We all make mistakes and this also applies to writing code. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced coder, making a mistake in your code can cause a real headache. Just as we use all sorts of tools to help us with simple tasks like checking spelling when typing, an editor (Hypertext Markup Language) helps you fix mistakes that are made while writing code. HTML editors have a ton of features and we will be covering that and much more by going through the list of the best HTML editors in this article.
What is an HTML editor?
In hindsight, an HTML editor is used to write the foundation of a website. While any text editor can do this job, it doesn’t mean you have to do it without any help. Additional features, error checking, and an overall more intuitive editor can make your life significantly easier when it comes to writing code and streamlining your web development process. The basics of HTML editors are the same: they help you write code by highlighting syntax, inserting commonly used HTML elements and structures, and offering autocompletion.
Text used by an HTML editor can also be translated into other languages, such as CSS, XML, or JavaScript. But as we know, not all things are created equal. Some editors may be easier to use, while others provide more functionality.
When should you use an HTML editor?
The short answer is always. An HTML editor is invaluable for both beginners and more advanced developers. We already mentioned some of the basic features of HTML editors, such as syntax highlighting, inserting common HTML elements, and autocompletion. All this ensures that your code is functional and clean with the least effort, making it much easier to do what you do best: create code.
For example, the editor will notify you if you forget to put the end tag in a code element. Therefore, you should not limit yourself to No use any kind of HTML editor.
Before moving on to the best HTML editors, you should know that there are two types of editors: WYSIWYG and textual HTML editors. Let’s start by talking about the first type.
Verbatim vs. WYSIWYG HTML editors
WYSIWYG
This is the acronym for What You See Is What You Get (What you see is what you get). These editors provide an editing interface that shows how the code looks on a live web page. The use of WYSIWYG does not require any knowledge of HTML. Therefore, it is much easier to get started for a user without any programming experience.
Textual HTML Editor
As the name implies, textual HTML editors are based on text. You must have knowledge of HTML to use these types of editors. Features include opening files, whether it’s a single file, an entire project, or multiple projects, and it’s available in all editors. When using a text-based editor, you can’t see a live preview of the site.
This type of editor can offer more freedom and custom options. With a text editor, you can better optimize them for search engines. For example, it is possible to create a web page that follows the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (, for its acronym in English), so that people with disabilities can view your web page.
List of the best HTML editors
Since we have already seen what an HTML editor is and when to use it, we can finally get our hands on the real editors and choose the best HTML editor.
We all have different tastes. When it comes to choosing a platform for our work where we will spend a lot of time, it is important to choose the one that best suits us. All editors have the same basic features. However, some offer more visual representation than others, more additional packages to install, among other things.
The list of the best HTML editors is based on popularity, features, and design:
Atom is a relatively new editor that came out in 2014 and has gained enormous momentum ever since. It is one of the best free and open source HTML editors and was developed by the GitHub team. Atom uses a free software license for its package and is maintained by the GitHub community. Their goal is to offer a premium experience in the editor, while keeping it completely free; plus flexibility to customize the software itself.
As for the slogan, they boast of being the most hackable text editor of the 21st century. This means that developers can contribute to editing, extending, changing, and sharing the program’s source code, as well as create their own packages to enhance Atom.
Now let’s review the key features of Atom.
key features
- Atom comes with 81 built-in packages and you can add up to 8,700 additional installable packages. You can also develop your own package.
- Open source text editor. The full Atom editor is free and open source and is available on GitHub.
- Atom supports teletype (Teletype). This is an important feature if you want to collaborate with other developers in real time.
- Supports multiple panels. Atom can split the interface into many windows so you can compare and write code side by side.
- Smart autocomplete. Atom helps you write your code faster and smarter with flexible autocompletion.
Why do developers prefer Atom?
- It is customizable. Atom is very easy to customize; you can change the look of the interface and add other essential features. You can also build packages and themes from scratch. Or just install community pre-made packs and themes.
- Atom in developer mode. You can experiment with adding features to the core system.
- Integration with Git and GitHub.
- Cross-platform edition. Atom works on all operating systems.
Design
Atom offers a sleek design with a premium look and feel, as well as having a live preview.
Available for: Windows, OS X and Linux (64 bits).
Notepad++ is an editor that was developed for Windows based machines. Linux users can also use it through Wine. This editor is distributed as free software and its repository is also available on GitHub. Like other community projects, it supports third-party plugins.
Notepad++ is distinguished by its simplicity, it is also super lightweight; there’s even a mobile version if you need it. Here are some highlights:
key features
- Notepad++ interface is simple, light and fast.
- It supports multi-language programming environment from ActionScript, CSS to Visual Basic.
- 100% compatible with Windows, although other operating systems are not supported (no additional software).
Why do developers prefer Notepad++?
- It is completely free.
- Extensible: you can add plugins from the community or create your own.
- Customizable – Developers can customize the features and interface to their preferences.
Design
Notepad++’s interface is minimalistic, but developers can customize it.
Available for: Windows and Linux (via Wine).
Sublime is another of the best HTML editors that you can find. Developed by a company based in Sydney, this software falls under the freemium category. Freemium means that you can use Sublime for free, but you must purchase a license in order to enjoy all the features.
Sublime offers very good support to ensure that the program is constantly updated. Users can add plugins created by the community or create their own. We believe that using the free version of Sublime is more than enough. However, if you think you need more features, you can license it later.
key features
- Sublime supports the Python API which allows the plugin to expand its default functionality.
- Simultaneous edition. You can make changes to many selected areas at the same time.
- Sublime is available on Windows, OS X, and Linux. Developers just need to have a license to use Sublime on as many computers as they have.
Why do developers prefer Sublime Text?
- Powerful API and package ecosystem. Sublime provides thousands of packages that are available and built by the community. These packages are open source.
- Separate edition. Developers can use multiple monitors and edit different types of code simultaneously.
- Got Anything. This function is useful to open the files with a few keys, to search for symbols, lines or words.
- Got Definition. Sublime automatically indexes every class, method, and function in a project.
Design
Sublime Text’s interface is excellent in terms of aesthetics.
Available for: Windows, OS X and Linux (32/64 bits).
Developed and managed by the tech giant Adobe Inc, Adobe Dreamweaver CC is an excellent, powerful and versatile tool. It works for both back-end and front-end development. As closed source software, Dreamweaver is designed to work within the Adobe ecosystem. Adobe also provides support, plugins, and features to make sure you always code flawlessly.
Dreamweaver is one of the editors that supports both the textual and WYSIWYG methods. So it’s up to you whether you want to code with a live visual presentation or go the classic way.
key features
- Dreamweaver allows you to write code in all major programming languages.
- Supports textual and WYSIWYG editor modes.
- Fully integrated with the Adobe software ecosystem.
- Incredible performance and support from Adobe Inc.
Why do developers prefer Adobe Dreamweaver CC?
- Preview. In this way, developers can code while previewing the final product.
- Confirm the code and accessibility of the page. This feature can make it easier for developers to follow the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).
- Access to creative libraries in the cloud. Premium access to the rich offering of materials in the Adobe ecosystem. From colors, words, graphics, layers, characters and much more.
Design
Dreamweaver has a first-class premium look, with stunning aesthetics and design. After all, it’s made by Adobe, a respected company in the creative industry.
Available for: Windows and OS X.
This free multi-code HTML editing tool comes out-of-the-box with a variety of customizable features. It is notable for its autocomplete and other clever syntax responses. Visual Studio Code is a multi-language, multi-platform program. Its development environment works hand-in-hand with HTML, Python, and other popular programming languages.
It is also…
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