5 Free tools every Programmer needs to know

Programming, like any other jobs, need the use of a variety of tools in order to be done properly. Tools enable you to work smarter rather than harder. Using the correct tools will make your job easier and more productive.?

As a beginning programmer, you will come across a plethora of programming tools. You'll get more credit on your CV if you understand how to use them. However, you are not need to be familiar with every programming tool offered. Some are more vital and often utilized than others.?

The following are five of the top programming tools that every programmer should be familiar with. The best part is that they're all completely free.?

???1. Figma?

Figma is one of the top web-based user interface design tools. It's an excellent substitute for other design programs such as Photoshop. What makes it even better is that a team of developers may collaborate in real time. To use Figma, all you need is a web browser. Furthermore, it is accessible from any operating system.?

A group of designers may log in and make modifications at the same time. If your team members aren't present in real time, you may engage with them using the platform's chat tool. Furthermore, because everything is on the cloud, they can always remain up to speed with the newest developments. As a result, there is no requirement for each member to exchange files.?

You can work for a customer from anywhere with Figma, and your client can easily log in to view the progress. And if they propose that you make modifications, you may do it while they are watching. This enables you to collaborate with the customer until the design is exactly what they desire.?

Figma allows you to generate web development visuals, prototype designs, and mobile app interfaces. It also aids in the generation of CSS, SVG, Android, and iOS codes.?

???2. Docker?

Docker is an excellent substitute for virtual machines. Different operating systems can be run on the same server using virtual machines. This is accomplished by hardware virtualization. This entails dedicating a piece of computer hardware to each operating system. This capability eliminates the need to purchase several machines to run each operating system.?

Docker also enables the simultaneous use of various operating systems on the same machine. However, rather than employing hardware virtualization, it employs operating system virtualization. It accomplishes this by generating containers that aid in the isolation of computer operations. Many containers can share the same resources while functioning independently.?

Previously, developers may have encountered issues with app compatibility. For example, someone may create an app on one machine yet have it fail when transferred to another. Docker fixes this issue. You can now use Docker to build an app that includes everything it needs to run in different environments.?

This utility is free for non-commercial and personal usage. Dockers, unlike virtual machines, are lightweight, quick, and versatile.?

???3. The postman?

Postman is a free API testing tool for web developers. A programming interface (API) is a piece of code that allows two apps to interact with one another. API routes client queries to the server and returns the responses. To interface with other programs, any software requires an API.?

As a developer, you will frequently be required to test your apps. Before the program goes live, testing helps find and eradicate flaws. Postman is a top API testing software used by Fortune 500 firms. You may install it on a Windows, Linux, or Mac computer.?

Postman is extremely important in web development since it allows you to test web APIs. It contains a request builder part where you can input your http requests and customize them. The answer section then shows you the results of your request. You may experiment with various settings and authentication mechanisms, such as headers and cookies. If there is an issue with the coding, you may fix it early in the development process.?

???4. Git?

Developers make modifications to the program every time they code. Git is free, open-source software that aids in the storage of these changes in a location known as a repository. The most popular distributed version control system is Git. It comes in helpful when coding requires collaboration.?

If the central server fails, a centralized version control system may be disrupted. In a distributed system, however, each developer has their own copy of the project on their computer. They can also make adjustments to the project. These modifications are then synced with those made by each team member.?

Git is useful for keeping track of all changes made to a software. If the program fails, you can go back and discover the modifications that caused the mistake. Then, as you work on the problem, you may roll back to the prior version.?

If you operate in a team with individuals from multiple locations, the Git version control system is a must-have tool. It helps to guarantee that everyone is working on the most recent version.?

???5.?Dash?

Dash is a Mac OS desktop software for API documentation and code snippet management. Code documentation describes how a program operates. It aids code maintenance by reminding the developer of how the code operates.?

Dash, as a desktop software, may aid in the offline search of over 200 API documentation sets. It works with Android, Python, JavaScript, iOS, and a variety of other platforms. It may also search for over 100 cheat sheets. You may also develop your own Docsets or get them from third parties.?

A docset is a folder containing HTML documentation, as well as an index that allows you to search for files in the database.?

Conclusion:?The above programming tools are available for free. Some come with two versions, a free one and a paid one. And even the free versions have a lot to offer in non-commercial coding. As a programmer, you need to learn how to use them. Most working environments involve the use of such tools. And you’re more likely to be hired when you have these skills.?

Source:?Ironhack.com?