Toolset can be used to power websites for almost any niche you can think of. If your area of expertise doesn’t lie in the areas of being a developer or designer, you may be wondering if you can take your website beyond the basic level on your own. The truth is you don’t have to learn how to code or stretch your budget to hire someone with these skills to customize your WP website. You can find the toolset here https://wp-types.com/

What you can do with Toolset

In most instances, WordPress is used to create a site for a business promoting a product or a service. These “brochure” sites are especially compatible with WP’s features.

If you know basic HTML, you can use the Toolset WordPress plugin to make a fully customized website. You won’t have to write any PHP, either. It’s a powerful virtual box of implements that you can put together in the combination of your choice to build a website with the features you want.

Add Custom Post Types

WordPress lets you add pages and posts as your bread-and-butter setup. If you want to change the appearance of your display to incorporate products, testimonials or any other type of specialized content, your best option is to set up custom post types

Toolset will allow you to organize your different types of content under separate menus. You can set different user access for different types of content. If you have a team of writers and editors working on your site, you may not necessarily want everyone to have access to all of your different post types. Toolset allows you to grant access privileges that are appropriate for your organization and customize them for each website you own.

Create Custom Searches for any Type of Content

Helping site visitors find information they find useful is a feature of many types of websites. Unless you can offer them a means of communicating the exact information they are looking for, it’s difficult to help a customer find exactly what they want to purchase. Custom searches can help available choices to a shorter list so that the customer can make a buying decision more easily.

Examples of custom searches for content include the following

• Make, model, number of doors and price range for a vehicle
• Genre, format, price range for books or ebooks
• Material, manufacturer, thickness, grade (for durability), size, shape, price for floor tiles

Toolset gives you the flexibility to apply custom searches to any type of custom post. You can set a custom search to include inputs on any of the following:

• Checkboxes
• Numbers
• Text
• Radio inputs

You can even have the results appear on Google Maps.

Custom searches are set up using HTML. You choose the filter fields and design the search boxes using this markup language.

Build Customized WooCommerce Websites

After you have set up the parameters for your custom search, you’ll want to focus your attention on the destination where you want your customers to end up. Toolset gives you the option of setting up a catalogue that fits in with the type and number of products you are selling.

Display your wares in whatever fashion you feel will resonate best with your customer base. The products can appear as lists, tables, grids or in any other configuration you decide will grab your customers’ attention and display the merchandise effectively.

Adding images using Toolset is easy. You can display them in a slider and add category names as clickable links. For your customers’ convenience, add product comparisons so they can easily get an idea of the different models and styles you have available for purchase,

Make a Custom Directory, Classified or Membership Site

Membership, classified or directory sites need to have content submission and editing at their front-end if they are going to be successful. Toolset’s features make it easy to build the forms required to set them up. Site visitors can register for your website, pay a fee using the payment method of their choice, post new items to the directory or submit an ad for review.

Support for Toolset

Customers who buy Toolset also get the Toolset support staff to assist them if they happen to run into any difficulties. They are trained to answer questions about the plugins as well as how to help you build websites.

The Toolset support team is available 19 hours per day, five days a week. The workday starts in the morning in Asia and winds up in the afternoon in the US (Mountain Time).

How to Buy Toolset

Toolset works with WordPress 3.4–4.6.1 and can be installed with any theme. Use it on as many websites as you wish for personal use and for your clients. The plugin comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Buy it for one year for $149.00 and renew yearly for $74.50 or pay $299.00 and get Toolset for Life.

This can be a daunting task for a beginner, but fortunately there are plenty of great integrations out there that are easy to use.

In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best software integrations for small businesses and explain how they can help streamline your operations.

We’ll also provide tips on how to choose the right integration for your needs.

So if you’re ready to get started, keep reading!

What Is A Software Integration?

A software integration is the process of combining two or more software programs so that they can share data and functionality.

For example, a business might integrate its accounting software with its customer relationship management (CRM) software in order to automatically update customer records with invoicing information.

The process of integration can be complex, and it is often necessary to use special middleware applications or integration platforms to facilitate the sharing of data between different software programs.

However, the benefits of integration can be significant, as it can lead to increased efficiency and enhanced decision-making ability by allowing different departments within a company to access shared data.

Why Do Businesses Need Software Integration Software?

Businesses need software integration software for a variety of reasons.

First, when businesses have multiple software systems, it can be difficult to keep track of data and ensure that information is properly synced.

This can lead to errors and inefficiencies.

Software integration helps to streamline data management by creating a centralized repository for information.

This can make it easier for businesses to access the data they need and avoid duplicating effort.

In addition, software integration can help businesses automate tasks and processes.

By integrating disparate systems, businesses can avoid manual data entry and improve the efficiency of their operations.

Finally, software integration can help businesses better understand their data.

By consolidating information from multiple sources, businesses can gain insights into trends and patterns that would otherwise be hidden.

This type of knowledge can be used to make strategic decisions about the direction of the business.

As you can see, there are many reasons why businesses need software integration software.

By investing in this type of solution, businesses can improve their efficiency, automate tasks, and gain valuable insights into their data.

How Can Software Integrations Help Your Business Grow And Scale?

No business is an island. In order for businesses to grow and scale, they need to be able to integrate with the other pieces of software that their team uses on a daily basis.

This might include accounting software, customer relationship management (CRM) software, project management software, or any number of other specialized tools.

By integrating with these other applications, businesses can automate tasks, streamline workflows, and improve efficiency.

In today’s fast-paced business world, these kinds of integrations are essential for any company that wants to stay ahead of the competition.

There are a few different ways to achieve software integration.

The first is through an application programming interface (API).

An API allows two pieces of software to communicate with each other, exchanging data and triggering actions as needed.

For example, an integration between a CRM and an accounting system might allow sales data from the CRM to be automatically imported into the accounting system.

This would save time and reduce the likelihood of errors.

Another way to achieve software integration is through a cloud-based platform.

platforms like Zapier and IFTTT provide a way for pieces of software to talk to each other without the need for code.

These platforms can be configured to automatically perform tasks when certain conditions are met.

For example, a Zapier integration could be used to send an email notification when a new customer is added to a CRM.

This kind of automation can save businesses a considerable amount of time and money.

Software integrations can help businesses in a number of different ways.

They can automate tasks, improve efficiency, and save time and money.

By integrating with the other tools that their team uses on a daily basis, businesses can set themselves up for success.

Some Of The Most Common Types Of Software Integrations Used By Businesses Today

Businesses today are increasingly reliant on software to help them run their operations.

As a result, the need for software integrations has grown exponentially.

There are a number of different types of software integrations that businesses can use to streamline their processes and improve efficiency.

Some of the most common types of software integrations include:

1. ERP Integrations

ERP, or enterprise resource planning, is a type of business software that helps businesses manage their core operations, such as accounting, finance, human resources, and supply chain management.

ERP integrations can help businesses by allowing them to connect their various business systems and share data between them.

This can lead to increased efficiency and productivity.

2. CRM Integrations

CRM, or customer relationship management, is a type of software that helps businesses manage their customer data.

CRM integrations can help businesses by allowing them to connect their customer data with other business systems, such as accounting and marketing.

This can lead to better customer relationships and improved customer retention rates.

3. Marketing Automation Integrations

Marketing automation is a type of software that helps businesses automate their marketing processes.

Marketing automation integrations can help businesses by allowing them to connect their marketing processes with other business systems, such as sales and customer service.

This can lead to increased sales and higher levels of customer satisfaction.

How Can You Determine If A Software Integration Is The Right Fit For Your Business Needs?

Software integration is the process of combining two or more independent computer systems so that they can share data and processes.

It is a complex undertaking that requires careful planning and execution.

There are many factors to consider when determining if a software integration is the right fit for your business needs.

First, you need to assess your business needs and objectives.

What are you hoping to achieve by integrating your software?

What processes need to be shared between the two systems?

How will the data be used and accessed?

Once you have a clear understanding of your goals, you can begin to evaluate different integration solutions.

There are a number of different approaches to software integration, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

Some common approaches include point-to-point integration, web services, and enterprise service bus (ESB).

Point-to-point integration is direct and simple, but can be inflexible and difficult to maintain.

Web services are flexible and can be easily integrated with other web-based applications.

However, they are typically slower and less reliable than other approaches.

ESBs are designed to provide a centralized platform for integrating heterogeneous applications.

They offer many benefits, but can be complex to implement and manage.

Once you have evaluated the different options, you need to choose the right solution for your business needs.

The best solution is not always the most expensive or the most complex.

Sometimes the simplest solution is the best option.

The important thing is to choose an approach that will meet your business objectives and provide the level of flexibility and scalability that you need.

Some Tips For Successfully Implementing A Software Integration Into Your Business Operations

A software integration can be a great way to streamline your business operations and make things more efficient.

However, it’s important to do your research and carefully plan the data integration process in order to avoid any potential problems.

Here are a few tips to help you successfully implement a software integration:

1. Define Your Goals

Before you start the integration process, it’s important to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve.

What specific problem are you trying to solve?

What are your long-term goals for the business?

Once you know the answers to these questions, you can start mapping out a plan for the integration.

2. Do Your Research

Not all software integrations are created equal.

It’s important to do your homework and find an integration solution that will fit well with your specific business needs.

Take the time to read online reviews and compare different products before making a final decision.

3. Test, Test, Test

Once you’ve chosen a software integration solution, it’s important to put it through its paces before rolling it out to your entire team with the cloud systems.

Set up a test environment and run through all of the features to make sure everything is working as expected.

This will help you avoid any potential hiccups down the road.

4. Train Your Team

Once the integration is up and running, it’s important to train your team on how to use it.

Make sure everyone is on the same page and knows how to take advantage of all the features.

This will help ensure a smooth transition and avoid any disruptions in your business operations.

By following these tips, you can set your business up for success with software integration.

Just remember to take your time, do your research, and train your team properly and you’ll be off to a great start with custom integrations.

Are Software Integrating Applications Worth It?

There are many reasons why a company might want to invest in a software integration application.

One reason is that software providers can help to automate repetitive tasks.

This can free up employees’ time so that they can focus on more strategic tasks.

Additionally, a software solution can help to improve data accuracy by providing a single source of truth for all data.

This is especially important for companies that rely on data for decision-making.

Finally, a software integration application can help to improve customer satisfaction by providing a seamless experience across all channels.

When customers have a consistent experience, they are more likely to be satisfied and loyal to a company.

Overall, there are many benefits that a company can reap from investing in a software integrations application with the business processes.

While there is an initial investment required, the long-term benefits are well worth it.

Any company that is looking to improve its operations should consider investing in a software integrations application programming interface.

If not, you’re not alone.

A lot of people don’t know the difference, but it’s important to understand the difference before deciding which protocol to use.

In this blog post, we’ll break down the differences between FTP and SFTP so you can make an informed decision about which protocol is right for you.

What Is FTP?

FTP, or File Transfer Protocol, is a standard network protocol used for the transfer of computer files between a server and client.

It is a client-server protocol, which means that both the server and the client must have an FTP program installed in order to transfer files.

The server stores the files to be transferred, and the client downloads them.

FTP is commonly used to transfer website files from a server to a web client (such as a web browser).

FTP is a relatively simple protocol, but it does require some basic configuration before use.

The server must be configured with an FTP server software program, and the client must have an FTP client software program installed.

Both the server and the client must also have an IP address.

The server’s IP address is used to connect to the server, and the client’s IP address is used to connect to the client.

Once the IP addresses are configured, the server can be started and the client can connect to it.

The client will then be able to browse through the files on the server and download them to their computer.

FTP is not a secure protocol, so it is important to use caution when transferring sensitive information.

In general, however, FTP is a very useful tool to transfer files between computers.

What Is SFTP?

SFTP is a network protocol that provides file transfer and manipulation functionality over a secure connection.

Essentially, it allows you to transfer files between two computers in a safe and secure manner.

SFTP uses SSH to establish a secure connection, and all data is encrypted during transfer.

This makes it much more secure than traditional FTP (File Transfer Protocol), which sends data over the network in plain text.

Additionally, SFTP supports wildcard characters, meaning you can transfer multiple files with a single command.

Finally, SFTP is designed to be platform-independent, so it can be used on any operating system.

Whether you’re looking to transfer large files or simply want a more secure way to move data between computers, SFTP is an excellent option.

Benefits Of FTP

FTP, or File Transfer Protocol, is a standard network protocol used to transfer data from one computer to another.

FTP is a client-server protocol, which means that it uses a central server to manage file transfer.

FTP clients connect to the server and can then upload or download files.

FTP is simple to use and can be used to transfer large amounts of data quickly.

In addition, FTP is very reliable and is often used to transfer mission-critical data.

Overall, FTP is an essential tool for anyone who needs data transfer between computers.

Additionally, it is:

• Easy To Install: FTP is one of the easiest protocols to install and configure. Additionally, most web hosting providers offer easy-to-use control panels that make it even simpler to get started with FTP.
• Supports Large File Transfers: If you need to transfer large files, FTP is an ideal solution. It can handle files of any size without any problems.
• Secure: FTP is a very secure protocol. All data is transferred over an encrypted connection, which makes it difficult for hackers to intercept and steal information.
• Fast: FTP is a very fast protocol, which is ideal for transferring large files.
• Reliable: FTP is a very reliable protocol and is often used for mission-critical file transfers.
• Compatible With All Operating Systems: FTP works with all major operating systems, including Windows, Mac, and Linux.
• Support For Multiple Users: FTP supports multiple users, which means that you can easily share files with others.
• Easy To Use: FTP is very easy to use, even for beginners. There are many excellent FTP clients available that make it simple to transfer files.
• Free: FTP is a free protocol, which means that you don’t have to pay anything to use it.
• Excellent support: There is a large community of FTP users and developers, which means that you can get help and support when you need it.

Benefits Of SFTP

SFTP is often used in place of FTP. SFTP uses an SSH command channel and a separate data channel, which helps to protect data during transfer.

In addition, SFTP supports many features that are not available with FTP, such as file compression and data encryption.

As a result, SFTP is more secure and efficient than FTP, making it the preferred choice for transferring sensitive data.

Additionally, SFTP is easier to use than FTP, as it does not require special commands or configuration.

This makes SFTP an ideal choice for users who are not familiar with file transfer protocols.

Overall, the benefits of SFTP make it the superior option for transferring files securely.

Moreover, it is:

Secure: Ensures data security by utilizing strong cryptography methods.

• Reliable: SFTP has been proved to be a reliable protocol as it uses the SSH protocol for connection.
• Compatible: Can be integrated with most operating systems and software applications.
• Convenient: Provides an easy way to transfer files between two computers.
• Fast: Allows for quick file transfers due to its efficient design.

There are many benefits of using SFTP over other file transfer protocols, such as FTP.

SFTP is more secure and reliable and is also compatible with most operating systems and software applications.

SFTP is also a fast protocol, which makes it ideal for transferring large files.

Cons Of FTP

There are several cons of using FTP, or file transfer protocol, as a means of data transfer.

One con is that it is not very secure.

When data is sent using FTP, it is not encrypted, which means that it can be intercepted by third parties.

Additionally, FTP is not suitable for large amounts of data.

It is designed to transfer small files quickly, so it can be slow and unreliable when used to transfer large files.

Finally, FTP can be difficult to use for beginners.

The interface can be complicated, and there are a lot of different settings that need to be configured in order for it to work properly.

For these reasons, FTP may not be the best option for everyone.

Cons Of SFTP

There are a few potential downsides to using SFTP that you should be aware of before deciding whether or not it is the right solution for your needs.

First of all, SFTP is typically slower than other file transfer protocols such as FTP or HTTP.

This is because SFTP uses a more secure encryption method, which takes longer to process.

Additionally, SFTP can be more difficult to set up than other protocols since it requires the use of additional security measures such as public key authentication.

Finally, SFTP is not compatible with all operating systems and may require the use of third-party software on some systems.

Overall, SFTP is a safe and secure way to transfer files, but it may not be the best option if speed is your primary concern.

Which Is Faster FTP Or SFTP?

To understand which is faster FTP or SFTP, we must first understand how each work.

FTP, or File Transfer Protocol, is the most common way to move files from one place to another.

It uses a client-server model, meaning that there is a server that houses the files and a client that connects to the server in order to download or upload files.

The client can be any number of things, from a web browser to a dedicated FTP program.

SFTP, or Secure File Transfer Protocol, is very similar to FTP in terms of how it works.

The main difference is that SFTP uses SSH (Secure Shell) to encrypt the connection between the server and the client.

This means that any data that is transferred using SFTP is much less likely to be intercepted by someone who should not have access to it.

So, which is faster FTP or SFTP?

In most cases, SFTP will be slightly faster than FTP because the data is encrypted and does not need to be re-encrypted by the client before it is sent.

However, the difference in speed is usually very small and may not be noticeable in most situations.

FTP Vs SFTP: Which Is Better?

In the world of online file transfers, there are two main protocols that are used: FTP and SFTP.

Both have their own advantages and disadvantages, and depending on your needs, one may be better suited for you than the other.

Let’s take a closer look at both so you can make an informed decision about which is right for you.

FTP, or File Transfer Protocol, is the oldest and most commonly used protocol for transferring files online.

