If you’re a new developer just starting your journey, you may feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of tools available to you. But don’t worry; there are a few essential tools that every new developer should learn and know, according to the folks at Revature. These tools can make your development process more efficient and productive, saving you time and headaches down the road. In this article, we will discuss the top tools that every new developer should consider learning.
Text Editor
A text editor is an essential tool for every developer. A text editor is a software application that allows you to write and edit code. The most popular text editors for developers are Sublime Text, Visual Studio Code, and Atom. These text editors come with features such as syntax highlighting, auto-completion, and the ability to customize the user interface.
Integrated Development Environment (IDE)
An Integrated Development Environment (IDE) is a software application that provides a comprehensive development environment for programmers. An IDE typically includes a text editor, a debugger, and a compiler, as well as other features that are useful for development. Some popular IDEs for developers are Eclipse, Visual Studio, and IntelliJ IDEA.
Version Control System (VCS)
A Version Control System (VCS) is a tool that allows developers to manage changes to their code over time. With a VCS, you can track changes, collaborate with others, and revert to previous versions if needed. Git is the most popular VCS, and GitHub is a popular online repository that developers use to store their code and collaborate with others.
Package Manager
A package manager is a tool that allows developers to install, update, and manage software packages. Packages are pre-written code that can be used to add functionality to your own code. Some popular package managers are npm for Node.js, pip for Python, and Maven for Java.
Browser Developer Tools
Browser Developer Tools are a set of tools built into web browsers that allow developers to debug and optimize their web applications. These tools include a JavaScript console, a network analyzer, and an element inspector. Every browser has its own developer tools, but the most popular ones are Google Chrome DevTools, Firefox Developer Tools, and Safari Web Inspector.
Testing Frameworks
Testing frameworks are tools that developers use to write and run automated tests on their code. Automated testing can save time and improve code quality by identifying bugs early in the development process. Some popular testing frameworks are JUnit for Java, Jasmine for JavaScript, and PyTest for Python.
Command-Line Interface (CLI)
A Command-Line Interface (CLI) is a text-based interface that allows developers to interact with their computers using commands. While many developers prefer using a graphical user interface, a CLI can be more efficient and powerful for certain tasks. Some popular CLI tools for developers are Terminal for Mac and Linux and Command Prompt or PowerShell for Windows.
Final Thoughts
Learning the essential tools for development can make your work more efficient and productive. By using a text editor, IDE, VCS, package manager, browser developer tools, testing frameworks, and CLI, you can streamline your development process and produce higher-quality code. These tools can also help you collaborate with other developers, debug your code, and automate repetitive tasks. While there are many more tools available to developers, starting with these essential tools is a great way to build a strong foundation in development.
