HTML Editor

Introduction

HTML, which stands for Hypertext Markup Language, is a fundamental language utilized in web development. It plays a crucial role in defining the layout and structure of a website. Proficiency in an HTML editor is essential for all web developers to effectively create and manage webpage structures.

The HTML editor software enables developers to craft a meticulously organized and highly operational website. Through an HTML editor, programmers can establish a website from the ground up and enhance the code to add further capabilities.

What is an HTML Editor?

An HTML editor is software designed for the creation and modification of websites. This specialized tool is separate from other programs and focuses specifically on coding tasks. Additionally, it functions as an Integrated Development Environment (IDE), which is a comprehensive software suite for programming purposes.

The HTML editor provides some advanced feature which is beneficiary for a developer to develop the code. It is specially developed for designing a website that runs efficiently. It also ensures that every code should be written clean and works properly. The HTML editor provides some most common features.

• ✅ Syntax highlighting: It provides color to every tag of the HTML based on their category. So it helps the developer to easier to read and also helps to recognize the structure of the code.
• ✅ Auto-completion: It also suggests the code to the developer based on previously typed tags and attributes. It also saves time for typing the longer piece of code.
• ✅ Error detection: It scans the whole code and checks for the syntax error. Whenever the developer types any wrong code, it automatically fixes it.
• ✅ Search and Replace: With the help of this editor, we can also find a particular code from thousands of lines of code and replace the code.
• ✅ FTP integration: With the help of this editor, we can also connect our webpage with the web server.
• ✅ Code folding: With the help of this editor, we can also hide a particular section of the code from the HTML document.

Some HTML text editors offer the functionality to transform the HTML markup language into programming languages such as CSS, XML, and JavaScript.

WYSIWYG Editor vs HTML Text Editor

There exist two categories of code editors tailored for HTML code: the

1. WYSIWYG Editor.

WYSIWYG is an acronym for "What You See Is What You Get". True to its name, it offers a live preview functionality for showcasing the code output. Moreover, it offers a graphical interface akin to a standard text editor. Utilizing this tool, users can effortlessly insert various elements into their webpage, including headings, paragraphs, or images, all without the need to directly manipulate any code.

1. HTML Editor with Text-Based Interface

By utilizing this editor, we can create exclusively text-oriented editing tools. Its purpose is to encourage developers to hone their coding skills. Moreover, this editor allows direct manipulation of the code in progress. It offers functionalities like auto-complete, syntax highlighting, and error identification. However, it lacks the capability to showcase real-time code output.

Best Free HTML Editors for 2023

There is a wide selection of HTML editors accessible on the internet. It is essential to determine which editor suits your needs best. Here are some top HTML editors commonly utilized for coding in HTML:

1. Atom

It stands out as the widely favored HTML editor available. This code editor is open-source, with the primary goal of offering advanced features to developers at zero cost. Maintained by the GitHUB community, developers utilize this editor to enhance its functionality by contributing, altering, and exchanging diverse source codes.

The programmer has the option to personalize the appearance of the editor by adjusting the themes. Atom does not provide a visual editing feature, hence real-time preview of the HTML code is unavailable. Moreover, it offers support for various programming languages like JavaScript, Node.js, and CSS. Additionally, it is equipped with teletype integration for facilitating collaboration on projects with other developers.

Features of Atom:

• ✅ Built-in package manager: It has more than 80 inbuilt packages. The user can also add their customized package up to 8700.
• ✅ Multiple panes: The developer can split its window into multiple windows. With the help of this feature, the developer can write in different files within a particular time.
• ✅ Syntax highlighting: It helps the developer detect errors while writing the code. It also identifies the different codes and the different coding languages.
• ✅ Smart auto-completion: With the help of this feature, the developer can write the code faster. It also auto-suggests the code to the developer.

NOTE: The Atom is available for Windows, OS X, and Linux (64-bit).

2. Notepad ++

It is an open-source application used for creating HTML code. This tool is exclusively designed for Windows operating systems. It is known for its minimalistic design and efficiency. Additionally, a mobile version is available, enabling developers to code on-the-go without the need for installation. The software is provided to developers at no charge.

The editing functionality of Notepad++ can also be found on GitHub. While this application is designed specifically for Windows users, Linux users can access it through Wine with the addition of a compatibility layer. Notepad++ offers developers a customizable user interface.

