Tools and Resources
As a web developer, you are responsible for creating creative and functional web applications. This process not only involves writing code, but also many time-consuming tasks such as debugging errors, troubleshooting logic across several files, documentation, and also managing servers. Fortunately, there are many web development tools and resources that help simplify this entire process, allowing the web developer to focus more on the high value activities.
Below is a list of tools and resources I frequently use:
Web Programming Languages
- PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor – a general-purpose scripting language geared toward web development. It was originally created by Danish-Canadian programmer Rasmus Lerdorf in 1993 and released in 1995.
I recommend learning PHP if you are seeking a job using WordPress or a tech field in academia. I use this website frequently to look up functions and parameters, as well checking the changelog when a new version is available to make my web applications are secure and backwards compatible.
- Python – a high-level, general-purpose programming language.
- w3Schools – the world’s largest web developer site. I have used this website for decades.
- Exercism – a place where anyone can learn and master programming for free. There are over 60+ programming languages to learn.
Web Development Tools and Software
- Visual Studio Code – a lightweight but powerful source code editor which runs on your desktop and is available for Windows, macOS and Linux. It comes with built-in support for JavaScript, TypeScript and Node.js and has a rich ecosystem of extensions for other languages and runtimes (such as C++, C#, Java, Python, PHP, Go, .NET)
I recommend this IDE as it is color-coded, makes code much more readable, and one of the industry standards. Best of all, it is free to use.
- PhpStorm – a development tool for PHP and Web projects. It’s a perfect PHP IDE for working with Laravel, Symfony, Drupal, WordPress, and other frameworks.
My primary programming language of choice is PHP and I find this IDE quite powerful as it has a very deep understanding of my code.
- Navicat for MySQL – a single application that allows you to connect to MySQL and MariaDB databases simultaneously. Compatible with cloud databases like Amazon RDS, Amazon Aurora, Oracle Cloud, Google Cloud and Microsoft Azure. This all-inclusive frontend provides an intuitive and powerful graphical interface for database management, development, and maintenance.
Navicat is an industry-standard tool that allows me to visually see the content of my databases as well as quickly create new database tables. I usually work with Amazon RDS/mySQL databases, so this tool works well for me.
Conferences
- DeveloperWeek – Join 8,000+ professionals at the
World’s Largest Developer & Engineering Expo + Conference Series
Learn the latest trends in the Software Development industry with tracks and sessions ranging from API & Microservices, AI & Machine Learning, Programming Languages, and more.
- Interact for Engineering Leaders – Interact is the leading event for improving how engineering orgs work, communicate, and code. Whether it’s efficiency, career growth, or just learning.
Lots of great tracks for engineering leaders about developer experience, engineering challenges, CTO mindset, and more.
- Girl Geek X – ELEVATE Virtual Conference – Two days of inspiring talks on leadership, engineering, career paths, technical resume building, neurodiversity, future of tech, & more!
- USC Women’s Conference – Empower and inspire women in leadership.
- Google I/O – Be the first to learn about Google’s latest developer solutions, products, and technology. Google I/O is open to everyone online.
- D2L Fusion – Fusion is the all-in-one learning conference. Two jam-packed days of sessions, activities and even more ways to learn and connect.