It is relatively simple to set up and use, and it is supported by almost all web browsers and FTP clients.

However, FTP is not a secure protocol, which means that your data could be intercepted by third parties while in transit.

For this reason, it is not recommended for transferring sensitive data.

SFTP, or Secure File Transfer Protocol, is a more recent protocol that offers increased security over FTP.

All data transferred using SFTP is encrypted, which makes it much more difficult for third parties to intercept and read.

However, SFTP can be more complex to set up and use than FTP, and not all web browsers and FTP clients support it.

So, which protocol should you use? If security is your main concern, then SFTP is the obvious choice.

However, if you’re simply looking for ease of use, then FTP will probably be the better option.

Ultimately, the decision comes down to your specific needs and requirements.

Wrapping Up

FTP and SFTP are both great options for transferring files, but which is the better choice?

It depends on the needs. If you need a fast, reliable way to transfer large files, then SFTP is probably the better option.

However, if you’re looking for a more user-friendly solution that doesn’t require any special software or knowledge, FTP might be a better choice.

In the end, it’s up to you to decide which one works best for your needs.

If you use and review large amounts of code, you can benefit from a code review tool.

This article will give you an overview of the 13 best code review tools for 2022, plus some helpful information about why code review is essential.

An Overview of Code Review Tools

Before we dive into the pros, cons, and pricing of the best code review tools available, let’s quickly discuss code review tools and how they can help you.

What Is a Code Review Tool?

A code review tool is a software or platform that automates most of the actions performed in a code review.

Developers and coders often spend a considerable amount of their working time reviewing and fixing their code to ensure it functions properly and doesn’t have any bugs.

But this review is tedious and lengthy.

Code review tools help to reduce a developer’s workload so they can focus on the code.

Code review tools can integrate a project’s development cycle and even begin reviewing code before it’s merged into a codebase.

A code review tool is similar to Grammarly, which automates editing for grammar, spelling, clarity, and more in writing.

Why Are Code Review Tools Important?

Code review tools are immensely critical to the success of a product.

Code review itself is crucial to triumphant programming and development.

But as mentioned, code review is incredibly time-consuming.

Reviewing a code can even take longer than writing the code, slowing down production time and product launches.

To help speed up the process, most major companies use code review tools, which automate a lot of the development process.

These tools allow developers to focus on more coding and perfecting the product, so code review tools are essential in running a successful coding endeavor.

Any business or individual who writes significant amounts of code should utilize an effective code review tool.

Best Code Review Tools        

Code review tools are important, but they’re not all stellar.

To help you choose the ideal tool for your projects and needs, we’ve rounded up the 13 best code review tools for 2022.

Check out the pros, cons, pricing, and more information about each of these tools so you can use the best one for you.                                         

Bitbucket                                                

Overview

Bitbucket is the best code review tool for teams who collaborate in big groups and want to review their code thoroughly and safely.

They have added security measures so you can ensure your code and work are protected from cybercriminals.

With several stable and effective features, this code review tool is one of the most reliable options.

★★★★★

Best Overall

Notable Features:

• CI/CD: You can set up CI/CD in two steps to work alongside your code.
  The continuous visibility from backlog to deployment gives you the best vantage for reviewing code.
• Cloud Security: Bitbucket uses the Atlassian Cloud, so you can feel confident that your data is safe and secure.
• DevSecOps: This feature adds another layer of protection to your team’s work from development to deployment.
• Code Review: Of course, the code-first interface makes it easy to find bugs quickly, collaborate, and merge with other projects, people, or integrations.

Pros

• Excellent integration with Jira
• Strong security with Atlassian
• User-friendly interface
• Code review and code push
• Easy continuous integration

Cons

• Unattractive project pages
• Some code conflicts with merging
• Lack of notifications

Is Bitbucket Hard To Use?

One of the reasons Bitbucket tops this list is because it’s easy to use.

It has an intuitive user interface and clear pages that allow you to navigate through the features and review your code effectively.

Pricing & Plans

Bitbucket has three pricing options: free, standard, and premium.

Free: Many coders love the free plan with Bitbucket because you can still perform merge checks, integrations, unlimited pull request reviewers, CI/CD, and more.

The most limiting aspects are the 50 minutes of build time per month and the limit of five users per account.

Standard: The Standard plan is the most popular because it offers plenty of storage, build time, and unlimited code insight integrations.

It costs $3 for every user on the account per month, so it can be as low as $3 if you review the code on your own.

Premium: The Premium plan is for people who do a lot of coding and need to have unlimited resources to review it.

It costs $6 per user but automatically features five users, so it costs $30 per month.

The more users you add, the less the cost is per user.

Our Take

Bitbucket is one of the most flexible code review tools as far as piercing and usability.

Whether you have tons of code to review each week or just want to review a single project, Bitbucket can work superbly for your needs.

GitHub

Overview

GitHub is an excellent code review tool for developers who want to perfect their code.

It has a wide array of features and a prompt customer service team.

Overall, it’s one of the best code review tools for companies of any size or individuals developing code.

★★★★☆

Best For Developers

Notable Features:

• Codespaces: This feature gives you a Visual Code Studio, making it easy to review code in a standardized dev environment, helping to reduce variables and bugs.
• Packages: GitHub packages allow you to securely publish and absorb packages within your organization, so you can authenticate code and launch it faster.
• Copilot: Copilot is ideal for developers who work with an editor to suggest code and changes in real time.

Pros

• Vulnerability scanning
• Useful automation
• Ability to revert code
• Private and public repository
• Excellent team collaboration tools

Cons

• Difficult to handle merge conflicts
• Poor PullRequest code tool
• Poor labeling

Is GitHub Hard To Use?

For the most part, GitHub is easy.

However, certain features can be troublesome, and it can be difficult to do simple tasks like deleting a folder or resolving a merge conflict.

Pricing & Plans

GitHub also has three piercing options: free, team, or enterprise.

Free: For $0, you can use GitHub for public repositories and almost all the GitHub features, making it ideal for individuals or smaller organizations.

Team: Team is the most popular option, starting at $4 per month.

It offers almost everything on GitHub, excluding a few fancy AI features.

Enterprise: Enterprise is $21 a month and is best for large businesses that perform lots of code reviews.

With this plan, you also get premium customer support.

Our Take

GitHub is excellent for developers who understand code review, as it can have a complex interface and a lack of labeling.

However, it has so many fantastic features that developers love and very reasonable pricing plans.

Gerrit

Overview

Gerrit is a pre-commit self-hosted code review tool that uses Git as its host server.

The tool works well with collaborating teams who need to communicate on code changes.

★★★★☆

Best For Git Users

Notable Features:

• Code Discussions: Boost your team’s collaboration and code merging by creating group discussions where everyone can communicate.
• Managed Workflows: Gerrit has deeply integrated access controls that allow you to manage your code projects and your team as you see fit.
• Custom Dashboards: These help you to display your code and use the tools in a way that makes sense to you.
  Each section is entirely configured from the URL you choose.

Pros

• Open source code review
• Excellent workflow tools
• Clean repository story
• Unlimited repository support
• Comparison dashboards
• Integration with Jenkins

Cons

• Lengthy publishing process
• Only works with Git
• Slow to make changes and updates

Is Gerrit Hard To Use?

Gerrit has a user-friendly interface, but what can make it difficult to use is the slow processes.

For publishing and integrations, the slowness can make it hard to stay on top of things.

Pricing & Plans

Rather than subscription and pricing plans, Gerrit sells its software for download.

However, their pricing information is elusive, so you need to contact them to get a quote for your software needs.

Our Take

While Gerrit is a great tool, they don’t keep their software up-to-date and do not offer transparent pricing.

But the features and many integration capabilities still make it a popular choice and number three on this list.

Azure DevOps

Overview

Azure DevOps is a code review tool run by Microsoft, making it one of the most trusted code review tools.

The code review tool has loads of helpful features and a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to navigate for both newbies and experienced coders.

★★★★☆

Best User-Interface

Notable Features:

• Pipelines: This is the best feature of the tool, as it lets you build, test, and deploy using CI/CD.
  You can do this in any language, with any platform, and on any cloud.
• Repos: The Azure Repos gives you unlimited access to cloud-hosted private Git repositories and advanced file management tools.
• Artifacts: This is a feature that helps you create packages to host and share with your team with a single click.
• Test Plans: The Azure test plans help you to test and ship new projects with confidence so that you can explore the functionality and manual capabilities.

Pros

• Excellent UI and navigation
• Extra tools for deployment
• Prompt shipping and launching
• Decent collaboration capabilities
• Modern technology and consistent updates

Cons

• Complex pricing plans
• Difficulty with third-party plugins
• Lack of notifications

Is Azure DevOps Hard To Use?

No, the best part of Azure DevOps is how simple it is to use.

The navigation is straightforward and clear.

Pricing & Plans

Azure DevOps has complicated pricing plans, and the best way to determine how much it will cost you is to request a pricing quote from Azure.

There is also a pricing calculator that can help you ballpark what the cost will be.

Our Take

Our take on Azure DevOps is that it’s ideal for beginners who don’t have loads of developers and expert coders on their team.

Azure DevOps makes it easy for everyone to review their code and optimize it.

The main downside of Azure is not knowing the cost, which is often higher than other code review tools.

GitLab

Overview

GitLab is an excellent code review tool for the planning and production of important projects.

It brings teams together in one DevOps platform and application.

They focus on secure shipping, fast deployment, seamless cloud uploading, and more to make your business more successful.

★★★★☆

Best For Big Businesses/Teams

Notable Features:

• Team Planning: The team planning features of GitLab are unmatched, offering custom project templates, tracked changes, chats, problem analytics, time estimations, project boards, milestone lists, assignee lists, and more.
• Source Code Management: The source code management feature lets various team members have version control to accelerate collaborations.
  It helps people stay on top of their designated tasks and keep everything organized.
• Epic and Issue Boards: The project board improves collaboration and communication.
  It gives you one location where all members can track and review changes made by team members.
• Continuous Integration and Delivery: With this feature, software delivery is easy to repeat and complete on-demand.
  It helps automate a lot of work that would otherwise take up employee time.

Pros

• Impeccable collaboration capabilities
• Clear and accessible project boards
• Automated workflows and code delivery
• Efficient and agile functionality
• Everything a developer needs in one place

Cons

• Sometimes interface lags
• Lack of security in low plans
• Overwhelming for individuals or small businesses

Is GitLab Hard To Use?

While some features can be a bit tough to use, as certain code merges, GitLab is generally easy to use.

Most users report a bit of a learning curve, but once you get used to it, it’s a super useful tool.

Pricing & Plans

GitLab’s pricing plans are similar to many other code review tools.

There are three plans: free, premium, and ultimate.

Free: With the free plan, you get 5GB of storage, 10GB transfer per month, 400 CI/CD minutes, and five users per account.

Premium: It’s $19 a month for the premium plan, and you get more storage, CI/CD minutes, and transfers. Plus, you get faster code reviews, customer support, and agile planning.

Ultimate: This plan is $99 a month and comes with everything GitLab has to offer, with loads of storage, advanced, customer support, and free guest users.

Our Take

GitLab is hands down the best choice for massive teams of companies.

It works seamlessly between different integrations and can help keep large teams on the same page, even if they work remotely.

But this code review can be expensive and over-the-top for individual developers or smaller teams.

Helix Swarm

Overview

Helix Swarm is a highly scalable code review tool and DevOps solution that delivers dynamic testing, risk management, and intelligent collaboration.

Their goal is to give free code review software to companies in need, reducing the risk of code failure.

They want to help people create optimal code for whatever they need.

★★★☆☆

Best Free Download

Notable Features:

• Open Resources: To help you improve your code and develop the perfect product, you can learn tons of information from Helix Swarm’s open resources, which include webinars, live events, blogs, and courses.
• Expert Consultants: Unlike most other code review tools, Helix Swarm has live consultants and experts to help you work through any code review or launching issues you may encounter.
• Helix TeamHub: The TeamHub is excellent for source code repository hosting between collaborators. It also hosts source codes from many different integrations, like Mercurial, SVN, and Git.

Pros

• Consulting services
• Intelligent integrations
• Simple CLI scripting
• Easy-to-use web portal
• Fast reviewing and publishing
• Fantastic customer support

Cons

• Poor account management
• Lack of prompt updates for bugs
• Takes a while to install

Is Helix Swarm Hard To Use?

If you go in blind, Helix Swarm is hard to use.

However, the many training courses, consultants, and customer support representatives can help you navigate and use the software with ease.

Pricing & Plans

Helix Swarm is a completely free code review software that you can download and use.

But it may not be free forever, so download it soon!

Our Take

If you want a code review tool for free, Helix Swarm is the best option.

Despite being free, it has helpful features and a top-notch customer support team that can help you review your code and teach you more about developing if you’re a newbie.

JetBrains Space

Overview

JetBrains Space with Git hosting is an all-in-one platform for team collaboration and successful solutions when reviewing code.

It can integrate software development, team management, and project communications in a central location.

With Git hosting, CI/CD pipelines, and effective automation, JetBrains is one of the best code review tools.

★★★☆☆

Best for Organization

Notable Features:

• Guest Users: Most features of JetBrains Space are the same as other code review tools.
  But the guest user option is unique, allowing you to invite temporary developers to the code review.
• Cloud Dev Environments: Cloud Dev Environments allow you to build a remote development process, so it acts as a template for other environments.
  This can speed up code review and make the project easier for your team.
• Package Management: You can use package repositories in your CI/CD pipelines right from your local machine.
  And it’s easy to share packages, files, and products with different integrations.

Pros

• All-in-one platform design
• Seamless collaboration
• Plenty of space for apps and integrations
• Easy team management
• Git repositories management
• Easy-to-use interface

Cons

• Difficult installation
• More expensive
• Hidden fees

Is JetBrains Space Hard To Use?

Once you get the software installed and updated, the system is easy to use.

There can be a slight learning curve, but most find it intuitive and clear.

Pricing & Plans

There are four pricing plans you can choose from: free, team, organization, and enterprise.

Free: This plan is free and offers enough features and storage for smaller businesses or individual coding projects, but not ideal for big teams.

Team: The Team plan is $10 per month for each user and comes with twice as much storage as the free plan.

This plan is perfect for medium-sized teams with moderate coding projects.

Organization: This plan is the most popular and gives you the most bang for your buck.

It costs $25 a month per user and has unlimited applications, endless hibernated dev environments, custom issue fields, and searchable messages.

Enterprise: The Enterprise plan works for bigger businesses, as it includes all product packs, unlimited applications, and tons of storage.

It costs $125 a month per active user, so it’s costly compared to other options.

Our Take

Our take on this code review tool is that it’s a mid-shelf option but with a top-shelf price.

While this code review tool is excellent, it does not offer any significant features that other code review tools can offer at a lower price.

Upsource

Overview

Upsource is an affordable and modern code review tool under the same company as JetBrains.

Most people associate these two code review tools together, but they do have some differences worth mentioning.

★★★☆☆

Best For Finding Coding Mistakes

Notable Features:

• Project-wide Risk Assessment: This feature helps you to distribute responsibility effectively to your team, allowing people to review each other’s code freely.
• Design Flaw Detector: With this feature, you can easily find parts of the project that need a developer’s attention to fix hotspots, abandoned files, and interface mistakes.
• Easy to Review Changes: With the IDE feature, you can easily participate in team discussions and review changes to the code to track progress and consistency.

Pros

• Event webinars
• Early access to new review technology
• Industry reports
• Affordable
• Academic licensing options
• Collaboration tools

Cons

• Lack of customer support
• Simple features
• Excessive notifications

Is Upsource Hard To Use?

No, Upsource is one of the easier code review tools to use, especially for people with little to no experience with coding or developing.

Pricing & Plans

To determine the cost of Upsource, you need to contact their team for a quote. However, many of the features and downloads are free!

Our Take

Overall, Upsource seems to be one of the best code review tools for finding mistakes and bugs.

While all code review tools help to do this, Upsource is the best one for fixing major, glaring problems that you may struggle to understand.

Crucible

Overview

Crucible is another code review tool from the power Atlassian company, meaning it can easily integrate with many different platforms.

Crucible is all about helping you achieve the highest-quality code you can, no matter what kind of project you have.

★★★☆☆

Best For Communication

Notable Features:

• Inline Discussions: With Inline discussions, you can collaborate with your team in the comments right beside your code using threads, mentions, and tags!
• Activity Streams: With the activity streams, you can follow what happens throughout the project’s progression.
  It will show recent comments along with review updates.
• Code Review Tool: Their superb code review tool helps catch major defects, improve code architecture, and execute desired improvements within the workflow.

Pros

• Excellent communication avenues
• Strict tracking of changes and progress
• Pre-commit reviews
• Jira software integration
• Real-time notifications
• Charts and reports

Cons

• Not ideal for individuals
• Not a subscription platform
• Unresponsive customer support

Is Crucible Hard To Use?

No, Crucible is one of the easiest code review tools to use, especially when working in large teams.

It displays everything clearly, and you can customize your dashboard.

Pricing & Plans

Crucible has two pricing options: Small teams and Growing teams.

