The 7 Best Open-Source Web Development Tools for Your Business

BY: Patty Nicholson
MAY 10, 2022

If your business needs a new web application, you will have numerous questions. Which language should you use? What framework should be applied? How about CMS? Should you use open-source tools? All these factors are crucial decisions.

When you build a website or an application, you need to find the right mix of technologies that best serve the purpose of your project. Choosing the right software stack is a challenge. Whether you start programming from scratch or build on an existing site, your development needs depend on the requirements of your project.
But before you decide on specific tools and frameworks, it is essential to understand what is available for free. According to industry experts, let’s find out the best open-source web development tools.

Key Takeaways:

The seven best open-source web development tools include:

  • Python
  • Node.js
  • Angular JS
  • React JS
  • PHP
  • ASP.NET
  • Laravel

The 7 Best Open-Source Tools for Your Company Website

If you don’t know what an open-source web development tool is, it’s a software framework that helps developers build websites and web applications faster and more efficiently. Developers use these tools to facilitate the creation of dynamic content on the internet.

Open-source web development tools are free to use and available to the public. Many of these tools are also easily customizable, which means you can use them to create applications in addition to your website or web application.

Python

Python is a general-purpose programming language used for web development, app development, web scraping, data analysis, machine learning, and artificial intelligence.

The language first appeared in 1991 and is used by programmers to write software for desktop applications and websites. The current version of Python is 3.8.1, and it’s an object-oriented language that uses high-level data structures with dynamic typing and binding.

Node.js

Node.js is an open-source JavaScript runtime that enables developers to create server-side web applications and network programs, and it also supports cross-platform development. In other words, businesses can use Node.js for real-time communication applications that require high scalability (think of chat apps or multiplayer games).

Developers with JavaScript experience can quickly get started with Node.js. The framework is only about 12 years old and has a relatively low learning curve. However, to maximize the benefits of this toolkit, your team would need the time and resources to master its features and capabilities.

Additionally, you need to keep in mind that while Node.js will reduce the amount of code you’d need to write on the back end, it won’t simplify your technology stack overall. Instead, you’ll find yourself using multiple languages often.

AngularJS

AngularJS, or Angular as commonly referred to, is a JavaScript framework initially developed by Google for building single-page web applications. Over the years, Angular has become one of the most popular frameworks in use today and has even expanded to be used on the web and mobile devices.

One of the reasons Angular has gained such popularity is its modular structure. Instead of seeing each page load as a series of static pages, Angular lets you think about your project as a set of states that move from one state to another based on user interactions.

It provides an easier way for developers who are familiar with JavaScript to build applications without learning another language or building their libraries of code. Another reason why developers love Angular so much is that, unlike other toolsets, it isn’t just a toolset; it’s a framework.

ReactJS

ReactJS is for building user interfaces using a JavaScript library. It is used primarily to build single-page applications and mobile applications. ReactJS is a component-based framework, meaning it involves creating reusable user interface components to build the user interface of an application.

PHP

PHP is a server-side web development scripting language. It’s free, easy to learn and use, and has support from a large community of developers that are constantly working to improve the platform. Many popular content management systems (CMSs), including Drupal, Joomla and WordPress development, rely on PHP as a programming foundation.

PHP is used on over 80 percent of all sites that use the LAMP stack like the Linux operating system, Apache web server, MySQL database management system (DBMS), and PHP server-side scripting language. Because it’s embedded in HTML code, you can use PHP to create simple scripts or entire websites. These features make it a good choice if you start with PHP web development.

ASP.NET

If you’re looking for a server-side scripting language and web application framework, ASP.NET might be your one. This open-source web application framework is from Microsoft. Using the .NET framework, you can create dynamic websites and applications.

Some people argue that it’s not open source since it requires proprietary software to run it. To start, head over to the website and check out their resources (tutorials, documentation, etc.).

Laravel

Laravel is an open-source PHP framework that programmers use to build modern web applications. With features like routing, authentication, queues, and caching, it’s an excellent framework for quickly building scalable web applications.

Unlike other frameworks, Laravel assigns greater importance to unit testing. Released in 2011 and now on version 7, Laravel is maintained by a large community of Laravel developers and is one of the most popular PHP frameworks available.

The Pros and Cons of Various Web Development Frameworks

Different web development frameworks may be more suitable than others, depending on your goals. If you’re looking to build a highly interactive web app, you’ll likely want to consider a JavaScript framework, such as AngularJS. These frameworks are excellent for handling complex user experiences but can come at the cost of additional overhead and processing times.

Conversely, if you’re looking to build a website that will primarily showcase your company’s products and services, you’re better off using a content management system like WordPress or Drupal. While these systems are not as powerful as their JavaScript counterparts, they are easier to use and understand.

If you’re about to start a web development project, you must decide whether to go with a framework or build your site from scratch. Each approach has certain advantages and drawbacks, and your choice should depend on your goals, what resources you have, and what types of users you expect to visit your site.

Combine Web Development Tools to Achieve the Desired Outcome

For many, choosing a web development framework can feel like being asked to choose a favorite child. After all, every framework promises to make your life easier and help you create a better app. As with most things, the ideal choice depends on your specific needs.

Combining open-source tools can help you achieve your desired outcome by letting you design complex systems while keeping web development costs low. You may need to test different tools and combinations to find the best fit for your business needs.

For more complex requirements, consider using other frameworks and libraries, such as AngularJS or ReactJS, to build custom solutions tailored to your specific business requirements.

Leave the Heavy Coding to RD Global

The RD Global team can aid in turning your vision into a reality. Our skilled professionals are proficient in multiple coding frameworks, including Angular, .NET, Java, Node.js, PHP, Python, and Laravel. We have extensive experience transforming concepts into viable products and building modules to interface with third-party APIs.

If you want an enterprise-level app, then getting it built by a team of professionals who have expertise in multiple coding frameworks is the best way to go. RD Global is the elite team you need to get your app done right. If you need a partner to help achieve your web app goals, don’t hesitate to contact RD Global.

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Written by Patty Nicholson

"With an exceptional ability to execute and implement enterprise-wide, highly complex strategic initiatives building trust with teams and cross-functional partners, and over 20 years of demonstrated leadership skills, Patty Nicholson oversees all operations while maintaining a commitment to 5-star customer success. Most of her career has been working with insurance organizations on ways to automate manual processes to new digital platforms."

MAY 10, 2022
RD Global Empowers Insurance Companies to optimize total digital experience, unify data, and harmonize processes by developing high impact technology solutions infused with a 5-star customer experience.