Web Development
Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes Last updated on 15th November 2024
Occasionally, I meet up with websites containing useful stuff for aspiring web developers and designers. So, as I did previously with a forbear to what you see here, I am creating this compilation that, I hope, will prove useful. Like everything akin to the proverbial mustard seed, the beginnings were small, yet it has grown.
A List Apart is a webzine that focuses on the design, development, and meaning of web content, emphasizing web standards and best practices. Founded in 1997 by Jeffrey Zeldman and Brian M. Platz, it began as a mailing list for web designers before evolving into a magazine format in 1998. The site publishes articles aimed at web professionals, covering topics such as user experience, coding practices, and design philosophy. A List Apart is known for its high-quality content and has played a significant role in advocating for web standards and accessibility in web design.
Nettuts+ is an online learning platform that offers tutorials and courses focused on web development and design. Launched as part of the Tuts+ network, it provides resources for developers of all skill levels, covering topics such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, and WordPress. Nettuts+ is recognized for its clear instructional content and practical examples that help users build real-world skills. Although it has transitioned to a subscription model under Envato Tuts+, it remains a valuable resource for those looking to enhance their web development expertise.
Cats Who Code is a blog dedicated to providing tutorials and resources primarily for web developers and designers. Founded by a developer known as “Cats Who Code,” the site features articles on various topics including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, WordPress tips, and coding best practices. The blog aims to simplify complex concepts and provide practical advice for both beginners and experienced developers. With a focus on clear explanations and useful code snippets, Cats Who Code has become a popular destination for those looking to strengthen their coding skills.
CMS Wire is an established community with over 2 decades of existence from Simpler Media Group, focusing on digital customer experience, customer service, and digital experience. Boasting a global reach, the majority of its 5 million strong membership base comprises professionals based in North America working for medium to large organizations. Key roles within this community include VP of Customer Experience, Chief Data Officer, Director of Call Center Operations, VP of Marketing, Senior Marketing Technologist, and Enterprise Architect. The community also has sister sites, Reworked (employee experience and digital workplace professionals) and VKTR (AI practitioners and enterprise AI leadership). CMS Wire’s award-winning editorial team delves into current customer experience challenges, highlights innovative industry leaders, and offers resources, information, and networking opportunities to help professionals advance in their careers. Its mission is to serve as a comprehensive platform for digital customer experience professionals, making it a premier resource for those seeking insights into digital customer experience strategies.
CSS-Tricks is an influential web development platform, focusing on CSS but encompassing HTML, JavaScript, and various aspects of design and coding. Known for comprehensive tutorials, a vibrant community, and valuable tools/resources, the site updates regularly with practical solutions to complex challenges in web development. Founded by Chris Coyier, it has become synonymous with innovative approaches and clear explanations for CSS concepts.
HTML Goodies is an established comprehensive web development resource, initially focusing on HTML but expanding to encompass a broad range of topics including JavaScript, CSS, frameworks like Angular and React.js, Content Management Systems such as WordPress, Drupal, and Joomla, website builders including Shopify, Squarespace, and Wix, web design, UX/UI Design, SEO, and more. Primarily targeted at developers from beginners to experienced professionals, the site caters to those interested in internet marketing as well. Known for its long-standing presence in web development education with a focus on practical, tutorial-based learning, HTML Goodies aims to cover every aspect of being a web developer. Regularly updated to keep up with modern frameworks and platforms, it is considered a one-stop resource for web developers, offering a wide range of tutorials and articles on fundamental to advanced topics in development, design, and related fields.
QuirksMode is an essential web development resource focusing on browser compatibility issues and web standards education. Founded by Peter-Paul Koch, the site provides detailed compatibility tables, comprehensive articles, and covers CSS, JavaScript, DOM, and mobile web. Despite modern browsers’ improvements, QuirksMode remains a valuable tool for understanding web standards complexities and legacy browser behaviours. Established in the early 2000s, it has contributed significantly to the web development community by explaining browser inconsistencies.
Smashing Magazine is an influential online publication catering to web developers and designers. It covers various topics such as front-end development, UX design, web standards, and best practices in web design through articles, tutorials, workshops, conferences, books, eBooks, CSS generators, front-end boilerplates, newsletters, and industry events. The platform fosters a community of professionals by providing valuable resources, networking opportunities, and educational materials. Smashing Magazine is recognized for its high-quality content and contributions to the web development industry.
WebAIM (Web Accessibility In Mind) is an established organization dedicated to enhancing the potential of the web for individuals with disabilities since 1999. Their mission is to empower people and organizations to create accessible content through training, technical assistance, and resources like WCAG 2 Checklist, Section 508 Checklist, Web Accessibility Email Forum, WAVE Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool, and periodic screen reader user surveys. WebAIM’s four core principles for accessibility are Perceivable (content through sight, hearing, or touch), Operable (compatible with various input devices), Understandable (easy comprehension), and Robust (works across technologies). They provide free resources, comprehensive guides, and emphasize lightweight and efficient accessible development. WebAIM’s annual automated analysis of the top one million website home pages, “WebAIM Million,” is a notable project that showcases their commitment to promoting web accessibility.