For example, the focus in websites and apps is now also on creating fast, responsive and accessible web applications. This requires a sophisticated set of tools that make the lives of front-end developers easier.
The tools in this article will help you optimize the workflow of your front-end work. Use them to write code faster, borrow code from existing frameworks, automate repetitive work and collaborate smarter.
1. Tools for writing code
A good code editor is the foundation of a good workflow for front-end developers. Today there are hundreds of different code editors available, all of which have their own advantages and disadvantages.
Consider beloved code editors such as Visual Studio Code, Sublime Text and Atom. What makes these editors unique are their many features. Think syntax highlighting, automatic code completion and seamlessly integrated debug capabilities.
The editors themselves continue to innovate. For example, Visual Studio Code has integrated GitHub’s Copilot. The Copilot helps you write code faster and better via Artificial Intelligence (AI).
These features not only make writing code a lot faster, but make the debugging process many times easier. This allows you as a developer to work more effectively and save valuable time. Maybe that side project will get off the ground in 2023 after all?
2. Frameworks and libraries
When developing a website or app, you have long since stopped having to write all the code yourself. Today, frameworks and libraries have become indispensable tools in online development.
A framework is the framework on which programmers build a Web site or application. It is therefore the basis for any digital project. A big advantage of a framework is that you build your application within a standard set of rules and functionalities. This saves time and is less prone to error.
By 2023, React, Angular and Vue.js are among the crown jewels of this technology toolbox. What makes these frameworks so powerful is their offering of off-the-shelf components and standardized structures. This not only allows you to significantly reduce development time, but also promotes the consistency and quality of your code, which is crucial to successful front-end development.
Learn more about JavaScript frameworks:
- JavaScript framework: What is it and how does it work?
- How to choose the right JavaScript framework?
- Developing more efficiently with React and React Native: sharing code between web and mobile
3. Tools for automation
Developers are known for wanting to automate all their daily tasks. After all, why spend 15 minutes on a task when you can automate it in 2 hours?
In the quest for efficiency, automation really does appear to be the holy grail. By automating repetitive tasks, you can not only minimize human error but also improve your workflow.
Examples of such tasks include merging and minimizing JavaScript and CSS files, using tools such as Grunt, Gulp and Webpack.The result is not only time savings, but also improved consistency and quality of your code.
4. Tools for responsive development
Too often, developers still design and develop large-screen Web sites without testing the responsiveness of these products. Chances are the majority of your visitors will visit your website via mobile devices, so make sure they can interact with the website at least as well as visitors on laptops.
Google says it best itself: “mobile first. The requirement is clear: build websites that scale effortlessly and adapt to a variety of devices and screen sizes.
This is where tools like Bootstrap and Flexbox come in. They simplify the process of creating flexible and customizable layouts that look great on any screen size. This is hugely important for providing a consistent user experience, regardless of the device your website visitor uses.
5. Tools for digitally accessible development
The European Accessibility Act of 2025 is certainly going to affect the work of developers. In fact, this law states that websites and apps must begin to be digitally accessible. Fortunately, digital accessible does not have to be complicated, especially if it is included from the design process. Learn more about the best browser extensions for developing and testing accessible websites.
One tool not to be missed on this list is Polypane. This browser is made specifically for web builders. The app not only makes responsive design and development easier, but also has a big focus on digital accessibility. Our friends at Digitally Accessible interviewed the man behind Polypane.
Brthrs for having your website or app created
At Brthrs, we understand the value of an efficient front-end workflow. If you are looking for experts to develop your website or app, we are ready to help.
Our team of passionate developers and designers strive to create beautiful, smart and user-friendly digital products that meet the highest standards of quality and accessibility. Whether you need a new website built, an app created or ChatGPT integrated into existing processes, we are here to bring your vision to life. Contact us directly for more information.