It additionally offers developers the capability to divide the screen into two sections. This functionality enables developers to work on two distinct documents simultaneously. The enhanced edition of Notepad++ includes support for multiple programming languages, ranging from HTML and CSS to JavaScript and PHP.

Features of Notepad++:

• ✅ Powerful code editing tools: It is also known as a Scintilla-based text editor. It also provides fast processing speed with a lighter size.
• ✅ Plugin integrations: We can add advanced functionality by creating new plugins in this editor. We can also install third-party plugins from the list.
• ✅ FTP connection: With the help of this feature, the developer can directly connect to the server file. And the developer can edit the code from the dashboard.
• ✅ Document map: It provides a particular section display and an overview of the document. It makes it easy for the developer to navigate a large file.

3. Sublime Text

It is a code editor for HTML that has a similar interface to Notepad++. It also offers compatibility across different operating systems. This program is accessible on Windows, Mac, and Linux platforms. Users can leverage the functionality of sublime text. However, to access additional advanced capabilities, users are required to buy a premium membership. Sublime comes equipped with a wide array of utilities that enable developers to efficiently construct web pages.

For instance, Sublime Text employs a GPU-based rendering mechanism that enhances the efficiency of the operating system. The most recent version of Sublime Text supports TypeScript, JSX, TSX, and various other programming languages. Initially, when a developer launches Sublime Text, the basic text editor interface lacks a sidebar or additional tools. Furthermore, there is a premium edition available for Sublime Text, while the no-cost version offers the subsequent functionalities.

Features of sublime text:

• ✅ Context-aware autocomplete: It provides auto-suggestion to the developer based on existing coding. When we hover over each code, it briefly explains that code.
• ✅ Split-editing: The developer can easily split the editor's screen for more efficient and easier HTML editing.
• ✅ GoTo anything: We can search for any specific file, code string, or section with a simple keyboard shortcut.
• ✅ Updated Python API: With the help of the Python 3.8 version, we can add many plugins.

NOTE: It is available for Windows, OS X, and Linux (32/64 bit).

4. Visual Studio Code

It is an open-source tool designed for coding in HTML, created by Microsoft. By leveraging this platform, users can develop projects with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript on various operating systems. This tool is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux systems and is seamlessly integrated with Microsoft Azure. Developers can build and deploy projects and applications on Azure effortlessly by simply clicking a button within the software.

This freely available program offers a range of smart functions. It includes automated suggestions for variables, fields, and function declarations. Users have the option to add additional language modules like Ruby and Python, enhancing the software's capabilities across different programming languages. These extensions enable enhanced functionality for the supported languages. The software features a user-friendly and minimalist interface that simplifies navigation. Users can conveniently access HTML editing tools, create new files, and search through documents with ease.

Features of Visual Studio Code:

• ✅ Debugging: It has a built-in debugging tool. With the help of this debugging tool, we can quickly edit, compile, or debug code.
• ✅ WYSIWYG editor: We can install the simple extension of the default text editor. This simple text editor supports the WYSIWYG HTML editor.
• ✅ Code snippets: It supports the built-in code snippet, which IntelliSense powers. With the help of this, we can write the repeating code in a very easy manner.
• ✅ Multi-root workspace: With the help of this, we can write more than one code simultaneously.

NOTE: This software can support Linux x64, Windows x64, and OS X.

Best Premium HTML Editors

The no-cost HTML code editor offers a range of impressive functionalities, albeit limited in its advanced capabilities. To access more advanced features, users may opt for a premium HTML editor.

When a developer aims to design a responsive webpage, they often rely on pre-existing templates. Here are a few top-tier premium HTML text editors available for this purpose.

1. Adobe Dreamweaver CC

It is a comprehensive integrated development environment (IDE) utilized for creating both frontend and backend components. It offers a set of resources for web design and development tasks. The IDE features a powerful code editing interface that accommodates multiple markup languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Developers can opt for either a text-based editor, a WYSIWYG editor, or a combination of both within this tool.

It offers numerous beneficial functionalities that empower developers to construct webpages efficiently. Furthermore, it includes drag-and-drop functionality to streamline the development process. The software does not offer a free version; however, it does provide a seven-day trial period. Upon the trial's conclusion, developers must purchase subscription plans to access the full range of services. These plans are available on a monthly, annual, or prepaid basis.