Both are one-time payments, and some people dislike the lack of subscription options.

Both have a 30-day free trial with no credit required, and it’s difficult to determine the price after the free month.

Most users report paying between $10 and $75 per month, depending on how many users are active on the account.

Our Take

The Crucible plan is great for collaboration, but it doesn’t have a ton of features and lacks customer support.

If you just need a space for your team to communicate and develop code together, Crucible can give you everything you need.

CodeScene

Overview

CodeScene differs from other options on this list because it’s a multipurpose tool for bridging codes and helping people who know nothing about code review and development.

Not only does it help you develop and perfect your code, but it also helps to find social patterns in your code to improve the user interface and detect hidden risks.

★★★★☆

Best Multipurpose Platform

Notable Features:

• Cloud and On-Premise Hosting: You can choose whether you want to use this code review tool via a cloud or on-premise with your team in person.
• Analytic Reports: Not only will this help you fix bugs in the code, but it will also help you optimize your code to be user-friendly and socially engaging.
  Charts and reports can help you understand where changes should be made and what is working effectively.
• CodeScene React: The React feature is a JavaScript library that gives users access to interface templates and updated building tools.
  This feature allows you to try all sorts of tools on your code to see what works best for your needs.

Pros

• Works with 25+ programming languages
• Focuses on optimizing, not just editing
• Easy-to-use platform and dashboard
• Excellent customer service
• Improves productivity
• Useful visuals

Cons

• Trouble integrating with CI/CD tools
• Can be hard to derive conclusions from analytics
• More expensive

Is CodeScene Hard To Use?

No, CodeScene is easy to use.

Not only is it intuitive and user-friendly, but it also has tons of tutorials, resources, and customer representatives to help you understand the platform.

Pricing & Plans

You can choose from a Standard plan, Pro plan, or Enterprise plan.

But there is no free option.

Standard: This plan costs about $20 per month for every active user.

It comes with analytical tools, quality gates, and everything else you need to reduce mistakes and bugs in your code.

Pro: This plan costs about $30 per month and user, and it comes with more features like social analytics, Jira integration, PDF charts and reports, and more.

Enterprise: The Enterprise plan is typically ideal for large teams and businesses rather than small companies and individuals.

Enterprise plans have a custom price based on the user’s needs, so you have to contact CodeScene for a quote.

Our Take

CodeScene goes beyond just editing and reading code for mistakes.

Rather than just finding bugs, it will give you advice and information to help you improve your code for usability and appeal.

The prices are more expensive than other code review tools, but the added features are worth it!

Reviewable

Overview

Reviewable is specifically for Git hosting and coding.

It’s excellent for reviewing changes and monitoring your team’s progress.

At any time, you can compare different versions of a code with their clear user interface and customizable dashboard.

★★★☆☆

Best for Tracking Progress

Notable Features:

• Customizable: With Reviewable, you can customize margins, fonts, colors, keyboard shortcuts, comment thread displays, and more to make it more personal and user-friendly.
• Tracked Versions: The main feature people like about Reviewable is the ability to closely track and compare different versions of the same project.
  This is the perfect tool to help managers and business owners monitor a project’s progress and what their team is working on.
• Modern UI: The user interface of Reviewable is super easy to use and even fun!
  Not everyone loves this feature, but it’s impossible not to notice the whimsical nature of the platform.

Pros

• Easy integration with GitHub
• Easy for developers and newbies
• Keeps everything on Git accounts
• Excellent for tracking progress
• Helps implement code after review
• Fast code review

Cons

• Poor user-interface
• Busy website
• Unnecessary features

Is Reviewable Hard To Use?

Reviewable’s interface is not the best, and some may even call it messy.

Using the feature is straightforward, but navigating the website itself can be more challenging.

Pricing & Plans

You can choose from the free plan, the organization plan, or the enterprise plan.

Free: The free plan is excellent, offering public repositories, personal repositories, unlimited reviews, and more!

Organization: This is a great choice for larger teams that want to keep their code review affordable.

It costs $39 a month for ten users, unlimited reviews, and private repositories.

This is the most popular plan but also the most expensive offered by Reviewable.

Enterprise. The Enterprise costs $17 per user every month, making it a more affordable choice compared to other enterprise plans.

It’s also supported by Slack and can work on-premises or via a cloud.

Plus, you get automatic invoiced billing for convenience!

Our Take

While the fun display is cute and the customization is nice, this is one of the weaker code review tools.

The actual code review can lack efficiency and focus.

But for someone who wants something affordable that will do a decent job, Reviewable is a suitable choice.

Veracode

Overview

Veracode is a fantastic code review tool for people who want to get to the core of their code.

Like Reviewable, Veracode goes beyond just editing and perfecting your code.

It also helps you to optimize it and attain reports that can help you to discover where the code works and where it can be improved.

★★★☆☆

Best for Analysis

Notable Features:

• E-Book: Along with their excellent features and tools, Veracode also offers a free e-book you can download.
  It has tons of information on coding and perfecting your code, so it’s a wonderful resource to have if you’re still learning about coding.
• Software Scanning: You can easily combine five applications with a security analysis to review one code.
  This comprehensive analysis means your code can evolve with the times, staying as modern and user-friendly as possible.
• Developer Enablement: This offers end-to-end learning tools, so you can feel confident in your code. The experience of Veracode’s developer enablement feature will help your team perfect the skills and tools they need to keep the project on track and organized.
• AppSec Governance: This feature from Veracode gives you access to the bandwidth and expertise you need to create a successful AppSec program to track code progress.
  It helps you to manage risk while satisfying compliance requirements.

Pros

• Added developer mitigations and comments
• Excellent automation
• Predicts future vulnerabilities
• Cloud-native SaaS Architecture
• Market expansion tools
• Support staff are helpful
• Tools are efficient

Cons

• Can generate false positives
• UI changes often
• The scanning process could be better

Is Veracode Hard To Use?

No! Veracode is super easy to use!

The user interface is clean and easy to navigate, making it one of the best code review tools for anyone and everyone.

If you want something that you’ll be able to figure out quickly so that you can get to reviewing as soon as possible, Veracode may be your best bet!

Pricing & Plans

Unfortunately, Veracode has very elusive pricing.

They do offer a free plan you can take advantage of, but there is a premium option with added consulting services, which are very useful.

While the pricing for the premium services is hard to find, and you need to contact them for a quote, most users report it’s expensive.

Veracode has great features but can cost $150 a month or more.

Our Take

While Veracode has useful features and incredible analytics, it might not be worth it.

Not only are their prices not transparent, but they also tend to be high.

The features are undeniably helpful and well-made, but you can find similar features for a much lower price from one of the code review tools on this list.

Rhodecode

Overview

Rhodecode offers intelligent code reviews and a bundle of modern features that can help you build the perfect product and catch any mistakes in your code.

It works with Mercurial, Git, Subversion, and more.

This open-source repository management platform works well for accomplished developers and people new to coding.

Rhodecode is one of the most secure code review sites, so you can feel confident that your data and projects are kept safe.

★★★☆☆

Best for Security

Notable Features:

• Online Editor: With this, you can browse, delete, edit, and create files within the platform.
  It allows you to keep everything more organized so that your team can stay on top of project changes and progress, and it supports most coding languages.
• Binary File Support: Rhodecode’s large binary file support is one of the best storage services of any code review tool, with its extensive security firewalls.
  It can store videos, images, and other assets so that they are safe and sound!
• Active Breakthrough Prevention: This aspect of Rhodecode validates users, commits messages with custom extensions, and prevents unwanted data from entering your repositories.
  If any suspicious activity is detected, your data is automatically locked.
• Compliance and Auditing: Along with data protection, Rhodecode also provides data aggregation, data reporting, and analysis tools.
  This ensures your company meets any compliance requirements.

Pros

• User-friendly
• Interactive developer community
• Extremely secure
• Cross-platform integration
• Effective code review
• Side-by-side version comparisons
• Web-based editing capabilities

Cons

• Slow development and reviewing
• Limited experimentation capabilities
• Additional fees and costs

Is Rhodecode Hard To Use?

Rhodecode is easy to use! Some code review tools are a bit more user-friendly, but Rhodecode is generally intuitive.

For general code review, it’s a breeze, but when using more complex features, some elements can become confusing.

Pricing & Plans

Rhodecode has three pricing plans to choose from, including a free option!

Community: Rhodecode Community is a free subscription for people who want to take advantage of community support, code review tools, on-premises deployment, user access controls, full-text search, code indexing, and more.

It’s one of the best free plans offered by a code review company.

Enterprise: Enterprise is the most expensive plan, costing $75 a month for each user.

However, there are multi-year discounts available to some people.

With this plan, you get more scalable code tools, faster code reviews, tech support, predefined integrations, and parallel running tools.

It’s best for larger companies with teams of at least 10 people who need access.

Cloud: The Cloud plan is new from Rhodecode, costing only $8 a month for every user.

But not everyone can sign up for this plan, as Rhodecode has to approve the plan and only does so for larger companies.

But it gives you all Enterprise features plus more storage and security.

Our Take

Rhodecode has decent code review tools and helpful features.

But if you want something that will protect your data and keep your projects secure, Rhodecode is the best option.

They consistently upgrade firewalls and block backdoors, ensuring no one can access your content.

If your code is highly sensitive and you want to ensure no one can steal it, you can trust Rhodecode.

Types of Code Review Tools

This section will briefly discuss the five main types of code review that every developer should know.

Even if you’re not a developer but work on projects with code, having an idea of different types of code reviews that various review tools can run.

Audits

Audits are when code is reviewed to ensure it complies with all standards, guidelines, regulations, and laws.

A code that does not comply with these rules can lead to legal problems.

Not all code review tools can run an audit like this, but some can.

A prime example is Rhodecode, as some of their features work to audit code while reviewing it for mistakes.

However, audits are often one of the last steps of code review.

Management Reviews

A management code review concerns project managers or team leaders.

Most code review tools have a feature that can assist managers and leaders in tracking the progress of a code.

Tracking changes and comparing differences between versions is an essential type of code review, as it gives an idea of the time it takes to review code and improve it.

These are the rarest of reviews, but the proper code review tools have features that make it easier for managers to do this.

Technical Code Reviews

Technical code reviews are the most common type of code review and the best used for code review tools.

These code reviews search for bugs and other errors but can be time-consuming and tedious.

Automating this type of code review can save your team loads of time, and all of the code review tools on this list can perform this task.

Technical code reviews ensure the code complies with the project specifications and can function.

Inspections

Inspections are similar to technical code reviews.

However, inspections are typically run after technical code reviews and require a more careful eye.

Luckily, these inspections can be run by code review tools in conjunction with a developer’s oversight.

These are sometimes called PR code reviews too.

Inspections usually offer options for improvement or enhancement, which not all code review tools can do.

Suggestions for improvement typically require some form of AI within the code review software.

Walkthrough

A walkthrough takes place after an inspection.

Walkthroughs are like inspections but perform closer to the completion of the product.

Therefore, walkthrough code reviews are often slower and more focused on certain aspects.

The best code review tools have walkthrough capabilities, but coders typically perform part of this review themselves to ensure quality and accuracy in the code.

However, code review tools can perform this action for people who don’t have advanced coding and reviewing skills.

Features To Look for in Code Review Tools

As you can see from this list, you can choose from several code review tools.

But not all are created equally.

There are several factors to consider when choosing the best code review tool.

You don’t want to pay more than you have to to keep business costs down, but you also don’t want to waste your money on a cheap product that performs poorly.

Regard the below considerations when choosing a code review tool from the options above.

While we consider Bitbucket to be the best overall, individuals and businesses prioritize features differently.

Consider what the most important aspects are for you.

Flexible and Easy-To-Use

Two aspects to keep in mind are flexibility and ease of use.

Even if you’re an experienced developer, thoroughly reviewing code and making changes can be challenging and frustrating if the interface is poor.

How can you appreciate a code review tool’s features if you can’t figure out how to use them?

If you don’t consider yourself an expert at tech and coding, select a code review tool that is super user-friendly.

In addition to ease of use, you also want a code review tool that has some flexibility and allows you to customize to a certain degree.

Not every project can work with a cookie-cutter code review tool.

If your coding projects are particularly niche, choose a platform you can personalize to suit your needs.

Hardware and Software Requirements

Ensure you have the proper hardware and software for the tool you want to use. Some code review tools are software themselves.

In these cases, you need certain hardware and storage to download and operate the software.

Other code review tools are online platforms, but you still need modern hardware and software for these sites to function.

Before purchasing any software or subscription plans, review the tool’s requirements for hardware and software.

You may need to buy new hardware, but in most cases, you can find a code review tool that works with what you already have.

Customer Support

One of the most troubling aspects of code review tools is customer support.

Some have impeccable customer support teams that can walk you through features and help you get settled.

But others have poor customer service teams who are tricky to reach and don’t offer much help.

Accomplished developers and coders may not necessitate an excellent support team, which can save them money.

But for people who want to ensure they have someone who can help them navigate their code review tool, it’s best to choose a code review tool with a strong support team behind it.

License Cost

Last but certainly not least, you need to consider the price of the subscription or software license.

This article outlines the different pricing plans offered by the best code review tools to help you decide on your code review budget.

Determining your budget will also involve the number of users and how much code you plan to review.

But in general, try to pick the code review tools that offer the most bang for your buck and suit your specific needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have more questions about code reviewing and tools?

Code review can be a dizzying topic but necessary for developing successful projects and reaching consumers effectively.

Read the frequently asked questions below to understand why code review is valuable and how helpful it can be.

Conclusion

The top reasons to use a code review tool are to help developers learn the code base, understand new technologies, and perfect the code before the project launches.

You wouldn’t publish a book without editing it for grammar, and reviewing your code is no different.

Allowing unreviewed code into the world can ruin a company’s reputation and frustrate consumers and users.

How do you perform a code review?

Conclusion

All 13 of these code review tools have something to offer.

Whether you’re an advanced developer, a newbie business owner, or an individual trying to perfect their code, using a code review tool is crucial.

While manual code review is always an option, it’s an exhausting and extensive process that delays productivity.

While each code review tool on this list is ideal for someone, we think Bitbucket is the best code review tool for most people.

It offers affordable plans, excellent code reviews, and exciting features to help you find success.

GitHub is another you should consider if you’re trying to perfect your code.

But any options on this list will help you drastically improve your code!

So, don’t waste any more time manually reviewing code when these handy tools can do it for you!

Without these database software tools, optimized querying or reporting of data can’t exist.

We’ve ranked and reviewed these software solutions and found that TeamDesk might be the best overall solution.

Here’s a look at the best database software options for managing your information in 2022.

An Overview of Databases

Before diving into the best database software, here is a quick review of what a database is:

What Are Databases?

A database is a place where information is stored for efficient retrieval later.

What Are the Four Types of Databases?

Overall, there are four main types of databases:

• Hierarchical: Data storage involves ranking or sorting data into various levels based on a common linkage point.
• Object-oriented: Databases like this sort information into objects that can be called on later via APIs or other code.
• Relational: All data gathered in this database are tabulated and given a relationship to every other piece of data.
• NoSQL: These databases store data without creating relations, allowing multiple users to find information faster than in other databases.

An Overview of Database Software

With the refresher on databases covered, let’s talk about what database software is and why it exists:

What Is Database Software?

Database software, also called a database program, is software that assists in database creation and management.

What Is DBMS Software?

DBMS software is the abbreviation for “database management system” software.

This term is the technical way to refer to database software.

Why Is Database Software Important?

Database software helps businesses and organizations manage the data they collect and organize it in a way that makes sense.

Many database management software packages also create charts or reports for data analysis.

How Does Database Software Work?

Database software allows multiple users to create and interact with data stored on physical storage by opening a connection between the database management software and the database server.

Many databases use Standard Query Language (SQL) to interact with database servers.

However, some databases use non-SQL coding languages to organize their information, which increases the kinds of data they can manage at the expense of automation.

Best Database Software for 2022

Here is our list of the best database software for 2022:

Amazon RDS (Relational Database Service)

Our Pick

Amazon RDS offers a way for businesses to set up large databases without struggling through tons of manual work.

Amazon RDS is a part of the Amazon Web Service program from Amazon.

Amazon RDS allows users to set up relational databases using a pre-built database management system.

Visit Amazon RDSRead Amazon RDS reviews

Amazon RDS offers a way for businesses to set up large databases without struggling through tons of manual work.

Overview

Amazon RDS is a part of the Amazon Web Service program from Amazon.

Amazon RDS allows users to set up relational databases using a pre-built database management system.

Best For

This database management software is best for companies working with terabytes of relational data with little need to scale up in the future.

Notable Features

Amazon RDS focuses on making database management easier thanks to these features:

• Virtual scaling to help reduce physical equipment required to maintain databases
• Easy maintenance due to the simple internal architecture
• Tools that allow easy construction into multiple different types of databases

Pros

There are plenty of pros to using Amazon RDS, including:

• Virtual scaling solution
• Premade tools for common databases
• Variable user access permissions
• High uptime and automatic rollover
• Automation of backups and patching

Cons

However, there are some downsides to using this database management software, such as:

• Scaling is limited based on what AWS offers.
• No shell access
• Requires an Amazon Web Service subscription

Is Amazon RDS Hard To Use?

