What is website development software? (2025 guide)

From showcasing your portfolio to running an online store, the right site can open doors and connect you with people across the globe. But before you can launch anything, there’s an important choice to make: which tools will you use to build it? That’s where website development software comes in.

But what is website development software, exactly? In short, it's the suite of tools and platforms used to design, develop, and maintain websites. From platforms like Framer and WordPress that help you build a website without coding, to content management systems and code editors, each tool powers a different stage of the web development process.

In this article, we're going to explore what website development software does, the different types available, and how to choose the right solution based on your needs. Whether you're a seasoned web developer or just starting out, anyone can learn something new about website development software.

All about website development software

Website development software refers to any digital tool or platform used in the creation and maintenance of websites or web applications. These tools help users, both technical and non-technical, to manage everything from layout and design to code structure, content, databases, and deployment.

In practice, website development software can range from simple drag-and-drop builders (like Wix) to powerful coding environments. Some tools focus solely on the front-end (what users see), while others handle back-end functions like database management, version control, and server communication.

Types of web development software

Not all website development software is built for the same purpose. Depending on your needs and skill level, you might need a mixture of options from the following list of categories:

No/low code builders

Perfect for beginners or those who want to launch quickly without writing a single line of code. These platforms use drag-and-drop interfaces and pre-made templates to make the process intuitive.

Examples: Wix, Squarespace, Webflow.

Design and prototyping tools

Focused on the visual side of web development, these tools help you plan layouts, create UI elements, and build prototypes before moving to code. They’re often used in the early stages of front-end development.

Examples: Figma, Sketch.

Content management systems (CMS)

Best for websites that need frequent updates or multiple contributors. A CMS makes it easy to publish and organize content without deep technical skills, but can be extended with custom code for advanced features.

Examples: Joomla, Drupal.

E-Commerce and inventory management platforms

Built specifically for selling products or services online, these tools handle everything from inventory tracking to secure payment processing.

Examples: BigCommerce, WooCommerce.

Developer-centric coding environments

For advanced projects, integrated development environments (IDEs) and code editors give developers full control over functionality, performance, and customization.

Examples: Sublime Text, PhpStorm.

Version control/collaboration tools

These tools allow multiple developers to work on the same project without overwriting each other’s code. They also let you roll back changes and keep a clean history of your project’s evolution.

Examples: GitLab, Bitbucket.

Web hosting and deployment platforms

Hosting platforms aren’t exactly tools for building your website, but they’re a key part of getting it live on the internet so people can visit it. Some hosting services also connect directly to your building tools, making it easy to publish updates with just a click.

Examples: Vercel, Siteground.

Testing and debugging tools

These tools help you make sure your website works properly, loads quickly, and stays safe , both before and after you launch it. They can test small pieces of code, check how your site looks in different browsers, and help you find and fix bugs.

Examples: BrowserStack.

Analytics and user behavior tracking

These tools help you understand how users interact with your site so you can improve design, content, and conversion rates. More on A/B testing ideas to up your conversion rate here.

Examples: Google Analytics, Hotjar.

Key features to look for in web development software

When you’re choosing website development software, it’s easy to be drawn in by slick templates and fancy design tools. But the real test is how well it helps you through the entire process of building and running your site. The best tools make your work easier, help your team work together smoothly, and create a better experience for the people who visit your site.

Here are some of the most important features to look for:

Language support

We don't mean the language you speak, though that is important too. Your software should support the programming languages and markup languages that your project requires, whether that's HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python or PHP.

Bonus points for tools that offer syntax highlighting, autocomplete and integration with frameworks like React, Vue or Laravel.

Intuitive user interface

An effective user interface can dramatically improve productivity. Look for software with:

• A clean layout

• Logical menu structures

• Customizable views

This applies to both code edtiors and drag-and-drop builders, ease of use will make a big difference to how quickly you can build and edit content across your web pages.

Real-time editing and live preview

Modern tools often include real-time functionality that shows changes instantly in the browser. This is crucial for catching layout issues, testing user behavior, and iterating quickly on design choices.