Features of Adobe Dreamweaver CC:

• ✅ Starter templates: It provides the basic structure of the webpage so that the developer can customize the webpage according to their need.
• ✅ Responsive designs: It provides a grid layout that fits various screen sizes by automatically resizing itself.
• ✅ Git support: With the help of this editor, we can perform various git operations like "push," "pull," and "fetch" from the Dreamweaver dashboard.
• ✅ Access to Creative Cloud Libraries: With the help of this editor, we can access all the Adobe programs that support Creative Cloud Libraries, including Photoshop, Premiere Pro, and After Effects.

2. Froala:

It's a What You See Is What You Get (WYSIWYG) HTML editor tailored for frontend development, engineered to deliver peak performance for developers. This streamlined tool launches swiftly in just 40 milliseconds. Moreover, it is accessible on mobile devices, supporting both Android and IOS platforms. Additionally, it boasts compatibility with a feature-rich text editor, enabling developers to seamlessly incorporate elements such as videos, table cells, and emoticons into webpages.

Furthermore, it offers over 30 plugins for expanding its capabilities. The programmer simply needs to input the editor's HTML code to showcase the live output. Integration with codex.io enables seamless real-time editing and collaboration. The platform offers a range of subscription options starting from $239 per year up to $3999 per year. Additionally, developers have the opportunity to test the software before committing to a purchase.

Features of Froala:

• ✅ Inline editing: We can select any element from the webpage and edit it directly.
• ✅ HTML5 and CSS3: It provides an optimized user experience with the help of the latest HTML and CSS versions.
• ✅ Multi-language support: With the help of this software, we can translate the code into 34 languages, and it automatically detects the language type from RTL or LTR keyboards.
• ✅ Free online HTML editor: With the help of this software, we can convert the text file into an HTML file.

NOTE: It is available for Windows, Linux, and macOS systems.

3. CoffeeCup:

It is a different HTML code editing tool that offers a variety of functions and capabilities. For instance, when a developer intends to build a website using HTML and CSS, they must choose from the pre-made templates and adjust them to suit their requirements. Additionally, it includes a section for a library where developers can incorporate elements into their web pages.

The webpage is compatible with various operating systems like Windows, Linux, and macOS. Manual updates are unnecessary as developers can simply adjust specific library components. This editor facilitates multiple viewing options for reviewing the website. One useful function is splitting the screen, allowing users to separate the coding area and preview the webpage simultaneously.

The programmer has the option to code simultaneously using this editor. An additional feature is the external preview, allowing the webpage to be viewed in a separate window. Users can access a trial edition of this editor. However, enhanced features are included in the premium edition. The trial version has a validity period of 30 days. Premium packages for this software begin at $29 per license.

Features of CoffeeCup:

• ✅ Semantic web-ready: With the help of this editor, we can create the whole webpage with the help of semantic tags. We can also take the help of a search engine by which we can get details about the element provided by this editor.
• ✅ FTP integration: With the help of this editor, we can directly publish the website from the dashboard of the menu bar with the help of an FTP client.
• ✅ Built-in validation tool: If we have made any mistake while writing the code, the editor highlights our errors. And it also makes sure that the website runs perfectly.
• ✅ Template downloader: The developer can also import the template from the available template.

Reasons to Use an HTML Editor

Building a website is a difficult process for both freshers and experienced. An HTML editor is a good idea for the development of the website. With an HTML editor's help, we can easily develop a website. There are some reasons to use an HTML editor.

• ✅ Create websites faster: With the help of an HTML editor, we can create a website very faster. It can also add common HTML elements, split screen editing, and syntax highlighting. With the help of this functionality, the HTML code is functional and clean with less effort.
• ✅ It helps you learn HTML: Many text editors have color-coding or syntax highlighting features to identify different programming languages, such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. They also differentiate various HTML tags from one to another to easily read the code and learn to structure tags properly.
• ✅ Optimized code for SEO: The best HTML editors usually provides built-in functionality for search engine optimization (SEO). For instance, some text editors establish semantic markup, improving search engine crawlability.
• ✅ Prevents errors in the source code: With features like spell-checking and error detection, HTML editors help spot mistakes in every code. For example, the editor will notify you if you forget to put the "</" end tag in a code element. Most text editors also include auto-completion to prevent mistyping and help you write code faster.
• ✅ Easier project management: Each HTML editor offers an easy way to work together in a team or with other developers using various project management tools. Some editors can create open-source projects like Atom, Sublime Text, and Visual Studio Code.