Thanks to the pre-built tools and simplified user interface, Amazon RDS won’t be hard to use for anyone accustomed to database software.

Pricing and Plans

Pricing can be tricky with Amazon RDS.

There is a calculator to help figure out your monthly costs.

However, with no standard features or packages, pricing will come down to a company’s needs.

Our Rating

Overall, we give Amazon RDS a four out of five.

The simple tools make it easy to build a database, but the pricing structure is confusing.

Our Take

Amazon RDS is excellent for large companies looking to move their database services into the virtual space.

The software comes with plenty of typical database applications.

Microsoft Azure

Runner Up

Microsoft Azure works well when developing for Windows, but is there anything else this service can do?

Microsoft Azure is a collection of cloud-based platforms for building and managing databases.

Most of its tools focus on building apps for the Windows ecosystem.

Visit Microsoft AzureRead Microsoft Azure reviews

Microsoft Azure works well when developing for Windows, but is there anything else this service can do?

Overview

Microsoft Azure is a collection of cloud-based platforms for building and managing databases. Most of its tools focus on building apps for the Windows ecosystem.

Best For

Developers who are looking to work with the Windows operating system.

Notable Features

Here are the main features of Microsoft Azure:

• Management dashboard full of functionality
• Dynamic Sit Optimization tools for improving route and TCP speeds
• Automatic report and chart generation for collected data

Pros

Some pros to Windows Azure are:

• Windows and Linux compatibility
• Strong integration with Windows
• A broad range of database features
• Payment credit when signing up
• Wide ranger of CDN networks

Cons

Some of the downsides to Windows Azure include:

• Complex setup and management
• Lower performance than cost suggests
• Tech support costs more

Is Microsoft Azure Hard To Use?

With the level of depth involved with Microsoft Azure, this platform will be tough to use, even for a seasoned database expert.

Pricing and Plans

Microsoft Azure charges based on the services you need and how much bandwidth you use. Some examples of prices include:

• Linux virtual machines: $0.004 per hour
• Functions: $0.20 per one million executions
• ZRS HOT storage: $0.023 per GB per month.

Our Rating

Microsoft Azure gets a three out of five from us.

Windows is a large ecosystem but not the first choice.

Also, the web dashboard is complicated and unintuitive.

Our Take

Microsoft Azure isn’t the best choice unless you plan on working on a Windows app or .NET development.

Microsoft SQL Server

Also Great

While Microsoft Azure can seem overwhelming, Microsoft SQL Server focuses on what makes for a good database management software.

Microsoft SQL Server recently released its newest version for 2022.

The product is not yet formally released but is available as a public preview.

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While Microsoft Azure can seem overwhelming, Microsoft SQL Server focuses on what makes for a good database management software.

Overview

Microsoft SQL Server recently released its newest version for 2022.

The product is not yet formally released but is available as a public preview.

This preview has plenty of what made previous versions solid.

Best For

SQL Server is best for business enterprises and those working in information technology.

Notable Features

Some of Microsft SQL Server’s notable features are:

• Enterprise-scale database technology
• Integration with the Microsft Intelligent Data Platform
• Increased ways to manage a database

Pros

Some of the benefits of using this software include:

• Robust vendor support
• Ability to run large relational databases
• Advanced data security
• Integrations with Windows applications
• Easy-to-navigate UI

Cons

Still, there are some downsides to this database software:

• Not yet a full release
• Improvements needed in cloud management
• Large amounts of SQL queries to a single database can cause interruptions

Is Microsoft SQL Server Hard To Use?

Compared to Microsoft Azure, Microsoft SQL Server is easier to understand.

An intermediate grasp of SQL systems will be enough to get you started with this database software.

Pricing and Plans

Pricing for the previous version of this software comes down to the license you need.

Some examples of their prices include:

• Enterprise: $13,748 per core
• Standard: $3,578 per core
• Standard Server: $899
• Standard CAL: $209

Our Rating

Overall, Microsoft SQL gets a four out of five from us.

Database management systems for enterprises need features that can support many data files, which this solution does.

Our Take

Microsoft SQL works well for large operations, but the expense and scaling won’t work for smaller operations.

Knack

Knack offers solutions to small businesses in a niche full of enterprise solutions.

Knack is a database management system designed for smaller solutions than some previous options.

The platform offers database software tools to create a database system without knowing how to code.

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Knack offers solutions to small businesses in a niche full of enterprise solutions.

Overview

Knack is a database management system designed for smaller solutions than some previous options.

The platform offers database software tools to create a database system without knowing how to code.

Best For

Small to medium-size businesses that need a database but don’t have the technical knowledge of database administrators on hand.

Notable Features

Some of the notable features of Knack are:

• Workflow automation with access to database info
• Multi-user access control with variable permissions
• Drag-and-drop tools to create databases across different platforms

Pros

Knack has several positives going for it, such as:

• Ability to customize reminders to multiple users
• Creation of a database without coding
• Cheaper than enterprise solutions
• Simple data management
• Focus on ecommerce and sales orders

Cons

There are some downsides to using Knack, such as:

• No ability to create custom apps
• Storage depends on your pricing plan
• Customer support can be slow

Is Knack Hard To Use?

Knack is not hard to use. It requires no coding knowledge to use.

Pricing and Plans

Knack’s pricing depends on how much storage and how many apps you need to manage.

Those plans are:

• Starter: $29 per month for 2 GB of storage and a maximum of three apps
• Pro: $79 per month for 10 GB of storage and a maximum of eight apps
• Corporate: $179 per month for 50 GB of storage and a maximum of 25 apps

Our Rating

Knack receives a four out of five rating from us.

Better customer support and customizable functionality would make this database management system perfect.

Our Take

Knack works well if you don’t need huge amounts of functionality from your databases.

Oracle Database (RDBMS)

As one of the most popular database management software solutions, Oracle has a wide range of functions that require some technical expertise to use.

Oracle Database is a Relational Database Management System (RDBMS) that receives frequent updates.

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As one of the most popular database management software solutions, Oracle has a wide range of functions that require some technical expertise to use.

Overview

Oracle Database is a Relational Database Management System (RDBMS) that receives frequent updates.

It focuses on object-relational data and database objects.

Best For

Large-scale enterprise solutions look for functionality and cloud capabilities.

Notable Features

Some of Oracle’s most significant features for their software include:

• Create applications within the Oracle environment
• Database management tools in a web dashboard
• Integrated into the Oracle software package

Pros

There are plenty of positives when looking at Oracle, such as:

• Robust data security
• Ability to access data from other Oracle releases
• Easy ways to query, edit, and merge relational data, including backup and recovery tools
• Oracle has long, well-known periods of support
• Strong and stable database management system

Cons

Still, there are some downsides to using Oracle RDBMS, such as:

• One of the most expensive database management solutions
• Requires extensive knowledge of Oracle systems to maximize utility

Is Oracle Database Hard To Use?

Oracle can be tough to wrap your head around due to its size and scale.

You will need specific training or technical knowledge.

Pricing and Plans

As an enterprise solution, Oracle Database runs on the expensive side.

While all of the processor licenses are in the tens of thousands of dollars, the Enterprise edition costs around $47,500 per processor.

Our Rating

We give Oracle RDBMS a rating of three out of five.

It’s a great solution with plenty of versatility, but it won’t be a good option for any business smaller than an enterprise.

Our Take

Oracle has impressive features and incredible customizability, but it’s so expensive!

They have plenty of scaled-down solutions, but their enterprise solutions are what stand out.

MySQL

Purchased by Oracle a decade ago, MySQL offers SQL database capabilities when used alongside other applications.

Oracle acquired MySQL in 2010 as an open-source relational database management system.

The software was the largest RDBMS when on purchase.

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Purchased by Oracle a decade ago, MySQL offers SQL database capabilities when used alongside other applications.

Overview

Oracle acquired MySQL in 2010 as an open-source relational database management system.

The software was the largest RDBMS when on purchase.

It works as a way for applications to obtain relational database functionality via integrations.

Best For

Developing and hosting databases for applications needing relational database functionality.

Notable Features

MySQL has plenty of impressive features, such as:

• Open-sourced code allows any user to go in and check the code
• Broad integration capabilities
• High-speed data processing

Pros

Some of the pros to using MySQL include:

• Open-source code
• Fast query times and customization tools
• Responsive tools due to community testing and feedback
• Constant security patches
• Tool development packages are simple to install

Cons

Some of MySQL’s downsides include:

• Minimal dashboarding tools
• The NDB Cluster used in scaling isn’t widely supported
• Performance monitoring requires outside tools

Is MySQL Hard To Use?

For the layman, MySQL will be tough to use.

However, folks with some SQL experience or previous knowledge of Oracle RDBMS will feel comfortable.

Pricing and Plans

Pricing for MySQL depends on which version of the program you want to buy:

• Cluster: $10,700 to $32,100 for one to four-socket servers
• Enterprise: $5,350 to $16,050 for one to four-socket servers
• Standard: $2,140 to $6,420 for one to four-socket servers

Our Rating

Overall, MySQL gets four out of five for its rating.

It’s easier to use and more economically available than Oracle RDBMS, but it isn’t without problems.

Our Take

MySQL works well as a development tool.

This software can bring database functionality to most applications.

TablePlus

If you need access to a range of database software choices, TablePlus is a good choice.

TablePlus is another platform as a service (PaaS) that helps deliver database management software to users.

Each version of TablePlus is native to the operating system it works on.

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If you need access to a range of database software choices, TablePlus is a good choice.

Overview

TablePlus is another platform as a service (PaaS) that helps deliver database management software to users.

Each version of TablePlus is native to the operating system it works on.

Best For

Users who want to quickly build onto existing software solutions without needing coding knowledge.

Notable Features

Some of TablePlus’s top features include:

• Windows, Mac, Linux, and iOS versions
• Support for both relational database solutions and NoSQL solutions
• Free and premium versions

Pros

The list of pros to using TablePlus include:

• Free version available
• Sleek UI
• It runs quickly on all platforms
• Powerful SQL editor to create custom databases
• Code review options built-in

Cons

There is some downside to using TablePlus, such as:

• The free version is not great outside of dev work
• UI makes more sense for relational databases
• Working on non-local databases can cause connection issues

Is TablePlus Hard To Use?

TablePlus uses a straightforward UI to help users create databases, meaning this platform is not hard to use.

Pricing and Plans

Here is TablePlus’s pricing info:

• Basic: $79 per license for one access device
• Standard: $99 per license for two access devices
• Custom License: $49 per device, meant to act as a team or business option

Our Rating

Overall, TablePlus is about a three and a half out of five.

It has a wide range of options and a simple user interface, but it seems to focus on individual devs over organizations.

Our Take

If you are working on a database project for yourself, TablePlus has the tools needed to make it happen.

However, it doesn’t seem to be the best choice for businesses or organizations to create databases.

TeamDesk

If you need a database without all the technical info behind it, TeamDesk has you covered.

TeamDesk is an impressive online database platform that allows businesses to create databases without coding knowledge.

The difference between this and other platforms like TeamDesk is that the databases you make don’t need to relate to specific database software.

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If you need a database without all the technical info behind it, TeamDesk has you covered.

Overview

TeamDesk is an impressive online database platform that allows businesses to create databases without coding knowledge.

The difference between this and other platforms like TeamDesk is that the databases you make don’t need to relate to specific database software.

Best For

TeamDesk works best for small businesses looking to store their databases virtually.

Notable Features

These are some of the features you can expect from TeamDesk:

• Can create many different types of database structures virtually
• No coding expertise is needed to create databases
• Data export and notification options that integrate with typical applications

Pros

TeamDesk offers the following pros:

• Create tables, charts, and other databases inside the web app
• Unlimited data storage and database creation
• View and sort queries based on identifiers like date and time
• Export reports into common data files like Word documents and PDF
• It comes with a mobile app

Cons

Some of the following points make TeamDesk a little less appealing:

• Unable to access shell or code to customize databases
• The UI looks dated
• Language settings apply to the entire database, not just a user profile

Is TeamDesk Hard To Use?

TeamDesk is simple to use since it does not require coding language knowledge.

Pricing and Plans

There are three pricing plans available from TeamDesk:

• Starter: $49 per month for five users
• Team: $99 per month for ten users
• Enterprise: $249 per month for Team edition plus increased security and branding options

Our Rating

Overall, we give TeamDesk four and a half out of five stars.

TeamDesk is nearly perfect for a small business looking to create databases for itself, but the dated look will turn some users away from this platform.

Our Take

TeamDesk works well for businesses trying to create databases for their operations without setting up an IT department.

IBM DB2

IBM DB2 may be the best option for high-demand and intensive database work.

IBM DB2 is a low-latency database capable of producing real-time analytics.

This database exists to help critical functions operate at peak efficiency.

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IBM DB2 may be the best option for high-demand and intensive database work.

Overview

IBM DB2 is a low-latency database capable of producing real-time analytics.

This database exists to help critical functions operate at peak efficiency.

Best For

High-volume and critical services such as shipping and finance will love the responsiveness of this database option.

Notable Features

Some of the main features of IBM DB2 are:

• Data storage architecture reduces the response time of queries
• Real-time analytics based on organic data
• The data lake subsystem ensures that stored data is always available

Pros

Some of the pros to using IBM DB2 are:

• Amazing performance and scalability
• Data Partitioning helps ensure database files are available quickly
• Robust management and optimization tools
• Releases as a discrete application, improving the initial setup process
• Reliable tech support

Cons

There are some downsides to using IBM DB2, including:

• UI takes getting used to
• Expensive for most businesses
• Integration with other IBM products is minimal

Is IBM DB2 Hard To Use?

IBM DB2 will take some getting used to, even for database admins.

The UI and underlying architecture are much different than other products of the same caliber.

Pricing and Plans

Pricing for this database software is done on a per-instance basis, where IBM calculates its price based on the size of your operation.

Our Rating

IBM DB2 gets a three out of five from us.

It’s a fancy-sounding application, but its utility exceeds most businesses.

Plus, their pricing isn’t clear, making it hard to commit to this software.

Our Take

If you run a large or critical service, IBM DB2 could be a great option.

Whether it’s the best choice economically depends on whether IBM comes back with a reasonable price or not, though.

Improvado

For the marketing businesses out there, Improvado could be your database software solution.

Improvado is a database platform dedicated to marketing and sales operations.

Their database tools focus on getting marketing and sales information aggregated and organized into an approachable form.

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For the marketing businesses out there, Improvado could be your database software solution.

Overview

Improvado is a database platform dedicated to marketing and sales operations.

Their database tools focus on getting marketing and sales information aggregated and organized into an approachable form.

Best For

Marketing firms and similar businesses.

Notable Features

Some of Improvado’s notable features include:

• Ability to connect to various marketing APIs to retrieve and organize data
• Zero coding knowledge needed
• Data visualization updates with incoming info

Pros

The positives to using Improvado are:

• Over 200 different APIs native to the platform for marketing data
• Data organization creates analysis-ready reports and graphs
• Customization options to change what data you see during analysis
• Straightforward UI
• Constantly added more connectors to their platform

Cons

There are some downsides to using Improvado, such as:

• No access to shell
• It tends to be expensive
• Pulling up multiple reports can cause slowdowns

Is Improvado Hard To Use?

Improvado is not hard to use since the platform requires no coding, and the UI is clean and easy to follow.

Pricing and Plans

Improvado also does a per-instance pricing plan, meaning you won’t know what you’ll pay until you talk to them.

Our Rating

Overall, Improvado gets four out of five from us.

The lack of pricing details hurts their score since a business won’t be able to judge costs until talking to Improvado.

Our Take

Improvado gets high praise from folks in the marketing and sales fields.

If you need some no-nonsense database software for a marketing firm, Improvado seems better than other general database software choices.

SQL Developer

If Oracle RDBMS is too much for you, then SQL Developer can fill in the gaps.

SQL Developer is a tool integrated with Oracle RDBMS to make it easier to create Oracle databases.

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If Oracle RDBMS is too much for you, then SQL Developer can fill in the gaps.

Overview

SQL Developer is a tool integrated with Oracle RDBMS to make it easier to create Oracle databases.

This tool comes with various options to improve workflow and app development.

Best For

Database admins who work in the Oracle ecosystem.

Notable Features

There are several notable features of the SQL Developer toolset:

• Code Assistant tool helps auto-complete code
• Extensive template options
• Integrations with Oracle documentation for easy queries and problem-solving while working

Pros

Here are the pros of using SQL Developer:

• Improves the Oracle coding experience with automation and help tools
• Re-compilation is easy to assist in debugging
• A robust tool with few reported bugs
• The connection manager has a solid uptime
• Organized error stacks to help you sort through your code

Cons

There are some downsides to using SQL Developer, though:

• It only works with the Oracle ecosystem
• You will have to pay for expensive Oracle software to get this tool
• Missing some common keyboard shortcuts

Is SQL Developer Hard To Use?

SQL Developer makes coding for the Oracle ecosystem easier.

Of course, you’ll still need technical experience to work with this tool, but it’s better than diving into Oracle without it.

Pricing and Plans

SQL Developer comes with the various Oracle RDBMS packages we mentioned earlier, so you’ll have to pay those prices to get this tool.

