In this article, we will explore the top tools for WordPress developers that are currently accessible to all involved in crafting websites on this CMS. The term “tools” extends beyond just software for WordPress developers as we also shine a light on relevant technologies.
The advantages of using WordPress for creating a wide variety of websites have been emphasized time and again. This CMS, one of the most long standing on the market, has universally been praised for its versatility and user-friendliness. Given the extraordinary number of sites built on this platform, it’s understandable why a growing number of individuals are considering a career in WordPress development.
Two other factors contribute to this trend:
- WordPress development offers a relatively smooth learning journey.
- WordPress developers can earn attractive salaries. Depending on their area of focus and level of proficiency, a WordPress developer in the U.S. could potentially earn up to $4,655 each month.
However, being a WordPress developer requires a continuous commitment to learning about state-of-the-art technologies and tools for WordPress site development. Regular updates to the system also mean that developers must stay abreast of new core features.
To make this easier for you, we’ve put together a roundup of the best tools available for WordPress development in 2023. This includes not just the top WordPress development IDEs and editors, but also contemporary technologies. Happy reading!
Frameworks and Libraries Suitable for WordPress Development
React.js
A significant milestone in the realm of WordPress development was marked a few years back with the introduction of REST API into the system’s core. This provided developers with an additional tool to employ WordPress as a headless CMS, enabling them to build WordPress themes using technologies beyond the conventional PHP, while still adhering to the traditional approach if it proved more suitable.
React.js is one such innovative technology. This JavaScript library, conceived and maintained by Facebook, has rapidly gained favor within the WordPress community since its inception, and is now regarded as one of the top tools for crafting visually appealing, high-performance themes for WordPress. Furthermore, React.js was used in the creation of the core content editor Gutenberg, and WordPress as a whole is now leaning towards full site editing.
Vue.js
Another contemporary front-end framework that can be paired with WordPress is Vue.js, developed by Evan You in 2014. Like React.js, Vue.js has garnered admiration and respect from the web development community at large, and particularly among WordPress enthusiasts.
In a similar vein to React.js, Vue harnesses the power of WP REST API to manipulate data in the backend. Vue’s creator successfully incorporated all of React’s positive aspects while eliminating those aspects that drew criticism.
The outcome is a well-documented, lightweight JavaScript framework that employs standard web technologies to execute a variety of projects. Vue and React are competing for the title of the best WordPress development tools concerning the front-end. However, competition invariably fosters innovation, doesn’t it?
Bootstrap
Keeping abreast of the latest trends in WordPress design is key for developers looking to stay competitive in the dynamic digital landscape. With the increase in mobile browsing, one such trend is responsive design – ensuring WordPress sites are optimized for viewing on a variety of devices. This is where Bootstrap comes in handy.
Bootstrap is a design framework ideal for creating responsive themes. It operates on a 12-column grid system influenced by Flexbox and incorporates numerous inbuilt classes for rendering standard web elements such as buttons, sliders, dropdown menus, and more.
WordPress developers can easily integrate Bootstrap into their sites and leverage its myriad features, including:
- Cross-platform compatibility
- Error-free code
- Simplified modification process
- Quick development pace
- No requirement for plugins
…and more
With the launch of Bootstrap 5 in June 2020, the framework received several significant enhancements, including a custom SVG icon library and major JavaScript updates. It’s certainly worth considering as one of the best WordPress developer tools.
Top WordPress Developer Software
IDEs are applications that allow WordPress developers to execute all necessary operations in one place: writing, debugging, compiling, and executing code. Typically, IDEs encompass numerous features that programmers seldom or never use.
Code editors, conversely, offer only the most crucial functionality, but developers can augment their capabilities through extensions or plugins. As a result, code editors are quick to start and operate, and only include indispensable features.
Whether you already have a preferred code editor or are still deliberating on the ideal IDE for WordPress development, here are some top contenders.
Visual Studio Code — A Robust and Versatile Tool for WordPress Development
Visual Studio Code, often referred to as VS Code, is a powerful code editor developed by Microsoft. It’s freely available and optimized for the development and debugging of modern web and cloud applications, making it a fitting choice for WordPress developers.
VS Code is built on the Electron Framework, which allows it to run across multiple platforms including Windows, Linux, and macOS. This broad compatibility makes it a versatile tool that can be used by developers regardless of their operating system.
One of the key attributes of VS Code is its high customizability. The editor boasts an extensive collection of extensions, adding multiple functionalities to the core features. These extensions range from language support and debugging tools to visual themes and code linters, enabling developers to adapt the editor to their specific needs.
VS Code also comes equipped with an integrated terminal and support for version control, which simplifies the edit-build-debug cycle. It incorporates features such as IntelliSense for code completions and syntax highlighting, which aid in producing clean, error-free code.
Notepad++
As previously mentioned, code editors are smaller and less CPU-intensive but can be expanded with plugins, allowing programmers to access all the features they need without overloading their systems.
This is precisely true for Notepad++. It’s incredibly lightweight and fast, with an intuitive interface that can be customized to your liking. Some of its other standout features include:
- Inbuilt FTP client
- Excellent extensibility
- No fees
…and more.
These characteristics make Notepad++ arguably the best text editor for WordPress development. It’s particularly beneficial for novices.
To Wrap Up
The evolving landscape of WordPress development calls for the usage of innovative tools and technologies. From front-end JavaScript libraries like React.js and Vue.js to the design framework Bootstrap, the options are vast and varied. These tools not only help in creating engaging themes but also enhance the overall performance and user experience of the websites.
Furthermore, the importance of IDEs and code editors such as VS Code and Notepad++ can’t be overlooked. They provide the developers with an environment to write, debug, and execute code more effectively.
Thus, staying updated and making the best use of these tools is crucial for WordPress developers aiming to create cutting-edge websites.