Version control integration

Being able to track changes and revert to previous versions is essential for serious development work. Support for version control systems like Git (through platforms like GitHub, GitLab, or Bitbucket) allows for:

• Easy collaboration across teams

• Tracking of bugs and changes

• Structured release cycles

Unit testing capabilities

Testing isn’t just for big enterprise apps, even simple sites benefit from some level of unit testing. Look for software or plugins that allow you to test components, code logic, or data integrity during development, so you can catch problems early.

Database management tools

If your site requires dynamic content, user logins, or e-commerce functionality, you’ll likely need database access. Many web development tools now include direct database management features or integrate easily with services like MySQL, PostgreSQL, or Firebase.

Analytics and user behavior tracking

Understanding how users interact with your site helps you optimize layout, performance, and conversion. Some platforms offer built-in tools or third-party integrations (e.g., Google Analytics, Hotjar) to monitor user behavior and to help you make data-driven decisions that will up your conversion rates.

Project management and collaboration

Whether you're freelancing or working with a team, built-in project management features or integrations (like Jira, Trello, or Slack) can help streamline communication, task tracking, and deployments.

How to choose the right website development software

With so many tools available, choosing the right website development software can feel overwhelming, especially if you're new to the field. But by breaking the decision down into practical questions, you can quickly narrow your options to the tools that best support your goals, skill level, and workflow.

Define your project type

Start by identifying what you're trying to build with web development software.

Different tools support different types of web development:

• Simple websites or blogs: A user-friendly content management system like WordPress or a drop interface builder like Wix may be all you need.

• Business or marketing sites: Tools with strong SEO and design control (like Webflow or Squarespace) are ideal.

• Web applications or custom features: You’ll want a full development stack, including a robust code editor, version control system, and database management tools.

Knowing whether you’re working on front-end, back-end, or full-stack development helps you zero in on the right category of tools.

What's your skill level?

• Non-developers may prefer no-code or low-code platforms like Webflow or Wix, which use drag-and-drop interfaces and eliminate the need for manual coding.

• Beginner developers should look for software that provides both visual support and code control, like Visual Studio Code with helpful extensions.

• Experienced developers will likely want tools that support advanced customization, integration with CI/CD pipelines, and unit testing frameworks.

Think about collaboration

Are you working solo, or with a team? Collaboration tools are key for larger projects:

• Look for real-time editing, shared workspaces, and project management features

• Make sure the tool integrates with a version control system like Git for safe, trackable changes

• Consider cloud-based options for easier remote access

Prioritize user experience

A streamlined user interface isn’t just about aesthetics, it can hugely speed up development time and reduce mistakes. Look for tools that:

• Fit your workflow (e.g., live preview, inline editing, modular components)

• Offer real-time updates so you can test and iterate on the fly

• Help you track user behavior to optimize the finished product

Check compatibility and scalability

Make sure the software you choose:

• Supports the programming languages and frameworks you plan to use

• Allows you to export or migrate your site in the future, if needed

• Can grow with your project, especially important for business or ecommerce websites

Budget and support

Finally, don’t forget practical constraints:

• Is the software free, freemium, or subscription-based? If you're on a free version, what are the limits?

• What kind of documentation, support, or community is available?

• Are there hidden costs (like paid plugins, hosting, or storage limits)?

Choosing the right software isn’t just about meeting basic requirements, it’s about ensuring a smooth, efficient development process from initial concept to finished website.

The best tools for web development

Now that we've talked about what they are, the categories of web development tool, and what features to look for, we're going to take a look at some of the best.

Big caveat here, as there is no one-size-fits-all solution, the best tools for web development depend on your needs, experience, and project type. But, below is a curated list of top tools across several categories, chosen for their reliability, flexibility, and user support.

The best code editors

Ideal for hands-on coding and full control over your site’s architecture.

• Visual Studio Code: Lightweight, fast, and packed with features/extensions

• Sublime Text: Known for speed and a distraction-free experience

• Atom: A hackable editor great for customization and team collaboration

Leading content management systems (CMS)

Perfect for blog-based or content-heavy websites.