Our Rating

We give SQL Developer a three and a half out of five.

Working SQL Developer makes working in Oracle easier, but it still won’t be something most folks can do.

Our Take

If you plan to or already use Oracle, SQL Developer will be part of your toolkit, so use it!

The automation and debugging tools included with this tool make it worth it.

Teradata

For those seeking a multi-cloud data platform to access enterprise analytics, Teradata can help interpret data from start to finish.

Teradata is a platform that offers database services from some of the more prominent database software, such as Azure and AWS.

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For those seeking a multi-cloud data platform to access enterprise analytics, Teradata can help interpret data from start to finish.

Overview

Teradata is a platform that offers database services from some of the more prominent database software, such as Azure and AWS.

Most of their strength lies in data security and finances.

Best For

Enterprise businesses that need high amounts of data security, such as healthcare, transportation, and finance.

Notable Features

Some of Teradata’s top features include:

• Data processing backed by artificial intelligence computation
• Data retrieval integrations with SQL and Oracle systems
• Streamlined data reports

Pros

Some of the positives to using this platform include:

• Artificial intelligence integration
• Real-time data gathering and reporting
• Ability to test for outcomes based on gathered data
• The virtual solution keeps costs down
• Natural language processing increases data delivery speed

Cons

The cons to using Teradata include:

• No SSO login capabilities
• No automated approval for business plans
• Variable pricing based on queries and data usage variability

Is Teradata Hard To Use?

Overall, Teradata will take some getting used to.

However, it won’t require coding knowledge to get the most out of the platform.

Pricing and Plans

Pricing varies for each business.

Teradata has a pricing calculator to help a business estimate its costs but requires contact before final pricing.

Our Rating

Overall, Teradata gets a four out of five from us.

It’s a helpful system and would be a great way to solve enterprise database needs, but the calculator showed an annual price in the hundreds of thousands of dollars per year, pricing out small businesses.

Our Take

Businesses transitioning to enterprise-level solutions would do well with Teradata.

This platform allows companies to set up databases without relying on an in-house IT department.

IBM Informix

For a business looking for an IoT solution, IBM Informix has the answer.

IBM Informix is a database solution focused on online transaction data and the Internet of Things (IoT).

Its architecture focuses on acquiring this data and organizing it in real-time to stay on top of everyday operations.

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For a business looking for an IoT solution, IBM Informix has the answer.

Overview

IBM Informix is a database solution focused on online transaction data and the Internet of Things (IoT).

Its architecture focuses on acquiring this data and organizing it in real-time to stay on top of everyday operations.

Best For

Manufacturing and other business models rely on ongoing data streams from their devices.

Notable Features

Some of Informix’s most prominent features include:

• A hybrid database system best suited for embedded sensors and devices
• Integrations with a wide range of SQL and NoSQL database types
• Plenty of self-management and automated administrative tools

Pros

Some of the pros to using IBM Informix are:

• The database size can vary from very small to large
• Easy maintenance thanks to constant data streams and clear error codes
• Highly embeddable into devices and sensors
• Data Warehouse has solid performance both locally and remotely
• Application creation involves using multiple screens in the virtual workspace, making app creation clearer.

Cons

Some of the downsides to using IBM Informix are:

• Informix gets little attention from IBM, calling the software into question
• Pricing is complex
• Finding specific functionality in the software can be tough

Is IBM Informix Hard To Use?

Working with IBM Informix will require some technical knowledge of IBM systems.

Unless you have IBM certifications, this software won’t make sense to you.

Pricing and Plans

Like other IBM products, Informix uses a per-instance pricing model.

You won’t know what your costs are until you call IBM.

Our Rating

IBM Informix gets a two out of five from us.

It seems like it could be handy, but IBM’s lack of support and pricing info does not create consumer confidence.

Until things get cleared up with this software, it’s probably better to stay away unless you need an IoT solution.

Our Take

As the Internet of Things concept grows, IBM Informix could be big.

But, right now, it’s hard to say how good or bad this service is.

Altibase

For speedy query times, Altibase offers a practical solution.

Altibase is an open-source, hybrid database management software system.

It features an architecture able to access data in both memory and disk storage in one interface, giving faster query times and data reporting.

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For speedy query times, Altibase offers a practical solution.

Overview

Altibase is an open-source, hybrid database management software system.

It features an architecture able to access data in both memory and disk storage in one interface, giving faster query times and data reporting.

Best For

Altibase works best for utilities and other industries requiring fast query times thanks to its speed.

Notable Features

Some of Altibase’s top features include:

• Hybrid architecture can pull data from memory and storage disks
• Compatibility with a wide range of operating systems
• Compatible with all SQL standards

Pros

The pros to using Altibase for database management include:

• Speedy, relational database systems
• Support for a varied workload, including both new and historical data
• Compatibility with most integrations that rely on relational database functionality
• A durable design with three decades of development
• It comes with a wide range of efficiency and maintenance tools

Cons

Some of the downsides to using Altibase are:

• No global index support
• No GUI management tools
• No mobile access

Is Altibase Hard To Use?

To create apps with Altibase, you will need some SQL and coding knowledge, making it a little tough to use.

Pricing and Plans

In addition to a free plan, Altibase also has a subscription model.

However, this subscription model doesn’t have a set price and primarily provides access to community forums.

Our Rating

We give Altibase a four out of five.

While the choices around its pricing are strange, Altibase is a powerful and free tool businesses can take advantage of.

Our Take

Altibase seems like a good choice for utility and finance companies, thanks to the fast times.

If your team doesn’t mind learning a proprietary system, Altibase could be great.

Database Performance Analyzer

To monitor all the databases you sent up, SolarWinds offers this tool.

Database Performance Analyzer is a database monitoring system that helps aggregate information across databases.

Users can access this data from a single dashboard, improving reviews of data originating from all sources.

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To monitor all the databases you sent up, SolarWinds offers this tool.

Overview

Database Performance Analyzer is a database monitoring system that helps aggregate information across databases.

Users can access this data from a single dashboard, improving reviews of data originating from all sources.

Best For

Businesses that need a single point of contact for all their databases.

Notable Features

Some of Database Performance Analyzer’s notable features include:

• Data review tools from across all connected databases
• Performance tools that identify bottlenecks
• Concurrent multiple user access

Pros

The pros of this database software are:

• Analysis tools can find performance issues
• Data review can occur inside the dashboard
• Can connect to on-premise and cloud databases
• Easy to install and manage
• It only costs a one-time fee to use

Cons

Some cons of Database Performance Analyzer are:

• Can compete for resources on database host hardware
• Little dashboard customization
• No SAP HANA support

Is Database Performance Analyzer Hard To Use?

As an analysis tool, Database Performance Analyzer won’t be more complex than other database software for a system admin or database tech.

Pricing and Plans

This tool has a one-time fee of $1,625 to use it.

Our Rating

We give Database Performance Analyzer a five out of five as an analysis tool.

It won’t help you build up a database, but once you have one or more going, it can help you monitor them.

Our Take

It is worth it if you have the spare capital to invest in this monitoring tool, especially once your business expands to need multiple databases.

EMS SQL Manager

If you need a database server management tool to address performance bottlenecks, look no further than EMS SQL Manager.

EMS SQL Manager is a database management software focused on automating data security tasks for databases.

Rather than creating databases, this product helps with maintaining the integrity of your data.

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If you need a database server management tool to address performance bottlenecks, look no further than EMS SQL Manager.

Overview

EMS SQL Manager is a database management software focused on automating data security tasks for databases.

Rather than creating databases, this product helps with maintaining the integrity of your data.

Best For

Data admins who are looking to automate data backup and recovery for SQL servers.

Notable Features

Some of EMS SQL Manager’s features include:

• Management and maintenance tools for SQL servers
• Migration tool to move from one DBMS to another
• VCL and .NET components

Pros

The pros of using this database software include:

• HTML Report Wizard to create drill-down tables of databases
• Visual Database Designer also helps visual database structures
• Native export and import tools
• Automated backup and data recovery options
• One-time fees for their various tools

Cons

Some of the downsides to EMS SQL Manager are:

• Very old UI
• Limited ability to handle data partitions
• Monitoring database input and output is tricky

Is EMS SQL Manager Hard To Use?

For database admins, this tool won’t take too long to get used to.

Pricing and Plans

This tool package has its price varied by the type of database you want to manage and the length of time you want maintenance for the license.

Prices can range between $150 and $900.

Our Rating

Overall, EMS SQL Manager gets a three out of five from us.

It has several options that can improve database management workflow, but the UI and limited functionality in some places show this software’s age.

Our Take

As long as you can get past the UI, this software seems good.

The problem is that other management software exists that can do what EMS SQL Manager does, but better.

Database Software Buying Guide

With all those database software options covered, let’s talk about some buying info you can take with you to ensure you pick the right option for you and your business.

What Are the Advantages of Database Management Software?

While we mentioned some of the advantages specific database software can bring to the table, there are some general advantages to using database software over other data storage alternatives:

• Reduced data redundancy as most database software offer ways to edit database files
• Data integration tools to work with other workflow apps
• Data security via automatic backup and recovery
• Assurance that data stays compliant across all plugins

Precautions When Using Database Management Tools

While database software can improve workflow and aggregate data into digestible reports, it is not a fix-all solution.

Database software can be technical, meaning you should be aware of these precautions first:

• Advanced database tools can give users the ability to edit sensitive data unless you create different permission levels.
• Coding expertise is needed for many database software solutions
• Database solutions offer ways to aggregate data, but nothing on what direction to go once that data comes in.

Features To Look for in Database Software

When looking at database software, there are a couple of things you’ll need to keep in mind before buying one:

Functionality

Not all databases are the same.

Databases can sort information differently, meaning that the kinds of queries and integrations they have can vary.

When looking at database software, check and see what the common choices of database software are for your sector.

These trends will show you how different functions in database software work to improve workflow and query time.

User Requirements

Just like functionality, different kinds of users will need different access or tools at their disposal.

Someone looking up customer data won’t need development tools, for example.

Choosing a lightweight database can ensure you have the query tools you need without all the technical options cluttering up your user interface.

Database Types

Finally, there are four different types of databases that we covered earlier.

These database types have different ways they store and organize data.

By choosing a database option that organizes data the way you need it, you can optimize your query times and select tools that work with your workflow rather than against it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the common questions out there about databases and database management tools:

Conclusion

Overall, TeamDesk will fit the needs of most small- to medium-sized businesses.

Knack and TablePlus can be good alternatives, but TeamDesk offers a better overall experience to users, thanks to its expanded options.

Still, check out all the database software listed here and find the one that matches your needs!

However, your site is only as good as its database.

Everything on the site, including user information, posts, comments, and even spam, is in your WordPress database.

Some data is critical for your website’s functionality, and removing them may affect functionality.

But data such as spam comments, bad tables, and old drafts weigh down the database and slow the site.

And that’s where you need a WordPress database plugin!

Read on to find out more about the best WordPress database plugins, what they are, why you need them, and what to look for.

What Are WordPress Database Plugins?

WordPress database plugins help clean up and optimize your database to ensure it runs as fast as possible.

Why Use a WordPress Database Plugin?

The plugin offers several benefits, including:

• Optimizing the site performance by delivering output every time a visitor requests it at fast speeds
• Creating more database space by removing corrupted and unwanted documents and files
• Proving multiple inputs that help improve site performance
• Storing backups of all data in the database

What To Look For in a WordPress Database Plugin

Think about your website’s needs and make sure any plugin you choose fulfills these requirements.

Here’s a rundown of key features to consider when deciding which WordPress database plugin is suitable for you:

1. Fast

The plugin should help your WordPress site run faster by organizing your information and removing clutter.

A fast WordPress database offers several benefits, including:

• Giving your online customers a better, more efficient user experience
• Improving your chances of ranking high on search engines
• Reducing the strain on the website server

2. Easy To Use

The best plugin should be easy to set up and adjust.

If you’re dealing with a lot of information, the process needs to be streamlined.

3. Data Protection

Most website administrators think protecting their website and its files comes first.

But major hacks such as the 2013 Target hack show your customer or user data is the most important thing to protect.

Most of the data is in your database, the database that’s also the WordPress backend!

So, choose a database plugin that will help protect your customers’ data and your website files.

4. Backup Features

The best thing you can do for your website security is to perform regular WordPress data backups.

Backup features of a good database plugin include:

• Automated backups so you have all your information in place if anything goes wrong
• Real-time backups that save a copy of your database each time a change occurs

Best WordPress Database Plugins

Below are some working plugins to help clean, manage, and improve your WordPress Database.

1. UpDraftPlus

UpDraft Plus is a popular WordPress database plugin with over 3 million active installations.

Our Pick

UpDraft Plus is a popular WordPress database plugin with over 3 million active installations.

Visit UpDraftPlusRead UpDraftPlus reviews

Best For

UpDraft Plus is the perfect database plugin solution if you’re looking for a tool that doesn’t compromise on speed.

Server performance optimization means the plugin uses fewer server resources.

Notable Features

• Scheduling for automated and manual backups that are also customizable
• Secure, flexible, and simple-to-use UpDraftVault storage and remote storage options
• You get options to report, monitor, schedule, restore, recover, and migrate data

Pros

• Free version available
• Compatible with multi-site and WordPress network installs
• Restore backup from other plugins
• Flexible scheduling
• You can also use UpDraft Plus to migrate your website or create staging sites

Cons

• No real-time backups
• Creates five separate backup files for a full backup, so you must track multiple files
• Not suitable for websites with information that change from minute to minute, such as membership sites

Is UpDraft Plus Hard To Use?

UpDraft Plus makes it easy to connect to customer-focused cloud storage options that include Microsoft OneDrive and Backblaze with a few clicks.

Pricing & Plans

Every WordPress user can use the free version of UpDraft or the premium plans.

• Personal: $70 annually for two sites
• Business: $95 annually for ten sites
• Agency: $145 annually for 35 sites

Our Take

The plugin makes it easy to back up your regular static WordPress site to secure cloud storage for free.

2. WP Database Reset

Use the WP Database Reset plugin to reset all parts of your WordPress database with a single click.

Runner Up

Use the WP Database Reset plugin to reset all parts of your WordPress database with a single click.

Visit WP Database ResetRead WP Database Reset reviews

Best For

The plugin is suitable if you want to re-build your website without re-installing WordPress, plugins, and themes.

Notable Features

• Secure and lightweight, so you carry out a complex task with a button click
• You can clear the entire WordPress database or a few tables
• Added security measures prevent accidental data deletion

Pros

• Easy to use
• Multiple confirmations
• No bloat
• Useful snapshots
• Clean reset

Cons

• Lacks a proper backup feature
• The pro version is expensive

Is WP Database Reset Hard To Use?

Just install WP Database Reset from the WordPress repository and navigate to the settings under the tools menu.

Select reset and hit the button.

Pricing & Plans

WP Reset offers three pricing models.

• Person: $39 annually for one site

• Team: $49 annually for five sites
• Agency: $149 annually for 100 sites

The plugin has no lifetime plans at the moment.

Our Take

WP Database does an excellent job resetting and rolling back your WordPress site.  

3. WP Database Backup

This plugin is an excellent tool for security and if looking to back up data before cleaning out everything.

Also Great

This plugin is an excellent tool for security and if looking to back up data before cleaning out everything.

Visit WP Database BackupRead WP Database Backup reviews

Best For

An ideal tool for anyone looking for a secondary backup or who has a host that doesn’t support backups.

Notable Features

• One-click database backup functionality, so you can save all data before doing a database clean up
• Automated backups secure your site from file problems and attacks
• You can download the backup files to your computer

Pros

• Multiple storage destinations such as Google Drive and Dropbox
• Tools for searching your database
• You can exclude a table from the backup
• You receive emails after each backup

Cons

• The scheduler does not work right
• No site staging
• Most features don’t unlock in the free version

Is WP Database Backup Hard To Use?

The plugin boasts an excellent look and feel.

A simple configuration setting makes WP Database Backup a user-friendly database management plugin.

Pricing & Plans

WP All Backup is the premium version of WP Database Backup.

The premium plugin costs between $22 and $49, depending on the number of websites you have.

Our Take

WP Database Backup (WP All Backup) is a plugin that can back up different components of your WordPress website installation.

However, the number of backups you can do depends on the version.

4. VaultPress (Now Jetpack Backups)

The plugin also offers security features for agencies, professionals, and individuals.

VaultPress is a complete backup solution for anyone self-hosting a WordPress site or blog.

The plugin safeguards all your post revisions, comments, themes, dashboard, and plugins ready for restoration.

Visit Jetpack BackupsRead Jetpack Backups reviews

Best For

VaultPress is a complete backup solution for anyone self-hosting a WordPress site or blog.

The plugin safeguards all your post revisions, comments, themes, dashboard, and plugins ready for restoration.

Notable Features

• Scheduled backups
• Site restoration from a backup is available
• Stores backups for at least 30 days

Pros

• Enables easy backup and restoration of WordPress sites
• Supports website migration and staging
• Supports cloud backups
• Integrated support for multi-site networks
• Helps monitor your site and sends out alerts in case of issues

Cons

• Offers manual only backups, and you can’t send them to the cloud
• Partial backup is not available
• You need Jetpack to use the backup service

Is VaultPress Hard To Use?

