Whether or not you’re a programmer or an online business owner, chances are you’ve heard of developer tools. These are tools that web developers use to create websites and software applications.
To help you succeed as an online business, we’ll take a look at the different types of developer tools for online businesses. We’ll also discuss the pros and cons of each type, so you can decide which ones are right for you and your business.
What Is a Developer Tool?
- A developer tool is a software program used by web developers to create websites and online applications.
- The term can also be used to describe the people who use these tools — coders, designers, and content creators.
- These are the people who create the content and interconnecting software that makes the site work.
- The different types of developer tools include editors, debugging tools, analysis tools, and more.
What Makes Up a Developer Tool?
- While the tools themselves can vary, there are a few key components that are necessary to create a website or online application. These include:
- A Content Management System (CMS) that lets you create and manage content.
- A tool that lets you create the content, connect it to the CMS, and manage the flow of site visitors.
- A way to display content on the page, either through templates or add-ons.
- A way to collect data and analytics about your visitors and their behavior.
- A security system to protect your data and keep you and your business safe online.
Types of Developer Tools
There are many different types of developer tools, and each one is useful for different tasks. Here are some of the more popular types:
- Editor-based tools – These tools use an integrated editor where content is created and then connected to the database. No additional software is necessary, as everything is built-in.
- Joomla! – This content management system (CMS) is specially designed for websites and online applications.
- WordPress – This is a CMS that’s easy to use and understand.
- Drupal – Used by over 25% of the top 10,000 websites, Drupal is a powerful CMS with a flexible architecture.
- Craft CMS – Craft is a blogging CMS that’s easy to use and customize.
Pros of Using a Developer Tool
While many of us are apprehensive about becoming developers, the truth is that creating your own website or online app is actually easy. With the right tools, anyone can do it unlike doing SEO services.
You don’t need to be a web developer or know how to code. With the right tools, you can design and create your site, and then connect it to a database to store data.
Here are some of the benefits of using a developer tool:
Ease of Use – Most developer tools are very easy to use. They come with instructions, tutorials, and support forums where you can get assistance with any issues you’re having.
- Most developer tools are very easy to use. They come with instructions, tutorials, and support forums where you can get assistance with any issues you’re having. Helpful tools – A lot of developer tools come with helpful extensions and add-ons that can make your life as a web developer or online business owner much easier.
- A lot of developer tools come with helpful extensions and add-ons that can make your life as a web developer or online business owner much easier. Great for testing out new ideas – If you have an idea for a website or online app but aren’t sure how to make it happen, a developer tool is a great place to start.
- If you have an idea for a website or online app but aren’t sure how to make it happen, a developer tool is a great place to start. Easy to find help – If you’re having trouble with a particular function or feature, there are lots of online forums and support resources to help you out.
- If you’re having trouble with a particular function or feature, there are lots of online forums and support resources to help you out. Control over content – If you’re creating a blog or news site, a content management system is essential. With one of these tools, you can easily add new content and keep track of how often you’re posting and how your articles are doing.
- If you’re creating a blog or news site, a content management system is essential. With one of these tools, you can easily add new content and keep track of how often you’re posting and how your articles are doing. Protect your privacy – As a web developer, one of your jobs is to make sure your clients’ online data is secure. A good developer tool will give you all the tools you need to create a secure site.
- As a web developer, one of your jobs is to make sure your clients’ online data is secure. A good developer tool will give you all the tools you need to create a secure site. Make it mobile-friendly – With the growing popularity of mobile internet, it’s important that your site looks great on any device. Using a developer tool, you can make sure your site will work great on smartphones, tablets, and laptops.
- With the growing popularity of mobile internet, it’s important that your site looks great on any device. Using a developer tool, you can make sure your site will work great on smartphones, tablets, and laptops. Automate tasks – If you’re creating an ecommerce site, a software that can automatically add products to your shopping cart will save you lots of time.
Cons of Using a Developer Tool
Besides the obvious that using a developer tool is not for everyone, here are some of the disadvantages of using these types of applications:
Programming required – While you don’t need to be a coder to create websites using a developer tool, you will need to know how to program in order to make it work the way you want it to.
- While you don’t need to be a coder to create websites using a developer tool, you will need to know how to program in order to make it work the way you want it to. Learning curve – While some tools are easier to learn than others, every one of them requires you to learn a new skill. You will have to put in the time and effort required to get good at it.
- While some tools are easier to learn than others, every one of them requires you to learn a new skill. You will have to put in the time and effort required to get good at it. Limited customization – While many sites created with a developer tool can be very functional and easy to use, they won’t look as pretty as those created with a content management system.
Final Words: Should You Use a Developer Tool?
You don’t need to use a developer tool to create a functional and professional website. In fact, many online businesses including real estate agents don’t use a developer tool at all. The key is to find the right combination of tools that work best for your particular situation.
If you’re just starting out as an online business and don’t have any special requirements for your site, a content management system with a built-in blog or website builder will do the trick.
But if you’re looking for a more advanced tool that will help you grow your online presence, then a developer tool is the way to go.