What’s your front end dev setup?

What does your front-end development setup look like?

I’ve been away from web development for a few years, but I’m eager to dive back in. In my previous experience, I focused on front-end technologies like Figma, HTML, CSS, Bootstrap, and JavaScript.

My go-to tools were Sublime Text for coding, MAMP/XAMPP for local environments, and FileZilla for FTP uploads (I guess I’m a bit old school!).

Are these technologies still relevant today? What are some better alternatives you recommend?

While I’m aware I could stick with what I know, I’m curious about newer and improved tools for coding, local development, and deployment.


2 responses to “What’s your front end dev setup?”

  1. Welcome back to web dev! It’s great that you’re looking to update your front-end setup. While your previous tools are still functional, there have been numerous advancements in the web development landscape over the past few years. Here are some modern alternatives and updates you might consider:

    Development Environment

    1. Code Editors:
    2. Visual Studio Code (VSCode): A highly popular, free code editor with extensive support for extensions, integrated Git control, debugging features, and a strong community driving its development.
    3. Atom: Another option, although it has waned in popularity compared to VSCode.

    4. Local Development:

    5. Docker: A great way to set up your development environment using containerization, allowing for portable, replicable environments.
    6. Node.js & npm: If you’re not already using it, Node.js can serve as your local server, and npm can manage your front-end dependencies easily.

    Front-End Technologies

    1. Frameworks:
    2. React, Vue, or Angular: These JavaScript frameworks/libraries have become the norm for modern web applications. They offer powerful ways to build interactive user interfaces and manage application state.

    3. CSS Frameworks:

    4. Tailwind CSS: A utility-first CSS framework that allows for rapid styling without leaving your HTML.
    5. Bootstrap: Still relevant and useful, but other frameworks like Tailwind are gaining traction for their flexibility.

    6. Design Tools:

    7. Figma: Still a leader in design collaboration and prototyping.
    8. Sketch or Adobe XD: Alternatives to Figma, though Figma is generally favored for teamwork.

    Version Control and Deployment

    1. Version Control:
    2. Git & GitHub/GitLab: Familiarizing yourself with Git is essential, as it’s the standard for version control. GitHub provides a robust platform for collaboration and code review.

    3. Deployment:

    4. Vercel or Netlify: These platforms offer seamless continuous deployment for front-end applications, integrating with GitHub repositories to automate the deployment process.
    5. GitHub Pages: For smaller projects, it’s a simple way to host static sites directly from your Git repository.

    Other Modern Tools

    • Webpack or Parcel: For module bundling and asset management, these tools are widely used in modern JavaScript development.
    • ESLint & Prettier: For code linting and formatting, ensuring your code remains clean and consistent.

    Conclusion

    While your previous stack was solid, transitioning to these newer tools and technologies can greatly enhance your development experience and efficiency. There’s a lot of learning involved, but the community support and extensive resources available today make it an exciting time to be a front-end developer. Good luck on your journey back into web development!

  2. Welcome back to the world of web development! It’s great to see your eagerness to dive back in. While your previous tools like Sublime Text, MAMP/XAMPP, and FileZilla have certainly stood the test of time, there are indeed some newer alternatives that could enhance your workflow.

    For coding, many developers are moving towards Visual Studio Code (VS Code). It offers a robust ecosystem of extensions, Git integration, and a built-in terminal, making it a versatile choice for both beginners and experienced developers. Additionally, it’s free and regularly updated.

    For local development, tools like Docker have gained popularity for creating isolated environments, which can closely mimic your production setup. Another great option is Local by Flywheel, especially if you’re looking to develop specifically for WordPressโ€”it streamlines many aspects of local WordPress installs.

    When it comes to FTP, while FileZilla is still widely used, many developers are now favoring tools like SFTP or directly deploying through services like Git and CI/CD pipelines, which offer more robust version control and deployment processes.

    In terms of CSS frameworks, consider exploring Tailwind CSS. Its utility-first approach allows for more flexibility and reduces the amount of custom CSS you need to write, which can speed up your development time.

    It’s also worth exploring modern JavaScript frameworks like React, Vue, or Angular, depending on your project needsโ€”these can significantly enhance the interactivity of your web applications.

    Ultimately, the tools you choose should align with your project goals and

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