VaultPress helps you create optimized and regular site backups.

You can also restore your WordPress site within seconds using the Jetpack module.

Pricing & Plans

The billing structure is simple.

• Backup: $5 monthly and includes real-time cloud backups, 10 GB storage capacity, one-click restoration, and a 30-day activity log
• Security: $11.95 monthly for all backup features with form and comments and spam protection
• Complete: $39.95 monthly and brings you all backup and security features with 1 TB backup storage

Our Take

VaultPress is an excellent candidate to consider if you’re looking for a one-stop backup and security tool.

5. BackWPup

The plugin allows creating site backup and restoration after it crashes, and you can also use it to move your website between hosts.

The plugin allows creating site backup and restoration after it crashes, and you can also use it to move your website between hosts.

Visit PRODUCTRead PRODUCT reviews

Best For

BackWPup is perfect if you want multiple backup options but want to deal with as few technical processes as possible.

You can split up the WordPress backup process into multiple but smaller backup files that are easy to handle.

Notable Features

• Standalone plugin for emergency restoration
• Premium accounts receive personalized customer support
• Restoration of encrypted backups

Pros

• Manual backups are available
• Easy integration with your WordPress website
• Support for multi-site networks
• Seamless integration with cloud services
• You can schedule separate file and database backups

Cons

• No automated backups
• Only the Pro version offers cloud backups
• The interface and steps may discourage impatient users

Is BackWPup Hard To Use?

The plugin stands out because of its ease of use. Users get multiple methods of backing up their websites plus a convenient restore feature.

Further, the app also comes with detailed documentation on use.

Pricing & Plans

The free BackWPup plugin is available on the WordPress repository.

The pro version comes in various plans, including:

• Standard: $69 annually for one WordPress site
• Business: $119 annually for five sites
• Developer: $199 annually for ten sites
• Supreme: $279 annually for 25 sites
• Agency: $349 annually for 100 sites

Our Take

We love it offers a bundle of other powerful tools once you purchase the pro version.

Some tools include log file administration, automatic updates through Inpsyde, and database checks.

6. Optimize Database after Deleting Revisions

Optimize Database after Deleting Revisions is a sturdy database plugin capable of removing trash in your database.

Optimize Database after Deleting Revisions is a sturdy database plugin capable of removing trash in your database.

Visit Optimize Database after Deleting RevisionsRead Optimize Database after Deleting Revisions reviews

Best For

Your WordPress site requires this type of database cleaning regularly. The automated feature makes the plugin a critical addition to your site.

Notable Features

• Can find and delete stubborn junk in your database, including tables, oEmbed cache, and expired transients
• Removes trash and archived content from your database

Pros

• A simple one-click option for removing orphan data in your database
• Focuses on removing difficult elements of a database
• Extremely customizable
• Easy installation
• Helps reduce the load on your database and cut down on clutter

Cons

• No data backup and restoration options are available
• No option to select the data you want to remove

Is Optimize Database after Deleting Revisions Hard To Use?

The plugin boasts a one-click functionality to get rid of unwanted data in your database.

You also gain control over the areas of your site you want to optimize.

Pricing & Plans

Free.

Our Take

Optimize Database after Deleting Revisions is one of the simplest plugins to use on this list.

While other plugins also offer the same service, they are a tad bit more complicated.

You only tap one button to remove all the trash data from your database.

7. WP-Sweep

Another database cleaning plugin, WP-Sweep, helps you clean up areas such as post metadata, revisions, and comments.

Another database cleaning plugin, WP-Sweep, helps you clean up areas such as post metadata, revisions, and comments.

Visit WP-SweepRead WP-Sweep reviews

Best For

Opt for WP-Sweep if you’re interested in removing the unnecessary parts in a WordPress database.

Monthly cleaning will ensure optimal website performance.

However, only install the plugin when you need it.

Notable Features

• A sleek and simple plugin with one function—to clean up your database
• Removes metadata, such as user data, terms, and comments
• Locates duplicate content and data for elimination

Pros

• It is an open-source plugin
• Compatible with other plugins, including Elementor Pop up Builder and Viba Portfolio
• You can use WP REST API with the plugin
• An interactive screen setting for database selections management
• Preserves data from unintentional deletion

Cons

• Data restoration limitations
• Only work on cleaning the database
• Knowledge of MySQL queries is a requirement

Is WP-Sweep Hard To Use?

WP-Sweep makes cleaning up your WordPress database easy for improved speed and performance.

A user-friendly settings screen allows choosing the areas that require cleaning with a single click.

Pricing & Plans

Free.

Our Take

Clearing out everything from deleted comments to unused terms is easy with the WP-Sweep plugin.

This tool is lightweight and an effective way to remove the mess.

However, this is all the plugin does, so consider other options if you want more functionality.

8. WP Clean Up Optimizer

Us the WP Clean Up Optimizer plugin to schedule cleaning, deleting, optimization, and repair operations that help keep the database running efficiently.

Us the WP Clean Up Optimizer plugin to schedule cleaning, deleting, optimization, and repair operations that help keep the database running efficiently.

Visit WP Clean Up OptimizerRead WP Clean Up Optimizer reviews

You can also use the plugin to remove unapproved comments, revisions, orphaned posts, auto drafts, and more.

Best For

Perfect if you’re looking for a hands-off means of database maintenance.

Use the plugin to remove obsolete, old data automatically.

Notable Features

• Allows different actions such as table repair, optimization, and deletion
• Features a WordPress data optimizer feature for removing metadata
• Helps remove spam comments, post metadata, trash comments, and temporary cache

Pros

• Features an auto IP block function
• You can manage capabilities and roles
• Easily reorganizes the physical storage tables and others
• Comes with multi-site compatibility
• Allows previewing tables before cleaning to prevent accidental deletes

Cons

• You need the premium version for advanced features

Is WP Clean Up Optimizer Hard To Use?

This tool itemizes potential areas that require clearing up to speed up your site.

You can apply an action using a button, but you have the option of deleting individual items.

Pricing & Plans

WP Clean Up Optimizer is available free with optional paid pro plans. The plans are:

• Pro: $33.28 annually and $77.68 for the lifetime license
• Developer: $77.70 annually and $166.50 for the lifetime license
• Agency: $111 annually and $277.50 for the lifetime license

Our Take

This open-source WordPress plugin is an excellent option for keeping your site efficient and managing things.

Use the plugin to optimize your site and also clean up obsolete data from your database.

9. Smart Cleanup Tools

Smart Cleanup Tools plugin is a suite of database optimization tools.

The plugin covers most cleanup tasks other comparable plugins do.

A one-time fee is an excellent option if you prefer this kind of service from plugins.  

Visit Smart Cleanup ToolsRead Smart Cleanup Tools reviews

Best For

The plugin covers most cleanup tasks other comparable plugins do.

A one-time fee is an excellent option if you prefer this kind of service from plugins.  

Notable Features

• Integrates with multiple plugins that help optimize the WordPress database
• Gathers an impressive collection of statistical data after cleaning up the database
• Includes tools for deleting individual items

Pros

• Reset tools in the plugin help you remove rules, sidebars, and plugin data
• A long list of removal tools for clearing post records, unapproved comments, drafts, and more
• You can disable items you don’t want to use in the clean and reset panels
• A WordPress toolbar menu for fast access and easy cleanup
• Exports and imports plugin settings and scheduled jobs

Cons

• No free version is available

Is Smart Cleanup Tools Hard To Use?

The plugin’s main panel features a quick cleanup tool with an overview of active tools, the records you should remove, and the amount of space you’ll recover.

Pricing & Plans

All you need is to pay the $30 one-time fee.

You can also pay an additional $9.38 for extended support for up to one year.

Our Take

Most times, a plugin with multiple functionalities is the best option for WordPress websites.

For instance, many plugins on this list do more than clean your database.

The same applies to the Smart Cleanup Tools plugin, which offers use premium support and excellent database optimization features.

10. WP-Optimize

Compress large images and site cache with the all-in-one WP-Optimize plugin.

Choose WP-Optimize if you’re looking for a database optimization plugin that will clean the database, compress images, and cache pages.

Few database plugins offer the latter two services.

Visit WP-OptimizeRead WP-Optimize reviews

Best For

Choose WP-Optimize if you’re looking for a database optimization plugin that will clean the database, compress images, and cache pages.

Few database plugins offer the latter two services.

Notable Features

• Free version for as many websites as you have
• Automatically optimizes the database using a calendar
• Database optimization statistics

Pros

• The plugin maintains several weeks of database backups
• Supports multi-site networks
• Removes unwanted images and will optimize current ones
• You can optimize the entire database or individual tables
• Supports multilingual integrations

Cons

• A steep learning curve if you don’t have experience with some features
• The many features can confuse a beginner

Is WP-Optimize Hard To Use?

The plugin is easy to use and offers everything we need to maintain a clean and optimized website.

Each user gets a free plan, and the premium version offers advanced features, such as enhanced logging and reporting.

Pricing & Plans

You can use either the free or premium plans. The premium plans are:

• Starter: $39 annually for two sites
• Business: $59 annually for five
• Unlimited: $149 annually for unlimited sites

Our Take

The all-in-one WP-Optimize plugin features a nice caching bonus that helps speed up WordPress websites and optimize the database without constant management.

Using this plugin, you can compress images while cleaning the database on a schedule.

Database optimization tasks in the plugin include keeping backups and compacting tables.

11. WP Cleaner Pro 

WP Cleaner Pro is an instant cleaning solution offering scheduling tools and database backup services.

Anyone looking for a database cleaning plugin with many filters and a cheap price for the premium version.

The plugin is also suitable for beginners because it’s easy to configure.

Visit WP Cleaner ProRead WP Cleaner Pro reviews

Best For

Anyone looking for a database cleaning plugin with many filters and a cheap price for the premium version.

The plugin is also suitable for beginners because it’s easy to configure.

Notable Features

• One of the cheaper premium database plugins on the market
• Instant database optimization and cleaning after installation
• Lightweight, so it will not weigh down your site

Pros

• Targets orphan data
• Allows scheduling all future cleanings
• Instant cleanup removes bad comments, duplicate content, pingbacks, and orphan data
• Optimized for speed
• Premium requires a one-time payment

Cons

• Support requires an additional fee
• Infrequent updates

Is WP Cleaner Pro Hard To Use?

No, simply choose the data items you want cleaning, and the plugin does the rest.

Pricing & Plans

A $19 one-time payment and extra for customer support.

Our Take

WP Cleaner Pro is an affordable solution that can also backup your entire database.

Optimization happens in the background, so install the plugin and forget about it.

12. WP-DBManager

WP-DBManager brings you a unified platform for cleaning and backing up a WordPress database.

WP-DBManager brings you a unified platform for cleaning and backing up a WordPress database.

Anyone looking for a simple plugin for cleaning and backing up the database.

Visit WP-DBManagerRead WP-DBManager reviews

Best For

Anyone looking for a simple plugin for cleaning and backing up the database.

Notable Features

• Works in the background
• Can restore and repair distorted files
• You can automate query selections

Pros

• Helps you drop empty tables
• Easy to install and forget about it
• An easy-to-use interface and interactive dashboard
• A comprehensive tool for cleaning up, backing up, and repairing data files
• Automatic scheduling for a seamless data management system

Cons

• Some features are difficult to use
• Backup data analysis limitations

Is WP-DBManager Hard To Use?

The plugin works in the background, so your WordPress is thoroughly optimized.

You can also drop empty tables, run queries, and repair files or tables with a single click.

Pricing & Plans

Free.

Our Take

WP-DBManager is one of the simplest database plugins for WordPress on this list.

The plugin carries out optimization tasks from the start.

13. Contact Form 7 Database Add-On

This is a useful plugin for automating contact form logs submission to a WordPress database.

Contact Form 7 Database Add-On is vital for anyone who wants to easily find past emails or contacts without going through their email inbox.

Visit Contact Form 7 Database Add-OnRead Contact Form 7 Database Add-On reviews

Best For

Contact Form 7 Database Add-On is vital for anyone who wants to easily find past emails or contacts without going through their email inbox.

Notable Features

• Integrates with Contact Form 7 for ease of installation
• No configuration required
• You can display all messages created from the form

Pros

• Supports exporting all messages and placing them in a different application
• Integration with other powerful add-ons such as database switcher improves functionality
• Extremely lightweight
• Easily manage and search your contacts and messages

Cons

• Configuration limitations
• Database and information limitations

Is Contact Form 7 Database Add-On Hard To Use?

No! Just install it and start using it. Contact Form 7 Database Add-on is a true plug-and-play plugin.

Pricing & Plans

The plugin is a free download for customers using Form 7.

Our Take

Contact Form 7 Database Add-on is not a cleanup plugin.

Instead, it ensures submissions you receive through Contact Form 7 to your database.

The added functionality ensures you don’t rely on your email inbox to store information from the forms.

14. Advanced Database Cleaner

No matter how many pingbacks, pending comments, orphan relationships, or spam comments in your database, Advanced Database Cleaner can delete them all.

No matter how many pingbacks, pending comments, orphan relationships, or spam comments in your database, Advanced Database Cleaner can delete them all.

Visit Advanced Database CleanerRead Advanced Database Cleaner reviews

Best For

This is the ideal plugin for everyone with a WordPress site.

Installing Advanced Database Cleaner makes cleaning your database easy.

Notable Features

• Deletes old versions of pages and posts
• You can view data before cleaning it up
• Allows automatic cleanups

Pros

• An open-source software
• You get notifications of corrupted or damaged tables
• You also receive notifications when table optimization is pending
• An option to search and filter items
• Offers multi-site support

Cons

• You require the Pro version for deep cleaning

Is Advanced Database Cleaner Hard To Use?

Apart from decluttering the database, it also maintains SQL queries. Use the plugin also to import and export WordPress plugin settings.

Pricing & Plans

The Advanced Database Cleaner core plugin is free. Choose a premium plan if you want additional site licenses.

Premium plans available for one-time payments:

• Starter: $39 for two sites
• Business: $59 for five sites
• Unlimited: $149 for unlimited sites

Our Take

The Advanced Database Cleaners offers you basic settings and options for setting how often you want data clean-up to occur.

You can also exclude some files from the cleaning process.

15. WP Reset

WP Reset is an advanced database plugin from the same developers of Database Reset.

Use the plugin to reset your WordPress site or save a snapshot.

WP Reset is an advanced database plugin from the same developers of Database Reset.

Use the plugin to reset your WordPress site or save a snapshot.

Visit WP ResetRead WP Reset reviews

Best For

The plugin is perfect for anyone who tests plugins, themes, or database elements.

WP Reset deletes the database content, so it’s ready for new installations.

Notable Features

• Restores the WordPress environment and cleans out the database with a single click
• Capable of deleting all WordPress database tables
• Basic website settings such as the title and address are as they are

Pros

• Completely free
• Deletes everything from pages to posts and media entries to users
• You can remove items from the deletion
• An option to leave the theme and plugin files as they are
• You can save the website snapshot for backing up and restoring the database

Cons

• The plugin doesn’t offer a proper backup feature
• The Pro version is expensive

Is WP Reset Hard To Use?

No!

If you want to set your WordPress site to its original state, WP Reset will do the job with a few clicks.

Further, you also don’t have to choose a complicated re-installation method.

Pricing & Plans

Free.

Our Take

Use WP Reset to delete items you consider useless in your WordPress site database.

The plugin is handy for clearing out an entire site and starting from scratch.

You can also use it to remove demo data and posts.

16. Participants Database

Build and maintain databases for whatever you want using the Participants Database plugin.

The plugin is a convenient tool when engaging with your site users or building and maintaining member lists.

Build and maintain databases for whatever you want using the Participants Database plugin.

The plugin is a convenient tool when engaging with your site users or building and maintaining member lists.

Visit Participants DatabaseRead Participants Database reviews

Best For

The plugin is an excellent solution for generating a list of contacts and displaying them in the WordPress dashboard.

Notable Features

• Loads the database on your dashboard after installation
• Can manage a large amount of information on the dashboard
• You can import the data to an external database using CSV

Pros

• The plugin can help validate rules for fields
• A set of sign-up form templates is included
• The capability to edit records from the site frontend or the backend (for admin)
• Offers many paid add-ons, such as member payments, directory tools, and location mapping

Cons

• Not a strictly database backup and optimization plugin

Is Participants Database Hard To Use?

The plugin boasts a sleek, separate interface you can manage right on the WordPress dashboard.

There’s also a feature for displaying the list of contacts on your site’s frontend using shortcodes.

Pricing & Plans

Free, but you can upgrade functionality with paid addons.

Our Take

The Participants Database plugin is not your traditional database optimization tool.

Instead, the plugin helps you create a list of contacts for easy viewing on the dashboard.

17. Better Search Replace

Better Search Replace makes migrating your entire site to a new server easy.

The plugin ensures items such as media and links are in the right place during the move.

Better Search Replace makes migrating your entire site to a new server easy.

The plugin ensures items such as media and links are in the right place during the move.