• WordPress: The most popular CMS with endless themes and plugins

• Ghost: Sleek and fast for blogging or membership-based content

• Joomla: More complex but great for enterprise-grade websites

No-code/drag and drop builders

Ideal for non-developers or fast prototyping with visual control.

• Webflow: Combines visual editing with clean code output

• Wix: Easy-to-use with lots of pre-built templates

• Squarespace: Stylish and polished for small businesses and portfolios

Design & UX tools

Help define user experience and layout before writing code.

• Figma: Cloud-based collaboration on UI/UX designs

• Adobe XD: Industry-standard for interactive prototypes

• Canva: Lightweight, entry-level option for quick visual content

Version control & project management

For collaboration, testing, and codebase management.

• GitHub: Industry standard for open-source and private code projects

• Jira: Great for Agile teams and task management

• Docker: Containerization for testing and deployment

So, what is website development software?

Website development software is the toolkit that turns ideas into functioning websites. Whether you're coding from scratch or using a drag-and-drop builder, the right tools streamline the development process, improve collaboration, and help you create a seamless user experience.

From code editors and design tools to version control systems and content management platforms, there’s a wide range of options to explore. The best choice depends on your goals, your team, your tech stack, and of course, your comfort level with code.

Understanding the different types of software and their key features helps you choose web development tools that meet your current needs and can grow with your projects over time.

Q&A

Do I need to know how to code to use website development software?

Not necessarily. Many modern tools, such as Webflow, Wix, and WordPress, offer drag and drop editor options and no-code solutions for non-developers. However, for custom or complex websites, some coding knowledge is often required.

What’s the difference between web development software and website design software?

Web design software focuses on layout, visual elements, and user interface, tools like Figma or Adobe XD. Web development software includes design, but also covers coding, deployment, database management, and more technical aspects.

Can I build mobile applications with website development software?

While most tools are designed for websites, some frameworks (like React Native or Flutter) allow you to share code between web and mobile app development projects. That said, dedicated mobile dev tools like Xcode or Android Studio are better for app-specific features.

What is version control, and why do I need it?

Version control systems (like Git) track changes to your code over time. They allow you to revert to earlier versions, work on different features simultaneously, and collaborate safely with others, all essential for managing a clean and reliable codebase.

Which website development software is best for beginners?

For total beginners, Wix, Squarespace, and WordPress.com are some of the best web development tools. For those ready to learn coding, Visual Studio Code paired with online tutorials is a strong, flexible option.

Website development software: The glossary

Here's your handy cheat sheet for any terms that haven't quite made sense...

Back-end development: The part of web development focused on server-side logic, databases, and functionality that users don’t directly see.

Front-end development: The creation of the visual and interactive parts of a website that users interact with, like buttons, menus, and layouts.

Code editor: A tool where developers write and edit source code. Popular examples include Visual Studio Code and Sublime Text.

Content management system (CMS): Software that lets users create, manage, and modify digital content without needing to code. Examples: WordPress, Joomla, Ghost.

Database management: The process of storing, organizing, and managing data for websites or applications, often using tools like MySQL or MongoDB.

Markup language: A system for formatting documents so they can be displayed in a browser. HTML is the most common example.

Programming language: A language used to write software and scripts. In web development, common ones include JavaScript, Python, and PHP.

Project management tools: Software used to plan, track, and collaborate on web development tasks. Examples: Jira, Trello, Asana.

Real-time editing: A feature that allows developers to see changes instantly as they code, without refreshing or rebuilding manually.

Unit testing: The process of testing small parts (units) of code to ensure they work as expected, often used in professional development.

User experience (UX): How users interact with and feel about a website or app, including usability, design, speed, and accessibility.

User interface (UI): The layout and design elements that users see and interact with on a website or app, such as buttons, forms, and navigation.

Version control system: A tool that tracks and manages changes to code over time, enabling safe collaboration and rollback of errors. Git is the most widely used.

Web application: A dynamic website that performs functions or tasks (like email, banking, or online shopping), often requiring user interaction.

Web development tools: Software and platforms used to build, test, and deploy websites or web applications.