Here’s a list of tools and software needed for creating a website, specifically for those using a Mac:
Table of Contents
Text Editors
Xcode
Xcode is a developer tool necessary for developing software for Mac, iPhone, and iPad. It includes a text editor that allows you to edit website code with syntax highlighting, which is very convenient.
TextEdit
TextEdit is the default text editor that comes with Mac, similar to Notepad on Windows.
Image Editing Software
While not always necessary, image editing software is useful for optimizing images for display on your site.
Preview
Preview is a tool on Mac used for resizing images or converting formats, such as from PNG to JPG.
Squoosh
Squoosh is an online tool that dramatically reduces image file sizes with minimal quality loss. It’s recommended to process images through Squoosh before uploading them to your site.
ImageOptim
ImageOptim reduces file size by removing personal information (like GPS and camera data) from images. It’s advisable to use this on all images you upload to your site.
ToyViewer
ToyViewer is useful if you need to apply mosaics to images.
Skitch
Skitch helps in adding arrows or annotations to images.
File Transfer Software
FileZilla
FileZilla is a reliable file transfer software used for uploading files to a server. It replaced FFFTP due to stability issues and is sufficient for most needs.
Internet Browsers
When creating websites, it’s important to check how they display across multiple browsers. Therefore, it’s good to have popular browsers installed.
Google Chrome
Google Chrome is a popular internet browser developed by Google with a strong user base. It’s my primary browser as well.
Firefox
Firefox is an internet browser developed by Mozilla. It has a significant user base and can’t be ignored.
Safari
Safari is Apple’s internet browser. A portion of Mac users use Safari, so it’s also important to have it installed.
Software for Creating Charts and Tables
Sometimes you may need to represent data with charts or tables while creating a website. In such cases, using software designed for this purpose can be helpful.
Numbers
Numbers is the Mac version of Excel. Originally spreadsheet software, it’s also useful for creating charts and tables.
Keynote
Keynote is the Mac version of PowerPoint. Although primarily presentation software, it can also be used effectively for creating charts and tables.
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