Visit Better Search ReplaceRead Better Search Replace reviews

Best For

Better Search Replace is an excellent plugin for developers looking to replace bulk parts of a WordPress database before migration.

Notable Features

• Analyzes the database tables before migration and lets users choose tables that require modification
• Users can update fields before migrating the tables
• The plugin includes a test or dry run feature for testing the migration process

Pros

• A single button for all search and replace actions
• Available in many languages
• You get priority support with the premium version
• Can back up your database while running the search and replace function
• Supports a WordPress multi-site network

Cons

• Cleaning feature limitations

Is Better Search Replace Hard To Use?

No. The plugin helps you easily search and replace your website database with ease after moving to a new server.

You can also use Better Search Replace to migrate an entire WordPress network of sites to a new domain.

Pricing & Plans

Free.

Our Take

You don’t use the Better Search Replace plugin on your site at all times.

However, it’s a convenient tool when migrating the website when considering the number of modifications you need to make.

How To Enable a WordPress Database Plugin

All plugins you install are available under your WordPress site’s plugin tab or folder.

From there, you can perform various actions to configure your WordPress database plugin and customize it.

The plugin may also appear in the main dashboard menu and settings can include options for editing the plugin code for more customization.

The most effective way to activate your database plugin is by following these instructions:

1. Visit the WordPress login page, refresh it, and log in to the administration area
2. Click Plugins, then Installed Plugins to find the database tool you just installed
3. Activate the plugin
4. Head over to your website and refresh it

Wrapping Up

Now that you know the best WordPress database plugins, it’s time you choose an option that’s perfect for you.

However, consider the features you want, how you’re using the site, how much control you want over the database, and if you require any special features.

The information will help you decide which WordPress database plugin is best for your site.

Start now and select three to five of the plugins of high interest to you.

Research each database plugin, and choose your favorite!

Today, there are more options available to you.

No code app builders let you drag and drop commands without ever having to write a line of code.

Their interfaces are easy to use and their cost is much cheaper than a developer.

Users spend over 90% of their time on their phones using an app, so if your business doesn’t have an app yet, it makes sense for you to develop one.

Below, we share 16 of the best no code platforms to help you find the best fit for your business.

What Is No Code Platform Software?

Unlike many types of app software that require a significant amount of coding, no-code platforms don’t involve any coding.

The interface is primarily visual.

Creators can use drag-and-drop features to create an app.

How Do No-Code App Builders Work?

Coding is still involved in no-code app builders.

However, the coding is already done by the platform’s creators.

As users drag and drop the code into place, the code is in the background and it follows.

These types of programs are declarative, meaning you tell the app builder what you want it to do.

You don’t have to worry about the how.

The code is all there and it’s put into place as you drag and drop.

No-code app builders make it possible for people with little or no coding skills to create apps.

What Can I Do With a No-Code Tool?

A no-code tool allows you to create apps and other software without any coding experience.

You can create basic apps that are often more than enough for your business’s needs.

No-code tools make it easy for you to collaborate with others to create functional apps.

The one caveat is that no-code tools don’t allow for a lot of customization.

You’ll be limited to what you can do.

The good news is that the technology is always improving and no-code tools are getting new features and functionality all the time.

The Best Low-Code Development Platforms

Below are 16 of the best no code platforms to help you build apps with no coding.

Zoho Creator

Our Pick

Zoho Creator has been used to create over seven million apps and has been used by companies like Amazon, Lyft, and Volkswagen.

Zoho Creator is a low code app builder designed to help businesses develop software to streamline their processes.

Its interface is easy to use, but it doesn’t offer as many pre-built templates as some of its counterparts.

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Zoho Creator has been used to create over seven million apps and has been used by companies like Amazon, Lyft, and Volkswagen.

What Is Zoho Creator?

Zoho Creator is a low code app builder designed to help businesses develop software to streamline their processes.

Its interface is easy to use, but it doesn’t offer as many pre-built templates as some of its counterparts.

What Are the Integrations for Zoho Creator?

The platform offers over 550 pre-built integrations, including QuickBooks and SalesForce.

Zoho Creator Pricing

Zoho Creator offers two pricing tiers:

• Professional – $25 per month, five apps
• Ultimate – $400 per month, unlimited apps

Appian

Runner Up

Many businesses use Appian to help increase productivity and workflow, including the US Army, USDA, and T Mobile.

Appian is a low code platform that builds enterprise and workflow apps.

It has a three-step app builder function that makes it easy for users to accomplish tasks.

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Many businesses use Appian to help increase productivity and workflow, including the US Army, USDA, and T Mobile.

What Is Appian?

Appian is a low code platform that builds enterprise and workflow apps.

It has a three-step app builder function that makes it easy for users to accomplish tasks.

Appian also makes it easy for people to collaborate.

What Are the Integrations for Appian?

Appian integrates your data and works with most data management programs.

It helps you organize and visualize data in a way that increases workflow.

Appian Pricing

Appian lets users start for free to get a feel for the program.

Their pricing tiers are:

• Application: $75 per month per standard user, $9 per month per infrequent user, $2 per month per input only user
• Platform: 100+ users, call for custom pricing
• Unlimited: unlimited users, call for custom pricing.

Bubble

Also Great

Bubble has almost two million users and offers a free version so that new users can see if the platform is a good fit for them.

Bubble is a no code app builder designed for users to create functional apps for their customers.

It’s easy to customize and helps with data management.

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Bubble has almost two million users and offers a free version so that new users can see if the platform is a good fit for them.

What Is Bubble?

Bubble is a no code app builder designed for users to create functional apps for their customers.

It’s easy to customize and helps with data management.

What Are the Integrations for Bubble?

Bubble easily integrates with many other applications for seamless production.

These include Mailchimp, Zoom, Google Drive, and many more.

Bubble Pricing

Bubble offers a free version with limited capabilities and then three pricing tiers.

Higher tiers offer more server capacity and features.

• Personal: $25 per month
• Professional: $115 per month
• Production: $475 per month

Is Bubble the Best No-Code Platform?

Bubble is considered by many to be one of the best no code platforms.

It makes app-building quick and functional, but options are limited.

It also has a bit of a learning curve.

Kissflow

Kissflow has over 10,000 users, including Pepsi, Hubspot, and Comcast.

Kissflow offers low and no code options for businesses.

It helps businesses streamline processes and increase productivity while allowing all members of a team to help develop apps.

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Kissflow has over 10,000 users, including Pepsi, Hubspot, and Comcast.

What Is Kissflow?

Kissflow offers low and no code options for businesses.

It helps businesses streamline processes and increase productivity while allowing all members of a team to help develop apps.

What Are the Integrations for Kissflow?

Kissflow uses Zapier to integrate over 1,000 third-party applications.

Kissflow Pricing

Kissflow has two options – No Code for business developers and Low Code for IT developers.

Their prices are customized for each business’s unique needs, but plans start at $3,000 per month.

Webflow

Webflow has over 3.5 million users and lots of well-known clients, including UpWork, Zendesk, and Dell.

Webflow is a no code website builder that allows you to build professional-grade websites, even if you have no coding skills.

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Webflow has over 3.5 million users and lots of well-known clients, including UpWork, Zendesk, and Dell.

What Is Webflow?

Webflow is a no code website builder that allows you to build professional-grade websites, even if you have no coding skills.

What Are the Integrations for Webflow?

Webflow works with Zapier to connect to many third-party apps, including Shopify.

Webflow Pricing

Webflow has pricing for individual sites and eCommerce.

Site plans start for free, with paid plans ranging from $12-16.

If you want a custom domain, you’ll have to pay.

Higher tiers allow for more bandwidth, higher CMS, and more editors.

Ecommerce plans range from $29-212 per month.

The $29 monthly plan is great for businesses selling less than $50,000 a year.

The highest tier is an unlimited plan which allows for more items and unlimited sales.

Makerpad

Unlike many others on this list, Makerpad is geared towards education.

It offers tutorials and other resources to help users build no code apps and websites.

Makerpad is a no code platform that lets users build apps, websites, and automation.

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Unlike many others on this list, Makerpad is geared towards education.

It offers tutorials and other resources to help users build no code apps and websites.

What Is Makerpad?

Makerpad is a no code platform that lets users build apps, websites, and automation.

What Are the Integrations for Makerpad?

Makerpad integrates with several eCommerce apps and some other platforms on this list like Zapier, Airtable, and Webflow.

Makerpad Pricing

Makerpad used to have a subscription model for resource access, but since being acquired by Zapier, all of the resources are now free.

Airtable

Airtable is used by brands worldwide, including Netflix, Shopify, and Time.

Airtable is a no code app builder designed for businesses.

It lets you create apps that streamline workflow, connect teams, and manage data.

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Airtable is used by brands worldwide, including Netflix, Shopify, and Time.

What Is Airtable?

Airtable is a no code app builder designed for businesses.

It lets you create apps that streamline workflow, connect teams, and manage data.

What Are the Integrations for Airtable?

Airtable has over 1000 built-in integrations for apps and also has an API that lets you connect to any other apps.

Airtable Pricing

Airtable has a free version that works well for individuals or very small businesses.

You’ll get one app per base.

he paid versions range from $10-20 per month and offer more apps, storage, and records.

There is also an enterprise solution with prices based on the business.

Zapier

Zapier is used by many businesses, including Meta, Shopify, and Dropbox.

Zapier is an automation platform that lets you connect all of the apps your team uses.

It helps you improve workflow and increase productivity.

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Zapier is used by many businesses, including Meta, Shopify, and Dropbox.

What Is Zapier?

Zapier is an automation platform that lets you connect all of the apps your team uses.

It helps you improve workflow and increase productivity.

What Are the Integrations for Zapier?

Since Zapier is an integration tool, it allows you to connect with almost any app you use for work.

Zapier Pricing

Zapier pricing is based on tasks. Their free plan offers 100 tasks per month.

Other tiers include:

• Starter: $19.99 per month for 750 tasks per month
• Professional: $49 per month for 2,000 tasks per month
• Team: $299 per month for 50,000 tasks per month
• Company: $599 per month for 100,000 tasks per month

Mailchimp

While primarily known for email automation, Mailchimp also offers website and eCommerce services.

Mailchimp offers a no code website builder that integrates well with their email and marketing services.

Their product allows for some customization but is geared primarily to those who want to get a website up quickly.

Visit MailchimpRead Mailchimp reviews

While primarily known for email automation, Mailchimp also offers website and eCommerce services.

What Is Mailchimp?

Mailchimp offers a no code website builder that integrates well with their email and marketing services.

Their product allows for some customization but is geared primarily to those who want to get a website up quickly.

What Are the Integrations for Mailchimp?

Mailchimp integrates with many business applications including Stripe, Woocommerce, and Canva.

Mailchimp Pricing

Mailchimp offers the following pricing tiers:

• Free: no monthly fee, 2% transaction fee, and Stripe processing fees
• Core: starts at $10 per month, 1.5% transaction fee, and Stripe processing fees
• Plus: starts at $29 per month, .5% transaction fee, and Stripe processing fees

Microsoft Power Apps

Microsoft Power Apps is used by companies like Coca-Cola, H&M, and Toyota.

Microsoft Power Apps allows users to create low code business apps.

Build apps with drag-and-drop features, then customize them.

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Microsoft Power Apps is used by companies like Coca-Cola, H&M, and Toyota.

What Is Microsoft Power Apps?

Microsoft Power Apps allows users to create low code business apps.

Build apps with drag-and-drop features, then customize them.

Pre-built AI features make building apps even easier.

What Are the Integrations for Microsoft Power Apps?

The platform connects with just about any business application that you may use.

Microsoft Power Apps Pricing

Microsoft Power Apps charges $5 per month for each app and user.

$20 per month for each user will get you unlimited apps.

A $10 pay-as-you-go plan only charges you when a user accesses an app.

Mendix

Mendix offers a robust app builder but can be costly based on your needs.

Mendix is a no and low code platform offering enterprise solutions for businesses of all sizes.

Apps and automation can be made with as little coding as possible, but there are also lots of coding features for customization.

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Mendix offers a robust app builder but can be costly based on your needs.

What Is Mendix?

Mendix is a no and low code platform offering enterprise solutions for businesses of all sizes.

Apps and automation can be made with as little coding as possible, but there are also lots of coding features for customization.

What Are the Integrations for Mendix?

Mendix offers a data hub that lets you integrate all of the applications you use in your business.

Mendix Pricing

Mendix offers pricing tiers to meet any budget.

The price ranges from free to $950 per month for single app features with $12 per month added for each user. To run multiple apps, you’ll pay $2,375 monthly.

Premium plans are offered but you’ll need to call to get a quote.

OutSystems

Outsystems is used by companies like Humana, Volkswagen, and Bosch.

OutSystems is a low code solution that lets users build a variety of apps, including automation to keep your business running and apps that simplify processes for your customers.

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Outsystems is used by companies like Humana, Volkswagen, and Bosch.

What Is OutSystems?

OutSystems is a low code solution that lets users build a variety of apps, including automation to keep your business running and apps that simplify processes for your customers.

What Are the Integrations for OutSystems?

OutSystems lets you connect with over 400 other apps with ease.

If you have an app that’s not included, they offer solutions to help you build your connection.

OutSystems Pricing

OutSystems lets you develop an app for up to 100 users for free.

The Standard plan starts at $1,500 per month and lets you create apps for your employees, partners, and customers.

For enterprise solutions, you’ll need to call for a custom quote.

Quick Base

Quick Base is used by companies like Sprint, Columbia, and XM Satellite Radio.

Quickbase is a low code platform designed to help businesses build apps.

Quick Base’s visual builder makes it easy for you to test out your app as you go, saving you development time.

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Quick Base is used by companies like Sprint, Columbia, and XM Satellite Radio.

What Is Quick Base?

Quickbase is a low code platform designed to help businesses build apps.

Quick Base’s visual builder makes it easy for you to test out your app as you go, saving you development time.

What Are the Integrations for Quick Base?

Quick Base works with a range of other business apps, including Gmail, Dropbox, and Zendesk. You can see your integrations in real-time.

Quick Base Pricing

Quick Base offers a 30-day free trial, giving you time to see if their solutions work for you.

Then, the Team level starts at $600 per month.

You’ll get up to 50 business apps.

The Business solution starts at $2,000 per month and offers up to 100 apps.

They also offer an enterprise solution that can be customized to your needs.

The price is based on what you need.

Salesforce App Cloud

Salesforce users have an increase of 36% in productivity and 28% in revenue.

The Salesforce App Cloud program runs on the Salesforce platform.

Its low code development tools let you manage data, processes, and CRM.

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Salesforce users have an increase of 36% in productivity and 28% in revenue.

What Is Salesforce App Cloud?

The Salesforce App Cloud program runs on the Salesforce platform.

Its low code development tools let you manage data, processes, and CRM.

What Are the Integrations for Salesforce App Cloud?

Salesforce App Cloud allows you to integrate your new apps with almost any app your business uses.

Salesforce App Cloud Pricing

Salesforce offers a free trial so you can see its many features.

Then, you can pay $25 per month for each user with the Platform Starter Plan.

The Platform Platinum plan is $100 monthly for each user and offers more development tools for you to have company-wide integrations.

Click Up

Not only is Click Up one of the best No code platforms in the market, but their love for J.R.R.

Tolkien also makes it hard to look away.

Their mantra is One app to replace them all.

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Not only is Click Up one of the best No code platforms in the market, but their love for J.R.R.

Tolkien also makes it hard to look away.

Their mantra is One app to replace them all.

What Is Click Up?

Click Up is a no code platform that offers software perfect for project management, remote team collaboration, timelines, reminders, and tasks.

More than 100,000 brands like Nike, Uber, Netflix, and Airbnb are among Click Up users.

What Are the Integrations for Click Up?

Click Up offers more than 1,000 possible integrations with different apps and tools.

Their resource planning ability gathers together time management and business unit tools that feel unlimited.

Click Up Pricing

Click Up offers five different plans per user.

One of their most popular is the Free Forever plan which offers an unlimited number of users and tasks.

The only catch is that the storage space is limited to 100MB.

Their paid plans are as follows:

• Unlimited ($5 per user each month) – It offers each user unlimited storage, integrations, dashboards, and custom fields.
• Business ($12 per user each month) – Unlimited teams and Google SSO.
• Business Plus ($19 per user each month) – Increased automations and API and team sharing pro.
• Enterprise (Contact sales team) – White labeling, advanced permissions, and more API features.

TrackVia

TrackVia makes app-building simple with its FasTrack feature that lets you upload a form or PDF and then turn it into an app.

TrackVia is a low and no code app that assists businesses in streamlining their many processes.

It lets you integrate your data with its drag-and-drop interface to create highly functional apps for your business.

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TrackVia makes app-building simple with its FasTrack feature that lets you upload a form or PDF and then turn it into an app.

What Is TrackVia?

TrackVia is a low and no code app that assists businesses in streamlining their many processes.

It lets you integrate your data with its drag-and-drop interface to create highly functional apps for your business.

What Are the Integrations for TrackVia?

TrackVia makes it easy for you to connect all of your business’s most-used apps.

Just make sure you’re in one of the higher pricing tiers as not all plans allow for integrations.

