Essential Tools for Programmers: The most challenging part of programming is turning abstract ideas into something practical for users. It’s essential to keep your mind sharp and focus laser-like when you’re a programmer. If you think you can get work done while everything and everyone around you is out to contact you, then you’re kidding yourself.
Tools for programmers greatly facilitate the process of setting up a programming workspace. Programmers create database-driven websites using various web development technologies, such as ASP and PHP.
Developers can enjoy their job more and get more done with access to high-quality office equipment and modern development tools. This article will examine a handful of 2023’s most innovative tech tools for programmers.
The Best 11 Essential Tools for Programmers 2023
Let’s look at the best libraries and tools that every developer and software engineer should know about. Mastering them will help you become a better software developer and professional.
1. Use Structured Query Language (SQL)
Standard Query Language (SQL) is used to communicate with databases. SQL allows you to access, modify, and delete information from tables. Every single coder ought to learn this new language or technology.
Since databases are so ubiquitous in the real world, programmers need to have a solid grasp of SQL.
As well as being conversant with more basic commands like SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, and DELETE, a programmer should be able to construct complex queries using join, aggregate functions, subqueries, and other advanced features.
2. Dockerized containers
Docker is a game changer since it simplifies executing any application. Do it yourself and have it work on any system with Docker.
Since utilizing Docker images and containers is as simple as starting a process, you may rapidly deploy a Java Microservice or C++ application and scale it as needed.
With Docker, you can have a straightforward, scalable process without worrying about required libraries, runtime environments (like Java,.NET, or Node), or even the specifics of your server’s operating system (like RHEL 5 or RHEL 7). If you’re a programmer, you should familiarize yourself with Docker.
3. The Kubernetes Approach to Container Orchestration
As an alternative technology, this one has gained traction in cloud computing because of its ease of application scaling. You no longer need to spend thousands of dollars on a server, weeks setting it up, and days deploying your applications.
Kubernetes and Docker allow you to quickly scale up or down your application in response to fluctuations in user demand, helping you handle traffic spikes while preserving costs during periods of lower usage.
As a prominent technology in today’s cloud-native world, Kubernetes is an extension of Docker that automates the scaling process.
4. Git: A Repository for Source Code Management
Because of the importance of daily code verification, all programmers and software developers need a profound grasp of source control. In addition, if you want to advance as a programmer, you need to be conversant with more advanced concepts like branching and merging.
Git and GitHub exemplify the current world’s source control repositories and version control systems. This is, without question, the essential instrument in the arsenal of every programmer today. As a result, I think everyone must have a solid grasp of Git and GitHub.
5. Programs for Creating Documents and Creating Code
Software developers read and write a lot of code. Therefore, knowing how to use a text editor is typically advantageous. Coders should all use the same text editor.
I recommend that programmers learn to utilize more advanced text editors like Visual Studio Code and NotePad++ in addition to Note Pad, a great and commonly used basic text editor.
6. Controlled By a Computer
Linux commands, like SQL, are essential to every developer’s toolkit. Inevitably, every developer will need to work in UNIX, and many of us use Linux exclusively for this purpose.
A firm grasp of Linux commands will allow you to quickly find what you need, analyze system activity, and troubleshoot your Linux-based application.
Learning Linux commands is a must for any programmer, and understanding them is especially important if you want to learn more about Linux.
7. Application Programming Interface (API)
Postman is indispensable for testing and exploring APIs in today’s API-centric environment. Whether you’re developing a REST API or a GraphQL API, Postman is the go-to tool for testing the API connection and functionality before you build clients or make the API public.
Postman is a client GUI and Chrome extension that allows you to send GET, POST, and other HTTP requests with headers and request parameters and do in-depth response evaluations.
8. Excel
Excel in Microsoft Office is another tool that can’t be done without by software engineers and developers. Don’t categorize Excel as a simple spreadsheet program; it has many more capabilities.
The fact that you can find a use for Microsoft Excel almost anywhere is the best argument for learning it. Companies, business analysts, quality assurance specialists, and project managers utilize it. It has many applications, including report generation, process automation, and account reconciliation.
Take the course on Udemy if you want to master more advanced Excel skills, such as VLOOKUP, rather than relying on copy-and-paste.
9. Microsoft Word
Programmers and software developers rely on Microsoft Word. However, it is not as widely used as Microsoft Excel.
When working as a developer, you’ll frequently need to draft papers like software design documents, requirement documents, etc., and Microsoft Word is the ideal tool for the job. The composition may be formatted in various ways to make it seem professional.
I would recommend a course on Udemy to any novice or intermediate developer interested in learning more about the Microsoft ecosystem.
10. JIRA
I have spent the well part of the last decade working on a project that does not use JIRA for issue tracking, product planning, and project management.
JIRA has become a vital tool for software development. It is a valuable method for keeping track of deadlines and capturing needs. It is also compatible with JIRA, widely used in Agile techniques such as Sprint and Scrum.
When you learn JIRA, you may take on additional project management duties as your career develops, making you a more marketable candidate for a team lead or tech lead position. The Understand JIRA with Real-World Examples (+Confluence bonus) course on Udemy is excellent if you want to learn JIRA.
11. Powershell
Working with Windows might feel limiting after time spent with Linux. Still, thanks to Powershell, you no longer need to miss out on the flexibility and efficiency of Linux’s command line interface. Microsoft’s Windows PowerShell is a shell designed for automating routine tasks and managing settings.
This robust shell is built on the.NET framework and has a command line shell and a scripting language, allowing you to automate tasks and develop scripts like Linux.
Programming Software Every Coder Should Know
We have reached the end of our discussion of the necessary equipment for any programmer. All developers require access to these fundamental resources, whether they specialize in web development using JavaScript, server-side Java, or mobile app development on platforms like Android or iOS. You’ll use these tools every day in your software development career, so it’s worth it to take the period to master them well.
