HTML Editors

An HTML Editor is a software application designed to help users create and modify HTML code. It often includes features like syntax highlighting, tag completion, and error detection, which facilitate the coding process.

There are two main types of HTML editors:

1. Text-Based Editors - Allow direct coding with features like syntax highlighting and code completion for full control over the webpage structure. Example - Sublime Text, Visual Studio Code, etc.
2. WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) Editors - Offer a graphical interface to design web pages visually, automatically generating the corresponding HTML code. Example - Adobe Dreamweaver, etc.

HTML Editors List

There are various free and paid HTML editors available in the market, but in this article, we will be covering some renowned free HTML editors that you can use as a beginner or switch to if you are an experienced developer.

1. Notepad

Notepad is a simple text editor that is also used to write HTML code. It is an inbuilt desktop application available in Windows OS. 

Steps to Write HTML Code in Text Editor:

Step 1: Open any of the text editors of your choice. Here we are using the Notepad text editor. 

Step 2: Create new file: File->New File or Ctrl+N. 

Step 3:  Write HTML code in text editor.

Step 4: Save the file with a suitable name of your choice and a .html extension. 

Step 5: Open the saved HTML file in your favorite browser (double-click on the file, or right-click - and choose "Open with"). 

2. Brackets

Brackets is an open-source software primarily used for Web development. It provides live HTML, CSS, and JavaScript editing functionality. Similar to the Notepad editor, create a new file and save it with a .html extension to run the HTML file.

3. Sublime Text Editor

Sublime is a cross-platform code editor tool. It supports all markup languages and is used as an editor for HTML. Similar to the Notepad editor, create a new file and save it with a .html extension to run an HTML file.

4. Atom

Atom is an open-source code editor tool for MAC, Linux, and Windows. We can use Atom to write and edit HTML code. Similar to the Notepad editor, create a new file and save it with a .html extension to run an HTML file.

5. Visual Studio Code

It is one of the most popular code editors of today's generation. Many companies and software developers prefer this online HTML code editor.

Step 1: Open the VS code Editor and Install the Live Server. By clicking the extension button simply search live server on the search bar and download. Live server extension helps to run the code and display output.

Step 2: Create a new File and save it with the .html extension and use the open live server button to click the right button.

HTML Editors Comparsion

Reasons to Use an HTML Editor

Editors for HTML offer several advantages to writing and editing HTML codes. Some benefits of using HTML editors are:

1. Syntax Highlighting: HTML editors use color-coding to distinguish tags, attributes, and content, making code more readable.
2. Autocompletion: These editors suggest tags and correct common errors, improving coding speed.
3. Code Validation: Built-in validators check for syntax issues and missing tags.
4. Debugging Tools: Some editors offer debugging features to identify and fix errors.
5. Customization Options: Customize the interface and settings to enhance your coding experience.

How to Choose the Right HTML Editor?

When selecting an HTML editor, consider the following factors:

1. Skill level: Beginners might prefer WYSIWYG editors for ease of use, whereas advanced users may opt for text-based editors for better control.
2. Project needs: Larger projects might benefit from a more robust editor with extensive features and integrations.
3. Compatibility: Ensure the editor supports other technologies you plan to use like CSS, JavaScript, or various frameworks.

Conclusion

By choosing the right editor for your needs and skill level, you can greatly enhance the efficiency and quality of your web development projects. Whether you’re just starting out or are a seasoned developer, there’s an HTML editor out there that’s perfect for you.