CSS Tools Resources

Sometimes the difference between a good developer and a great one is the tools he uses. Here are 20 excellent tools for speeding up the Web site development process, optimizing your CSS code and creating more efficient CSS designs in general.

1. W3C: CSS Validation Service - EDITOR'S CHOICE - The web's most popular (and best) method for validating CSS. Make sure your Web site is parsing accurate, not erroneous code.

2. CSS Analyser - Performs a W3C CSS validation and color contrast test to make sure your CSS isn't flawed.

3. W3C: Markup Validation Service - The most popular HTML/XHTML checker on the web.

4. WDG HTML Validator - An extremely through (and strict) HTML validation tool.

5. W3C: Link Checker - Recursively scans a Web site for broken links.

6. SelectORacle - Explains the roles of a CSS file's selectors; e.g. Selector A is a descendant of Selector B. Useful for cleaning up confusing CSS code and debugging selectors that aren't exhibiting the property you think they should.

7. CSSMate - A solid tool for creating the code for individual CSS selectors.

8. Clean CSS - Cleans up and optimizes your code for faster Web site loading time; maintains a set of unique customizable options for uses wishing to overhaul their code.

9. Icey CSS Compressor - EDITOR'S CHOICE - The most accurate tool for converting bulky CSS documents into efficient pieces of code.

10. CSS Optimizer - Reduces the file size of CSS documents.

11. HTML Tidy - Takes poorly tabbed/difficult to read HTML/XHTML documents and turns them into understandable pieces of code.

12. Colors on the Web - EDITOR'S CHOICE - Uses sophisticated technology to help you pick the perfect color scheme for your Web site. Start off by selecting a base color and let the Web site do the rest.

13. Color Schemer - Pick your base color and design complex color schemes in no time with this unique tool.

14. JotForm - Dynamically build forms for your Web site with a WYSIWYG editor in real time. The only negative is that it requires registration.

15. Total Validator - Scans your Web site for web accessibility standards, broken links and HTML clarity. Also comes equipped with a screenshot option that allows you to see what your Web site looks like through the eyes of various Windows and Linux browsers.

16. BrowsrCamp - Takes and displays real time screen shots of your Web site through the eyes of Safari.

17. List-O-Matic - Auto generates CSS lists used for navigation, just follow the wizard and submit.

18. Special Characters in HTML - This might not necessarily be a tool (more of a reference guide if you will) but does list all of the special characters you must use to replace erroneous content on your webpage such as curly quotes.

19. Web Page Analyzer - Analyzes your Web sites loading time and gives advice on how to reduce it. Places a heavy emphasis on the type and number of objects in use.

20. Watchfire WebXACT - Okay so maybe this one isn't a CSS tool, but given that it performs exhaustive tests to make sure your Web site meets various quality, accessibility and privacy web standards, we figured you wouldn't mind adding it to your arsenal.

from http://www.softwaredeveloper.com