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7 must-have web development tools

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Lighten your load

No matter how much experience you have, finding shortcuts can streamline your workflow and help you be more productive. Luckily, there are tons of website development tools designed to help take the stress out of your projects so you can get more done with less effort.

You don’t have to work harder. You just need to work smarter so you can take on more projects without spreading yourself too thin. Here are a few of the top tools for web developers that you can incorporate into your daily workflow.

Using web development tools with GoDaddy Pro

Tracking down individual tools and finding ways to integrate them into your workflow on a piece-by-piece basis is time-consuming. The Hub by GoDaddy Pro makes it easy by integrating a few key web development tools right into the dashboard.

Some of the tools that are integrated into The Hub include:

  • Code snippets: Execute custom code without logging in and out of each site you’re working on.
  • Backups: Back up dev work and site updates on one or multiple sites at the same time.
  • Uptime monitoring: Monitor multiple sites for health, problems and interruptions.
  • Performance scanning: Check multiple sites for performance issues on demand.

These are just a few of the tools you’ll have access to in The Hub. You’ll be able to use additional web development tools seamlessly as needed.

Our top 7 recommended tools for web developers

Every web development project is different, and while The Hub can help you manage your clients’ sites with ease, there are a few additional tools we recommend. Here are seven of the top must-have web developer tools you can use in conjunction with those provided in The Hub:

  • PHPStorm
  • Visual Studio Code
  • Sublime
  • Vim
  • Emacs
  • WebPac
  • Gulp

PHPStorm

PHPStorm simplifies and streamlines the coding process. You’re able to work with HTML5, JavaScript, CSS, Sass, CoffeeScript, 5, Stylus and others to manually build out features for clients’ sites while analyzing and testing the code in real time.

And you can do it with every major framework, whether you’re working with WordPress or have clients that rely on Magento, Joomla! Laravel, Drupal and more.

The biggest benefit of the tool is its ability to monitor your code for errors in real time. Anytime the program detects a problem, it notifies you and suggests an appropriate fix. That means you’ll be able to test your code and identify issues long before the page goes live.

Learn more about PHPStorm.

Visual Studio Code

Visual Studio Code was developed by Microsoft in 2015 and has since taken the web development world by storm. It’s one of the most popular code editors in use and for good reason: It’s easy to use and extensible, meaning you’re able to create extensions that will benefit your web development style and preferences.

The system works with all of the most common programming languages, so you’ll be able to work with the language you’re most comfortable with.

It works across platforms, so you can work on Windows, Linux or Mac operating systems. Even better, Visual Studio Code is free and, as an open-source program, you can count on continuing innovations from your peers to make the program as feature-rich as you need it to be.

Learn more about Visual Studio Code.

Sublime Text

If you’re looking for a simple, pared-down program to edit text and test your code, Sublime Text is your best bet. The interface is simple and, while it may lack some of the extensions and customizations of other programs, it’s still incredibly powerful.

The program allows you to edit text quickly and can make use of the many intuitive keyboard shortcuts to make the process faster, easier and more enjoyable.

The program is free for an extended period. You’ll have ongoing support and updates for three years after downloading the program. After those three years, you’ll still be able to use Sublime Text, but you won’t gain access to new versions or patches without paying for a license.

It’s the perfect front-end development tool for those just starting out and developers that don’t want to deal with complicated layouts or extensions that don’t serve their purposes.

Learn more about Sublime Text.

Vim

Vim is another free and open-source application designed for web developers who value efficiency above all else. The interface is simple and integrates seamlessly with Linux and Mac-based systems. As an open-source program, you can count on user input and leverage a vibrant community of web developers when you need assistance, support or just want to bounce ideas off of another person, much like you can in The Hub by GoDaddy Pro.

The control interface is designed to keep your fingers on the keyboard at all times, reducing lag when moving from line to line. There is a learning curve with Vim, but once you master it, you’ll find that writing, editing and testing code will be much faster and more efficient.

Vim is a unique platform in that the designers encourage users to donate to a charity rather than purchasing a license for advanced features. You’re able to pay what you think is appropriate or continue using the program for free.

Learn more about Vim.

Emacs

Emacs is one of the best web development tools for coding experts that like to switch between text-only and graphical interfaces. You can toggle between the two displays to better fit your mood or to better accommodate different coding projects. Even better, Emacs works with every major operating system.

It’s best for experienced web developers, as there can be a learning curve. But as long as you have a firm understanding of coding best practices, you’ll be able to use the program fully.

Learn more about Emacs.

Webpack

Great web pages aren’t just text. They incorporate tons of images and interactive features, and those features can be tough to code item by item. Webpack bundles those modules together into functional workflows that do much of the heavy lifting for you.

Webpack is predominantly for developers using JavaScript, but that doesn’t mean it’s restrictive. You can still use Webpack for HTML and CSS-based projects, too.

Learn more about Webpack.

Gulp

The best way to increase productivity is to automate as many processes as you can. Gulp allows you to automate certain tasks within your JavaScript code. Most web developers choose to automate the more repetitive tasks like compilation and linting that would otherwise take up valuable time.

