JavaScript (JS) is the king of all programming languages used today. Whether it is a website, mobile phone, or TV, it powers all. Actually, any electronic device that connects to a browser gets power from JavaScript. It is a reason this programming language is so versatile and widely used in the web development process.
You, as a developer, must keep track of what JavaScript tools you need to use for your project. The internet is overloaded with the best JS tools. However, if you are like us and don’t have enough time to read 500+ articles, then keep reading this blog post. We have written this blog to help you know the five best JavaScript tools for easy-peasy development.
Before we dive into the list, it will be worth distinguishing between terms (framework, library, and tool). Many people get confused when they come across these terms.
Framework – It is an abstraction that provides developers with a standard way to develop application functionalities such as events, data binding, and storage. JavaScript examples are Node, Angular, Electron, Backbone, etc.
Library – A library targets a particular functionality. To develop a software application, you need many libraries but only one or two frameworks. Popular examples of JavaScript libraries are React and jQuery.
Tool – A tool is basically a smaller assistant that makes the development process more manageable in terms of performance, maintenance, and other related issues. Browserify, JSLint, etc., are examples of JS tools.
Now, let’s look at the five best JavaScript tools and libraries you, as a JS developer, must know and master to stay ahead of the game.
#1 Webpack
Webpack holds a significant place in today’s modern web development. This powerful JavaScript tool is a module bundler that can help you if you are running multiple JS files.
It transforms code, assets, and dependencies into optimized packages. For example, it loads modules with dependencies such as .css, .jpg, .js, and .sass into a browser in proper order. Webpack is one of the top JS tools as it enhances web development services with intelligent bundling and minimum resources.
Websites like Instagram, Facebook, and Airbnb use the Webpack tool. A survey by the State of JS claims that more than 65% of JavaScript developers prefer using Webpack.
Top Features of Webpack
- Code splitting – It splits code into smaller pieces to decrease loading time.
- Optimization – Its minification and tree-shaking features optimize the code.
- Bundling – This feature loads a single bundle or some parts asynchronously.
- Hot Module Replacement – It makes real-time changes without refreshing the application.
#2 React
React is known as one of the top JS libraries for building attractive user interfaces. Facebook engineers introduced it in 2011 and released it as an open-source.
React is the future of website development as it offers a component-based architecture. This architecture allows the developers to reuse the case, reduces redundancy, simplifies the complex UI development process, and enhances the development process.
Top Features of React
- JSX Syntax
- React Hooks
- Virtual DOM
- Event Handling
- State Management
- Huge Library Support
- Server-side Rendering
- One-Way Data Binding
- Reusable Components
#3 ESLint
Maintaining code quality is extremely important in JavaScript development. And ESLint is a JS tool that enables secure JS development by supervising code. It uses NodeJS and runs on Mac, Windows, and Linux.
Linting means analyzing the code base to detect potential flaws. Thus, ESLint is a static code analysis tool that identifies and fixes code errors.
This tool is famous because it easily integrates into the development workflow, provides instant feedback, and enhances website design and development services. Microsoft, Netflix, Atlassian, Zendesk, Domain, etc., are the giants that use ESLint. It proves that ESLint is one of the best JavaScript tools.
Top Features of ESLint
- Customizable rules – ESLint matches the standards of the codebase.
- Integration with editors – This integration offers real-time feedback.
- Automatic fixes – It automatically fixes common code issues.
#4 Visual Studio Code
Since 1997, Visual Studio Code (VS Code) has been the developers’ favorite tool for JavaScript development. VS Code was developed by Microsoft. It is a lightweight but powerful source code editor. Developers prefer using it because it has extensive built-in support for many languages and extensions.
According to the Stack Overflow 2023 Developer Survey, VS Code was the most widely used development environment tool, with 73.71% of 86,544 respondents reporting that they preferred using it.
Top Features of VS Code
Smart code completion – It provides code completion suggestions and reduces code errors.
Extensions marketplace – This marketplace offers multiple extensions and enables developers to customize their environment.
Git integration – This integration provides version control capabilities within the editor itself. Using this feature, developers quickly and efficiently manage their codebase.
Integrated terminal – VS Code has a built-in terminal. It helps developers directly execute commands within VS Code. It also eliminates the external terminals and automates the development workflow.
#5 NPM
NPM (or Node Package Manager) is a famous JS software package tool and library. This largest package registry helps developers:
- Manage project dependencies
- Streamline workflows
- Enhance collaboration among developers
NPM also offers command-line tools to help developers install multiple packages and regulate their dependencies. Whatever your project is, NPM will help you solve dependency handling issues. It will take care of every dependency and package management.
Today, 18+ million software developers worldwide rely on NPM because it makes the process of JS development productive, elegant, and safe.
Top Features of NPM
Package management – It helps you easily install, manage, and update packages and dependencies. This feature of NPM ensures that you have an extensive collection of open-source packages.
Version control – NPM specifies version ranges and manages dependencies. It makes sure that there is consistent behaviour across different environments and among team members.
Scripting – NPM has a powerful scripting system. It allows developers to define custom scripts in their package.json file. This is how scripting facilitates different tasks like testing, building, and deployment.
Scoped packages – NPM also supports scoped packages. It allows companies to develop and publish private packages in a safe manner. This feature of NPM is highly important for proprietary code and internal projects.
Wrapping Up
The above-mentioned 5 JavaScript tools – Webpack, React, ESLint, VS Code, and NPM– are extremely important for developers who really want to code like a boss.
Using these tools in your website design and development services will not only improve efficiency but also make your code reliable. Take advantage of these tools and make your JavaScript development process easy. Happy coding!
