20 Lesser-Known Websites That Will Boost Your Productivity as a Web Developer
    7 min read

    20 Lesser-Known Websites That Will Boost Your Productivity as a Web Developer

    In the dynamic world of web development, discovering the right tools can significantly enhance your productivity and efficiency. While many developers rely on popular tools like GitHub, Stack Overflow, and Visual Studio Code, there are numerous lesser-known websites that offer unique features to streamline your workflow. This article will explore 20 such hidden gems that can help you in various aspects of web development.

    Introduction to Lesser-Known Web Development Tools

    Web development tools are essential for building, testing, and maintaining websites. While popular tools are well-known for their robustness, several lesser-known websites offer unique functionalities that can complement your workflow. These tools can assist with everything from coding and design to performance testing and debugging.

    Top 20 Lesser-Known Websites for Web Developers

    1. Can I use

    Can I use provides up-to-date browser support tables for various web technologies, helping you ensure compatibility across different browsers.

    2. CSS-Tricks

    CSS-Tricks is a website filled with articles, tutorials, and examples related to CSS, HTML, JavaScript, and other web technologies.

    3. CodePen

    CodePen is an online code editor and community for front-end developers. It allows you to build, test, and share HTML, CSS, and JavaScript code snippets.

    4. Figma

    Figma is a collaborative interface design tool that enables teams to create, test, and ship designs from start to finish.

    5. JSFiddle

    JSFiddle is an online IDE for testing and sharing HTML, CSS, and JavaScript code snippets in real-time.

    6. Responsively

    Responsively is a browser-based tool for testing the responsiveness of your web designs across multiple devices simultaneously.

    7. Pexels

    Pexels offers a vast library of free stock photos and videos, which can be used in your web projects to enhance visual appeal.

    8. Discover Web Tools

    Discover Web Tools provides free and fast image compression services. This tool helps you reduce the file size of your images without compromising quality, enhancing your website's performance and loading times.

    9. Color Hunt

    Color Hunt provides curated color palettes for your design projects, helping you choose visually appealing color combinations.

    10. BrowserStack

    BrowserStack allows you to test your website on real browsers and devices, ensuring compatibility and performance across different platforms.

    11. Font Squirrel

    Font Squirrel offers free, high-quality fonts that are licensed for commercial use. It’s an excellent resource for enhancing typography on your website.

    12. WebPagetest

    WebPagetest is a free tool for testing the performance of web pages. It provides detailed reports and optimization recommendations.

    13. JSONPlaceholder

    JSONPlaceholder is a free online REST API that you can use for testing and prototyping.

    14. Regex101

    Regex101 is an online regex tester and debugger that provides real-time results and detailed explanations.

    15. GTmetrix

    GTmetrix analyzes your website’s speed and performance, providing insights and recommendations for improvement.

    16. SnappySnippet

    SnappySnippet is a Chrome extension that allows you to extract HTML and CSS from any selected element on a web page and save it to CodePen, JSFiddle, or JSBin.

    17. Zeplin

    Zeplin is a collaboration tool for designers and developers, providing a centralized place to share, review, and collaborate on design projects.

    18. Formspree

    Formspree is a simple form backend that allows you to receive form submissions via email without needing a server.

    19. Hjson

    Hjson is a user-friendly data format that makes JSON less error-prone and easier to read.

    20. DevDocs

    DevDocs is an API documentation browser that combines multiple API docs in a fast, organized, and searchable interface.

    How to Choose the Right Web Development Tool

    When selecting a web development tool, consider the following factors:

    • Specific Needs: Identify the specific tasks or problems you need to address.
    • Ease of Use: Choose a tool with a user-friendly interface and straightforward integration into your workflow.
    • Features: Compare the features of different tools to find the ones that best meet your needs.
    • Support and Community: Look for tools with active user communities and robust support resources.
    • Cost: Evaluate whether the tool offers a free version or trial and if the paid features are worth the investment.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    What are the benefits of using lesser-known web development tools?

    Lesser-known web development tools often offer unique features that popular tools might lack. They can help you uncover new opportunities, streamline specific tasks, and enhance your productivity.

    How do I determine if a web development tool is reliable?

    Research user reviews, seek recommendations from trusted sources, and try out free versions or demos to evaluate the tool's reliability and effectiveness.

    Can I use multiple web development tools together?

    Yes, using a combination of web development tools can provide comprehensive insights and help you cover different aspects of development, from coding and design to testing and optimization.

    Are free web development tools as effective as paid ones?

    Many free web development tools offer valuable features and can be very effective. However, paid tools often provide more advanced functionalities, deeper analysis, and better support.

    How often should I update my web development tools?

    Regularly updating your web development tools ensures you have the latest features, security updates, and bug fixes. Check for updates periodically and stay informed about new releases.

    By incorporating these lesser-known web development tools into your workflow, you can enhance your productivity, streamline tasks, and improve the overall quality of your web projects. Explore these tools and find the ones that best fit your needs.