The program also lets you nest or combine tasks into a cohesive function to further speed things along.

Though Gulp is usable right out of the box, the community of users is vibrant, and you’ll find tons of support and valuable extensions and plugins to make the program even more useful for each project you work on.

Learn more about Gulp.

Build your web development toolkit

As the digital world evolves, so too will your job. Using these web development tools will help you streamline your workflow and improve your efficiency. Each provides a level of portability, functionality and customization to support the specific projects you work on.

When combined with the tools already in The Hub by GoDaddy Pro, you’ll see a major improvement in your web development efforts with every project you take on.



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AI

Revolutionizing Marketing: The Power of AI in the Digital Age

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Embracing AI-Powered Marketing: Transforming Brands in the Digital Marketplace

In the crowded digital marketplace, standing out is challenging. Enter AI-powered marketing, a revolutionary upgrade transforming brands into digital powerhouses.

Hyper-Personalized Campaigns: Beyond Basic Personalization

Gone are the days of generic marketing. Today’s gold standard is AI-driven hyper-personalization. This approach uses customer data analysis to create deeply resonant, individualized marketing campaigns. With AI’s ability to segment audiences based on intricate criteria, including purchasing history and browsing behavior, your messages can hit the mark every time.

Enhanced Customer Journey Mapping

AI’s capabilities extend to mapping the entire customer journey. By predicting needs and preferences at each stage, AI aids in crafting narratives that guide customers from discovery to purchase, integrating your brand into their personal stories.

SEO Wizardry: Mastering Search Engine Dynamics

With ever-changing algorithms, SEO is a complex puzzle. AI serves as a sophisticated navigator, deciphering these changes through machine learning. It aids in keyword optimization, understanding search intent, and aligning content with search trends.

Predictive SEO

AI tools offer predictive SEO, anticipating search engine and user behavior changes. This proactive stance ensures your brand’s prominent visibility in search results, capturing the right audience at the right time.

Social Media Mastery: Crafting a Digital Narrative

AI transforms social media strategies from uncertain to precise. By analyzing vast social data, AI provides insights into resonating content.

Content Optimization

AI analyzes performance data to recommend effective content types. This data-driven approach refines your social media content strategy.

Engagement Analysis

AI examines user interaction nuances, understanding engagement patterns. It helps tailor interactions for maximum impact, including adjusting posting schedules and messaging for increased relevance.

Conclusion: Navigating the AI-Driven Marketing Landscape

AI-powered marketing is essential for thriving in the digital age, offering precision and personalization beyond traditional methods. For small businesses, it’s a chance to leverage AI for impactful, data-driven strategies.

As we embrace the AI revolution, the future of marketing is not just bright but intelligently radiant. With AI as your digital ally, your brand is equipped for a successful journey, making every marketing effort and customer interaction count.

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AI

AI: Your Small Business Ally in a Digital Age

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In the ever-evolving landscape of modern commerce, small business owners find themselves at a crossroads of opportunity and obsolescence. Enter Artificial Intelligence (AI) – once the exclusive domain of tech behemoths, it now stands as the great equalizer, offering small businesses a competitive edge previously unthinkable. The emergence of AI as a wingman for small businesses is not just a fleeting trend but a fundamental shift in how entrepreneurs can leverage technology to revolutionize their operations.

The 24/7 Customer Service Hero: Chatbots

In the digital storefront, customer service is the heartbeat of business survival and success. Chatbots emerge as the indefatigable heroes of this domain. Envision a customer service agent that never clocks out an entity that requires no sleep or sustenance yet delivers consistently and instantaneously. These AI-driven chat interfaces embody the essence of your brand’s voice, capable of handling a barrage of customer queries with a speed that outpaces the swiftest of typists. They are the embodiment of efficiency – ensuring that customer satisfaction is not just met but exceeded around the clock.

Unearthing Market Treasures: Data Dive

AI’s prowess in pattern recognition has catapulted data analytics into a realm once considered the stuff of science fiction. Small business owners armed with AI tools can sift through vast swathes of data to extract actionable insights. These algorithms act as modern-day oracles, predicting market trends, discerning customer behaviors, and offering sales forecasts with remarkable accuracy. Equipped with: this knowledge, small businesses, can navigate the market with the foresight and precision of an experienced captain steering through foggy seas.

Personalization at Scale: Customize Like a Boss

The age-old business mantra of the customer is king is given new potency with AI’s personalization capabilities. Tailoring the customer experience is no longer a luxury but a necessity. AI enables small businesses to offer bespoke experiences to consumers, making them feel like the sole focus of their attention. It’s personalization executed with such finesse that customers are left marveling at the thoughtfulness and individual attention, fostering loyalty and establishing deep-rooted brand connections.

Offloading the Mundane: Task Slayers

Repetitive tasks are the bane of creativity and innovation. AI steps in as the ultimate task slayer, automating routine chores that once consumed disproportionate amounts of time. From scheduling appointments to managing inventory, AI liberates entrepreneurs from the drudgery of administrative duties, freeing them to refocus on the creative and strategic endeavors that propel business growth.

