Category: Code Editor
Website: https://code.visualstudio.com
Why it’s useful:
VS Code is a powerful, free, open-source code editor from Microsoft. It supports multiple languages (HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, etc.) and offers an extensive marketplace of extensions like Prettier, Live Server, and GitLens.
Key Features:
IntelliSense for code completion
Built-in Git support
Debugging tools
Extensions marketplace
Category: Frontend Sandbox/Playground
Website: https://codepen.io
Why it’s useful:
CodePen is an online code editor for testing HTML, CSS, and JavaScript in real-time. Great for prototyping, sharing ideas, or debugging UI components.
Key Features:
Instant preview of code
Embed pens on websites
Community for inspiration
Templates and assets support
Category: AI Coding Assistant
Website: https://github.com/features/copilot
Why it’s useful:
GitHub Copilot uses AI to suggest lines or blocks of code as you type. It's like having an AI pair programmer.
Key Features:
Auto code suggestions
Completes functions based on comments
Learns from your coding style
Category: Performance & SEO Audit Tool
Website: Built into Chrome (DevTools > Lighthouse tab)
Why it’s useful:
Lighthouse audits your website for performance, accessibility, SEO, and best practices. Great for improving user experience and Core Web Vitals.
Key Features:
Performance scoring
Mobile/desktop testing
Actionable recommendations
Exportable reports
Category: UI/UX Design Tool
Website: https://www.figma.com
Why it’s useful:
Figma is a collaborative design tool used for creating wireframes, UI prototypes, and design systems. It runs entirely in the browser.
Key Features:
Live collaboration
Design-to-code handoff
Component libraries
Plugins for icons, illustrations, etc.
Category: API Testing & Development
Website: https://www.postman.com
Why it’s useful:
Postman allows developers to test, debug, and document APIs. It simplifies working with REST, GraphQL, and SOAP endpoints.
Key Features:
API request builder
Environment variables
API monitoring
Free collaborative workspace
Category: Color Palette Generator
Website: https://colorhunt.co
Why it’s useful:
Color Hunt provides curated color palettes for your web designs. Ideal for developers who struggle with color theory.
Key Features:
Thousands of modern palettes
Easy copy of HEX codes
Filter by theme or popularity
Category: Online IDE
Website: https://stackblitz.com
Why it’s useful:
StackBlitz is a browser-based code editor supporting frameworks like Angular, React, Vue, and Node.js. It runs apps without needing local setup.
Key Features:
Instant project previews
NPM package integration
GitHub support
Offline support with WebContainers
Category: Tech Stack Analyzer
Website: https://www.wappalyzer.com
Why it’s useful:
Wappalyzer identifies technologies used on any website — CMS, JS frameworks, eCommerce platforms, analytics tools, etc.
Key Features:
Browser extension
Competitor tech analysis
API for automation
Category: Hosting & Deployment
Website: https://www.netlify.com
Why it’s useful:
Netlify lets you deploy static websites or JAMstack apps with CI/CD, custom domains, and SSL—all for free.
Key Features:
Git-based deployment
Serverless functions
Free SSL & CDN
Drag-and-drop deployment
| Tool | Primary Use | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| VS Code | Code editing | Daily development tasks |
| CodePen | UI prototyping | Frontend experimentation |
| GitHub Copilot | Code suggestions | Speeding up coding |
| Lighthouse | Web audit | Performance and SEO optimization |
| Figma | UI/UX design | Collaborative design work |
| Postman | API testing | Backend/frontend integration |
| Color Hunt | Color inspiration | Beautiful color schemes |
| StackBlitz | Online IDE | Rapid prototyping |
| Wappalyzer | Tech detection | Competitor analysis |
| Netlify | Hosting | Deploying static/JAMstack sites |
