.
- It supports multi-language
coding environment, from ActionScript, CSS, to visual basic.
- 100% compatibility with
Windows, although other OSs are not supported (without additional
software.)
Why
developers love Notepad++
- It’s completely free and
open-source.
- It is Extendable. You can
add plugins from the community or create your own.
- Customizable . Developers
can personalize the features and interface to their preference.
Design
overview
Notepad++ interface is
minimalist, but developers can customize it.
Available for: Windows and Linux (via
Wine)
3. Sublime
Text
Sublime is another excellent free
HTML editor. Developed by a Sydney-based company, this software falls under the
category of freemium. Freemium means that you can use Sublime for free, but you
have to buy a license to enjoy the full features.
Sublime offers great support to
ensure that the program is constantly updated. Users can add plugins made by
the community or build their own. We think using the free version of Sublime is
more than adequate. However, if you feel like you need more features, you can
get the license at a later point.
Key
features
- Sublime supports Python API
that allows the plugin to expand its default functionality.
- Simultaneous editing. You
can make changes to many selected areas at the same time.
- Cross-platform. Sublime is
available in Windows, OS X, and Linux. Developers only need one license to
use Sublime on any computers they own.
Why web
developers love Sublime Text
- Powerful API and package
ecosystem. Sublime provides thousands of packages that are available and
built by the community. These packages are open-source.
- Split editing. Developers
can use multiple monitors and edit different types of code simultaneously.
- Goto Anything. This feature
is useful to open the files with a few keystrokes, to search for symbols,
lines, or words.
- Goto Definition. Sublime
automatically generates a project-wide index of every class, method, and
function.
Design
overview
Sublime Text interface is
excellent in terms of aesthetics.
Available for: Windows, OS X, and Linux
(32/64 bit).
4. Adobe Dreamweaver CC
Developed and managed by tech
giant Adobe Inc, Adobe Dreamweaver CC is a premium, powerful, and versatile
tool. It caters to both the back-end and front-end development. As a
closed-source software, Dreamweaver is designed to work within the Adobe
ecosystem. Adobe also provides support, plugins, and features to make sure you
will always code seamlessly.
Dreamweaver is one of the editors
that support both textual and WYSIWYG methods. So, you choose whether you want
to code with a live visual presentation or go the classical way.
Key
features
- Dreamweaver allows you to
write code in any major programming language.
- Supports textual and WYSIWYG
editor modes.
- Fully integrated with the
Adobe software ecosystem.
- Awesome performance and
support from Adobe Inc.
Why web
developers love Adobe Dreamweaver CC
- Code and preview. This way
developers can code while previewing the end product.
- Confirm the code and page
accessibility. This feature can ease the developers to follow Web Content
Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG.)
- Access to creative cloud
libraries. Premium access to the abundant supply of assets in the Adobe
ecosystem. From colors, words, graphics, layers, characters, and much
more.
Design
overview
Dreamweaver has that high-class
premium look, with a stunning aesthetic and design. After all, it’s made by
Adobe, a respected company in the creative industry.
Available for: Windows and OS X
5. Visual Studio Code
This multi-code free HTML editing
tool comes ready to go with a large range of customizable features. It prides
itself on its smart autocomplete and other intelligent syntax responses. Visual
Studio Code is a multi-language and multi-platform program. Its development
environment works hand in hand with HTML, Python and other popular programming
languages.
It is also compatible with
Microsoft Azure which makes for easy deployment and numerous extensions.
Key
features
- IntelliSense allows you to
go beyond syntax highlighting and autocomplete. It provides you with smart
completions based on your types, functions, and modules.
- Customization and features.
Install extensions to add languages, themes, debuggers and more.
- The project manager makes it
is easily accessible for you to switch back and forth between multiple
projects.
Why web
developers love Visual Studio Code
- Debug your code right from
the editor.
- Git commands are built-in.
Work with Git and other SCM providers while reviewing diffs, staging
files, etc. from the editor.
- Live Server extension gives
you a live preview of your web application right in the editor.
Design
overview
Visual Studio Code has a classic
look, with a clear and to the point design. It makes it easy to search
documentation, install a new language or open a new file.
Available for: Linux x64, Windows x64, and
OS X
