The Best Free Web Development Tools

• Web development is a snap with the right tools. series object on white - development game image by Aleksandr Ugorenkov from Fotolia.com

  The best open-source and freeware Web development tools are the tools that work for your project. Although what's best is highly subjective, some common features set certain Web development tools apart from the rest. First, free is free. Second, software should be viable, free from viruses and bugs. You should be able to patch fixes easily. Third, tools that allow the user to drag-and-drop and test the project before going "live" round out the best of the rest.

Drag-and-Drop

• Object-oriented software that you simply drag-and-drop into a template is arguably the best Web development tool available. Drag-and-drop technology ends lengthy hours developing code such as HTML, DHTML, Java and Javascript to build your site.

Specific Tools

• Beyond Web development layout are tools called applications, which enhance user experience. Pull interactive "apps" such as chat rooms, flash, up-to-date news, weather and sports "scripts" from the Internet. Such apps are called "sticky" applications, mostly written in Javascript. They "stick" with the user, prompting the user to return to your site.

"Testing, 1-2-3"

• Crucial to Web development is the test phase. Going online or "live" before testing out your site is folly. You will find many free tools to test your site's links, security flash and graphics. It is also wise to validate your site's programming code across both the PC and Macintosh platforms as some sites work perfectly on a Mac, but perhaps not on a PC, and visa-versa. The best free testing applications are open-source and shareware that highlight and suggest fixes.