Mastering Social Media: Social Savants

Social media – the pulsing vein of modern marketing – demands astuteness and agility. AI emerges as the savant of social media, capable of demystifying platform algorithms to optimize content delivery. It knows the optimal times to post, the types of content that resonate with audiences, and the strategies that convert passive scrollers into engaged customers. By automating your social media presence, AI transforms your brand into an online sensation, cultivating a digital community of brand ambassadors.

The Verdict: Embracing AI

For a small business owner, AI is not about an overnight overhaul but strategic integration. The goal is to start small, allowing AI to shoulder incremental aspects of your business, learning and scaling as you witness tangible benefits. The transition to AI-enablement does not necessitate a background in technology; it requires a willingness to embrace change and a vision for the future.

In summary, as the digital revolution marches forward, AI stands ready to partner with small businesses, providing them with tools once deemed the province of giants. This partnership promises to elevate the small business landscape, ushering in an era of democratized technology where every entrepreneur can harness the power of AI to write their own David vs. Goliath success story. AI, the once-distant dream, is now the most loyal wingman a small business can enlist in its quest for growth and innovation.

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Apple’s October Scary Fast Event: Everything revealed about the new MacBook Pro, iMac and M3 chips

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It’s time for another Apple event, with a spooky twist. The company announced a surprise “Scary Fast” event last week, prompting the rumor mill to speculate that Apple would be revealing new chips to power a new lineup of Macs.

As our resident Apple expert Brian Heater wrote, a new 24-inch iMac and a MacBook Pro refresh would be the most likely new announcements to expect from the October event, and as it turns out, he was spot-on. Apple’s new M3 chip lineup was the focal point of the event, powering each of the devices Apple showcased in their half-hour prerecorded event that had some fog, some bats and ominous choir music…but no big surprises for those following the rumor mill.

Since the event kicked off off at the uncharacteristically late time of 8pm ET / 5pm PT, so you might have missed out out on the reveals while putting the finishing touches on your Halloween decorating, or watching Monday Night Football. No judgement, we’re here to recap everything the October Apple event showcased in one spot.

New M3 chips

Credit: Apple

The “scary fast” part of the Apple event, as expected, are the new M3 chips. Apple has announce a M3, M3 Pro and M3 Max, which will be included in Apple’s new 24-inch iMac, MacBook Pros.

This time around, Apple has placed an emphasis on graphical horsepower, with hardware-accelerated ray tracing, mesh shading and Dynamic Caching, which Apple claims “dramatically increases the average utilization of the GPU” by allotting exact amount of local memory to given tasks. These new chips were frequently benchmarked against their M1 predecessor, with Apple claiming the M3 renders at 2.5x the speed of the M1 and its CPU is 30% faster than the M1.

Check out the full rundown of the three M3 chips right here.

New MacBook Pro models

Apple MacBook Pro 2023 Update in Space Black Color

Credit: Apple

Yes, the new 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros come with upgraded internals, but the first thing you might notice is the new color: Space Black. Beneath that color, you’ll find that new line of M3 chips. The 14-inch MacBook Pro can contain any of the trio, while the 16-inch model will only come with the M3 Pro or M3 Max chips.

As we’ve noted, the M3 chips packed into both models are putting an emphasis on getting the most out of the new GPU, though Apple also boasts that both form factors’ battery can last 22 hours on a single charge.

Both are available for preorder tonight, with the 14-inch MacBook Pro starting at $1,599 and going to $1,999 with the M3 Pro. The baseline 16-inch MacBook Pro goes for $2,499 and the pricing for the M3 Max chip upgrade for both models has yet to be disclosed.

And that space black color is exciting news for any Mac fan still pining for the 2006 MacBook, whose dark tone hadn’t been replicated in the MacBook iterations that followed, even those Midnight MacBook Airs.

Check out the full rundown on the new MacBook Pros here.

New M3 iMac

2023 M3 iMac Spec Rundown

Credit: Apple

Apple’s iMac line is getting a colorful refresh, with an added M3 chip to add horsepower to the palette change. Apple is sticking with the 24-inch form factor, and upgrading the screen with a 4.5K retina display, 1080p FaceTime camera and a six-speaker system supporting Dolby Atmos and Spatial Audio. The new iMac will be available for preorder with green, yellow, orange, pink, purple, blue and silver options starting tonight.

The $1,299 baseline comes with a 8-core GPU and 8-core CPU, with a $1,499 version upgrading you to a 256 SSD.

For more info about what else is new in the M3 iMac, head here.

An sneaky iPhone showcase

You may not have noticed it, but at the very end of the event, Apple dropped a quick note on the stream: “This event was shot on iPhone and edited on Mac.” It’s a bit of a victory lap, but as our other Apple expert Darrell Etherington notes, it’s a pretty impressive flex for Apple to shoot its half-hour hardware showcase entirely on a phone.

Recap the full Scary Fast event

If you want to just dive right in and experience the October event all over again or for the first time, you can catch the entire archive via the YouTube embed below right on Apple’s website.

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