Tools and Services
Tools & Services
What you use, is less important, than what you made.
Software is selected based on availability on both Mac and PC operating systems. Create the following account(s). Do NOT upgrade to Paid plans. All accounts are free-to-try.
Pencils, Pen, Markers, and Paper
We should always be carrying a pencils, pens, markers, and paper -- lots of paper. Writing, sketching, whiteboarding, etc are all apart of the process.
Web Browser is: FireFox Developer Edition
Mozilla's Firefox Developer Edition will be the primary browser. FireFox Dev Tools are included in the browser for front-end website: experimentation, debugging, and tooling.
Firefox Developer Edition is a free download
Included are the FireFox Developer Tools
Code Playground is: CodePen
CodePen is an interactive-playground for practicing coding, forking other code, and following in class Lecture. Students will use CodePen under the umbrella of the Department — and have access to the paid Developer Team plan.Again, do not upgrade.
Create a FREE CodePen account
Text Editor is: Visual Studio Code in CodeSpaces on GitHub
Many (many) text editors to write code. VS Code by Microsoft is the most popular.
Many free and paid vector based design tool exists. Each has its Pros/Cons. We will use what is available in the computer labs. Find one you like. Get proficient with it.
Version Control via: GitHub (service & app)
Version Control is essential for modern web design, and development. Many version control options exist, GitHub is the most widely used. Lowercase git is the software and capital "G" GitHub is service to run git from VS Code, from graphical apps, and/or the terminal command line.
Build and Deploy with: Netlify
GitHub is good for version control, but not website deployment, forms, CDNs, split testing, and edge networks. Many services like Netlify exist, but it is the most widely used. See GitHub vs. Netlify for more information.
Domain Name via: Hover.com
Hover.com is a domain name registrar. Take the time to find the best domain name options for yourself. Don’t rush it. Own your domain name like your phone number. It should be able to migrate to any cell-carrier.
Vector Design is: Figma
Many free and paid vector based design tool exists. Each has its Pros/Cons. We will use what is available in the computer labs. Find one you like. Get proficient with it.
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