Web-based developers use a wide range of tools, from the latest video embedding technology to Big Data analytics. The most important tool for a website developer, however, is also the most basic: a reliable text editor.

Website developers need tight control of their code and how it formats once on the page. There are a lot of browsers and programs that a website developer has to consider, and all of them respond differently to a wayward empty space or a self-inserted line break. In many cases, the only way to deal with these issues is to go in there with ground-floor level tools and pin down the problem character by character.

Today’s Web Developer Resource Roundup takes a look at some text editors that have made themselves popular with the HTML and JavaScript development crowd.

Squire text filed that provides powerful cross-browser normalization.

Squire

Looking for a text editor that supports modern web features, but don’t want the bloat? Try Squire. This lightweight HTML5 editor does its job by dropping legacy support for older browsers and replacing all that with rich text input features and a web design philosophy.

The philosophy behind Squire is to take control when the browser deviates from the standard or requirements. Because of this, it claims a powerful cross-browser normalization ability. Consider using Squire with at least Firefox 3.5 or Chrome 9.

Trix is a web application text field written to support a strong document model and attachments.

Trix

Developers who need precise code might consider Trix, an editor written by Sam Stephenson and Javan Makhmali. This text editor is designed to work around API bugs and weirdness by translating code across using an internal model.

Developers who use Basecamp in their work might already be familiar with Trix, as it was made for that environment. Trix also supports embedded attachments well.

CKEditor is a high-performance WYSIWYG editor that’s almost its own word processor in your browser.

CKEditor

CKEditor (developed by CKSource Sp. z o.o. sp.k.) is a WYSIWYG editor designed around the values of customization and open source. It’s also old by internet standards, with ten years of development under its belt.

The result is a reliable program, with lots of support, that can be built to meet the news of most web development jobs. Of interest, CKEditor does not require a client-side installation. Customization is handled by CKBuilder, a tool for add-on management. The design team notes that CKEditor is also compliant for people with special needs.

Etherpad delivers an open source online editor that allows you to collaborate with teammates.

Etherpad

If a development teams needs a program that provides support for online collaboration, Etherpad (developed by the Etherpad Foundation) may be the solution.

An open source project, Etherpad is made for people to share their working environment with fellow writers, editors, and developers in real time. Users receive their own text color, and the program features a chat box for basic communication. Plugins are also available to customize the user experience.

Textbox.io lives right up to its name by delivering a powerful, customizable WYSIWYG text editor with attachments, drag-and-drop and more features.

Textbox.io

Now that mobile is a thing, developers can use a WYSIWYG editor for mobile applications. Textbox.io (developed by Ephox Corporation) fits the bill, coming from the same people who made an older, popular editor called TinyMCE.

Featuring an app-like mobile user interface, Textbox.io boasts seamless copy-paste import for images and Word, markdown formatting, and a full screen mode. This editor is also accessibility compliant and supports a number of international languages including those that run right to left.

Featured image credit: via Pixabay