TrackVia Pricing

TrackVia’s plans range from $499 to $2,499 each month.

All plans offer unlimited apps and storage options.

Higher tiers let you have sandboxes to test out new products, grant mobile access, and offer more integrations and an API.

TrackVia does offer enterprise solutions.

You’ll need to call and get a quote for your business’s particular needs.

How Do I Choose the Best No-Code Platform on the Market?

First, you’ll need to consider how you plan to use the app builder.

Do you want to streamline your business process or build fill apps?

Your intent will help you choose that platform that offers what you need.

You should also look for the app builder that offers the features you need for a price that fits your budget.

If you aren’t careful, you could wind up spending more on a lot of features you don’t need.

Finally, you should consider which platform is the easiest to use.

Which one offers the most customization but is still simple enough for you to use?

You may also want to consider if you need a builder that allows for custom code or integration with other programs.

Pros and Cons of No-Code Platforms

There are quite a few reasons to consider using a no code platform, but there are also a few things to consider.

Pros

• No coding experience required
• Often more cost-effective
• Makes it easier to collaborate with others
• Speed up your workflow
• Easier to make changes

Cons

• Fewer customization options
• Some platforms offer limited options through templates
• You don’t own the source code

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have some more questions about the best no code platforms?

We’ve got answers!

Parting Thoughts

When you need to create an app that doesn’t require a lot of customization, these are the best no code platforms to help you accomplish your goals.

These app builders are robust enough to give you a lot of options, while still being affordable and easy to use.  

Web developers love it because it is open source, making it versatile and easy to customize.

Unlike many other content management systems and website development platforms, WordPress allows unique and functional websites that do just about anything developers can dream up.

WordPress development is a great skill to learn, whether you want to work as a WordPress developer or create themes and customize your websites.

Introduction to WordPress

WordPress has online popularity, but for those who are new to website development, WordPress could intimidate them.

What Is WordPress?

People looking to build a website have in WordPress the most popular platform.

It is so popular that 35% of all the websites online use WordPress.

It has become the industry standard for development.

In more detail, WordPress is a content management system, meaning you can use it to manage all of the content aspects of a website without having to write code.

It’s also an open-source platform, so anyone can use it for free and modify it at will.

What Is WordPress Development?

WordPress development involves all of the aspects of creating a website, including both front-end and back-end development.

While some developers also work as designers, development is primarily about writing code to create themes, plugins, customizations, and working with the core code for back-end development.

How Is WordPress Developed?

WordPress is primarily developed using four coding languages: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and PHP.

PHP is the most important of these languages.

HTML and CSS are declarative languages, meaning they state what should happen.

JavaScript and PHP are programming languages, which means they describe how various functions will happen.

Becoming a WordPress Developer

If you have a passion for coding and working in web development, then you may want to consider becoming a WordPress developer.

According to ZipRecruiter, a WordPress developer makes an average of $64,308 per year.

Who Is a WordPress Developer?

WordPress developers are professionals who are well-versed in coding languages.

They may have had formal training and received a degree from a university.

Other developers have taken online courses or are self-taught.

What Does a WordPress Developer Do?

A WordPress developer works on their websites, for a WordPress development company, or as an independent contractor.

They perform tasks like back-end development to customize the functions and operations of a website.

They may also do front-end tasks, such as creating plugins and themes to make websites more functional and unique.

Many WordPress developers also build and maintain websites for themselves and their clients.

How Do You Become a WordPress Developer?

There are several routes you can take to become a WordPress developer.

You may decide to go through a college or take an online course.

You also have the option of teaching yourself as you go.

Master the Fundamentals of Coding

WordPress developers need to be relatively fluent in several forms of code, particularly HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and PHP, particularly PHP as it’s the backbone of WordPress.

What Are the Fundamentals of Coding?

There are five fundamentals of coding:

• Variables
• Control structures
• Data structures
• Syntax
• Tools

Once you have a solid understanding of these five fundamentals, you’ll be well on your way to developing the skills you need to work with WordPress.

Why Is It Important to Master the Fundamentals of Coding?

Web development is a code-heavy job.

If you don’t have a strong grasp of the fundamentals of coding, your work will be slow and tedious.

Read Up on WordPress Specifically

There are many resources available for you to learn more about WordPress.

The WordPress Codex is a free official document with a wealth of knowledge.

You’ll also find plenty of WordPress courses to help you learn more about the platform.

Why Is It Important to Read on WordPress Specifically?

As with most web development platforms, WordPress runs on basic coding languages but still has its unique features and quirks.

Knowing the platform will help you become a WordPress expert.

Choose Your Focus Area

As you learn more about WordPress, you’ll begin to see where your interests and skill sets lie.

You’ll need to choose a focus area, such as working in back-end development or creating plug-ins or themes.

Why Is It Important to Choose a Focus Area?

As with most careers, it’s best to have a specialty instead of being a generalist.

You want potential clients to see you as an expert in a focus area.

Create a Development Environment for Testing

Once you’re ready to start practicing with development, you’ll need to create a development environment.

A development environment is a space where you can try out new coding ideas without the risk of messing up the code on an actual website.

When creating a development environment, you essentially set up a local server on your computer where you can run WordPress and test out new code.

Why Is It Important to Create an Environment for Testing?

When you’re just getting started (and even as a WordPress expert, it’s a good idea to have a safe place to practice.

You don’t want to do extensive damage to your website or anyone else’s.

Become an Active Member of the WordPress Community

WordPress has a thriving community of developers who are all happy to help out and answer one another’s questions.

The WordPress Codex has a forum where you can ask questions.

You can also find WordPress communities on Facebook, Twitter, Reddit, etc.

Some of these are specifically geared towards newbies, so you’ll never have to worry that you’re asking a dumb question.

Why Is It Important to Become a Member of the WordPress Community?

While you can get a lot of useful information from courses and reading, learning from others is just as important.

Other WordPress Developers can help you with specific questions and guide you to the right resources.

Build a Portfolio

As with many careers, you need to create a portfolio of your work.

What Is a Portfolio?

A portfolio is a space where you can showcase the work you’ve done.

Whether you’ve developed themes, plugins, or entire websites, you can show what you’ve done through your portfolio.

You’ll typically display your portfolio on your professional website.

How Do You Build a Portfolio?

If you’re just getting started, your portfolio may be made up of mock development instead of work on actual websites.

As you start to get more work, you can put actual websites on your list.

Why Is It Important to Build a Portfolio?

A portfolio is the best way to showcase your work.

You can list out all of your skills, but a potential client wants to see what you can do.

Create Your Technical Resume

As a web developer, you need a resume that describes your technical abilities, such as the programming languages you’re versed in and your past tech jobs.

How Do You Create a Technical Resume?

You’ll create your resume much like a regular resume, only you’ll add a place to detail your technical skills and certifications.

Types of WordPress Development

There are a few types of WordPress development.

You can opt to focus on one or do a combination.

WordPress Theme Development

WordPress theme development is the perfect space for those who enjoy doing both technical and creative work.

What Is a WordPress Theme?

A WordPress theme is all of the files, codes, sheets, etc. that work in conjunction to develop the look of a website.

How Is Building WordPress Themes With Bootstrap Done?

When working with Bootstrap, you’ll download the necessary files and build a theme from the ground up.

You can have as much customization as you want.

How Is WordPress Theme Creation With Underscores Done?

Underscores give you a framework from which to start.

You can use the basic files and then customize them however you like.

How Do You Make Your Theme WooCommerce Compatible?

As you’re creating a theme, you’ll need to make sure you include some PHP files to make sure your site supports WooCommerce.

These will ensure that you can run WooCommerce along with your theme.

WordPress Plugin Development

While you can make modifications to WordPress code, whenever the platform does an upgrade, all of your changes will likely disappear.

This is where plugin development comes into play.

What Are WordPress Plugins?

WordPress plugins are features you build using PHP.

These features will retain functionality even when the WordPress code is updated.

Pros of WordPress Development

There are quite a few reasons that WordPress development is a lucrative field.

Why You Might Want to Get Involved in WordPress Development

One of the main reasons that you should work in WordPress development is job security.

Since so much of the web is powered by WordPress, there will always be companies in need of your services.

You may also decide to become a WordPress developer because you want to be able to customize your sites.

You’ll be able to make them truly unique.

Hiring WordPress Developers

In some situations, you may want to hire a WordPress developer.

Why Hire WordPress Developers?

A WordPress developer can help you to customize your site and make it more functional.

They can help when you want a unique site or if you have a special feature you want to be added.

How Do You Hire WordPress Developers?

You can hire a developer through a WordPress development company.

You can also find developers who are working as independent contractors on freelancing sites.

How Do You Shortlist WordPress Development Professionals?

You’ll typically find several developers suited for a job.

You can choose a few and interview them until you find the one who’s the best fit.

How Do You Write an Effective WordPress Development Job Post?

To write an effective job post, you need to be explicit about what you’re looking for.

You want to attract the right candidates, so it’s best to set your expectations from the beginning.

FAQs

Have questions about WordPress development?

We have answers.

Wrapping Up

WordPress development can help you with your websites and allow you to earn a living by helping others with their sites.

By learning more about coding and putting in the effort to learn more about the WordPress platform, you can become quite proficient with the software.

Located at the root of your WordPress website, you can use it to control how your website functions.

In this article, we will discuss what WordPress .htaccess is, how to find it and edit it, and the different things you can do with it.

Introduction to WordPress .htaccess File

The WordPress htaccess file controls access to your WordPress website and its content.

If you’ve ever seen a “404 Not Found” error, it’s because the server couldn’t adequately find or read the .htaccess file.

What Is the WordPress .htaccess File?

You’ll find the WordPress .htaccess server configuration file located in the root directory of your WordPress website.

The default WordPress setup process will automatically generate the .htaccess file.

The Name .htaccess Is Derived From Which Words?

The term .htaccess comes from the words “hypertext access.”

Hypertext access is the ability to access content on the internet.

The WordPress .htaccess file controls hypertext access to your website.

With it, you can control things like who has access to your website and how to display content on your website.

Locating .htaccess File on WordPress

Since it’s a hidden file, it’s sometimes difficult to locate the .htaccess file.

That’s why the name begins with a period.

How Do You Locate the .htaccess File?

To locate the .htaccess file on your WordPress website, you can use the “File Manager” in cPanel.

1. Log into cPanel.

2. Click on the “File Manager” icon.

3. In the file editor window, navigate to the root folder of your WordPress website.

4. The .htaccess file should be in the root directory.
If you don’t see it, click on the “Settings” button at the top of the window and enable the “Show Hidden Files (dotfiles)” option.

If you’re using FTP to connect to your WordPress website, you can also find the .htaccess file in the root directory.

On a Windows computer, you can view hidden files by opening File Explorer and going to View > Options > Change folder and search options.

Then, select the View tab and check the box next to Show hidden files, folders, and drives.

You can view hidden files on a Mac by opening Terminal and typing in “defaults write com.apple.Finder AppleShowAllFiles TRUE”.

What Are the Reasons You Can’t Find the .htaccess File?

If you can’t find the .htaccess file, it’s likely because your website hasn’t generated one yet.

Other reasons you can’t find the .htaccess file include the following.

• It remains hidden based on your computer’s file system
• Your WordPress website is in a subdirectory and not the root directory
• Your WordPress theme doesn’t use a .htaccess file

How To Create a .htaccess File if It Doesn’t Exist Already

There are two main ways to create your website’s .htaccess file.

How Do You Create .htaccess by Setting Permalinks?

One way to create the .htaccess file is by setting your WordPress permalinks.

To set your WordPress permalinks, follow these steps.

• Log into your WordPress website.
• Click on “Settings” and then “Permalinks.”
• Select the permalink structure you want to use and then click on the “Save

How Do You Create .htaccess by Generating .htaccess Manually?

Another way to create the WordPress htaccess file is by generating it manually.

To generate the .htaccess file, you need to connect to your website using an FTP client.

Once you’re connected, go to the root directory of your WordPress website.

In the root directory, create a new file and use “.htaccess” when naming it.

Don’t forget to include the period at the beginning of the file name.

Once you’ve created the file, add the following code to it:

RewriteEngine On
RewriteBase /
RewriteRule ^index.php$ – [L]
RewriteCond %{REQUEST_FILENAME} !-f
RewriteCond %{REQUEST_FILENAME} !-d
RewriteRule . /index.php [L]

Save the file and upload it to the root directory of your WordPress website.

That’s it!

You’ve successfully generated a WordPress .htaccess file.

How To Edit Your WordPress .htaccess File

Now that you know how to locate and generate your WordPress .htaccess file let’s take a look at how you can edit it.

What Are the Precautionary Measures You Need To Take Before Editing the .htaccess File?

It’s important to note that you should never edit your WordPress .htaccess file without backing up the original file first.

One small mistake during the editing process can cause significant problems on your website.

To back up your .htaccess file, you can either download it to your computer or create a copy of it on your server.

Once you’ve backed up the original file, you can proceed with editing the WordPress .htaccess file.

How Do You Edit .htaccess Using Plugin?

One of the easiest ways to edit your WordPress .htaccess file is using a plugin.

We recommend using the WordPress .htaccess editor plugin.

To use this plugin, follow these steps.

Install and activate the WP .htaccess editor plugin.

After activating the plugin, go to Settings » Permalinks and click on the “Edit” button next to the .htaccess file.

Make the changes you want, and then click on the “Save Changes” button.

You can also try these WordPress plugins.

• Htaccess File Editor
• Htaccess by BestWebSoft
• Htaccess Password Protect (Mainly a password protection option)

How Do You Edit .htaccess Using cPanel?

Another way to edit your WordPress .htaccess file is by using cPanel.

To edit your .htaccess file using cPanel, follow these steps.

Log into your cPanel account and go to the Files section.

In the Files section, click on the “File Manager” icon.

A popup will appear asking you which directory you want to open.

Select the “Web Root (public_html/)” option and then click on the “Go” button.

On the next page, select the “Settings” option from the top menu.

In the Settings popup, select the “Show Hidden Files (dotfiles)” option and then click on the “Save Changes” button.

Now that you can see all the files on your web server, locate the .htaccess file and click on it to edit it.

Make the changes you want, and then click on the “Save Changes” button.

What Can You Do With the .htaccess File in WordPress?

The WordPress .htaccess file is one of the most powerful files on your server.

You can use it to improve the performance of your website, secure it from hackers, and even redirect visitors to a different page.

WordPress .htaccess Redirects

One of the most common uses for the WordPress .htaccess file is redirecting visitors to a different page.

Meaning and Types of Redirects

A redirect is a way to send visitors from one URL to another.

There are two types of redirects: 301 (Permanent) and 302 (Temporary).

What Are Redirects?

You can use redirects for a variety of reasons.

The most common use is to redirect visitors from an old URL to a new one.

For example, if you change the permalink structure of your WordPress site, you will need to redirect visitors from the old URLs to the new ones.

Or, you may want to send visitors from a non-secure (non-HTTPS) page to a secure (HTTPS) page.

What Is 301 (Permanent) Redirect and What Is It Used For?

A 301 redirect is a permanent redirect.

It will permanently send visitors from the old URL to the new URL.

What Is 302 (Temporary) Redirect and What Is It Used For?

A 302 redirect is a temporary redirect.

It will send visitors from the old URL to the new URL for a short period.

After that, it will send them back to the old URL.

How Is Redirecting a Single Post or Page Done?

To redirect a single post or page, you will need to edit the .htaccess file on your server.

To accomplish this task, you will need to add a line of code to the .htaccess file.

How Is Redirecting Your Entire Site Done?

To redirect your entire site, you can use a WordPress plugin like WordPress SEO by Yoast.

The plugin will allow you to add a redirect from the old domain to the new one.

Or, you can edit the .htaccess file on your server.

To do this, you will need to add a line of code to the .htaccess file.

The code will look something like the following.

Redirect 301 / old-URL/ new-URL/

Replace “old-URL” with the URL of the page you want to redirect, and replace “new-URL” with the URL of the page you want to redirect to.

Save the changes and upload the .htaccess file to your server.

Force HTTPS .htaccess WordPress

Sometimes, you will want to force visitors to use the secure (HTTPS) version of your website.

How Do You Force HTTPS on Your WordPress Site?

You can use a plugin or code to make your website only HTTPS.

Which Codes Can You Add to Your .htaccess File To Force HTTPS?

To force visitors to use your website’s secure (HTTPS) version, you will need to add code to your .htaccess file.

The first code you can add to your .htaccess file to force WordPress to use SSL is the following.

RewriteEngine On
RewriteCond %{HTTPS} off
RewriteRule ^(.*)$ https://%{HTTP_HOST}%{REQUEST_URI} [L,R=301]
The code will redirect all traffic from your WordPress site to the secure (HTTPS) version of the site.
You can use the following code to redirect traffic to HTTPS on a specific folder(s).
RewriteEngine On
RewriteCond %{HTTPS} off
RewriteRule ^(folder1|folder2|folder3) https://%{HTTP_HOST}%{REQUEST_URI} [R=301,L]

Custom Error Page

If you want to customize the error page that visitors see when they try to access a page that doesn’t exist, you can do so by editing the .htaccess file on your server.

How Does Default .htaccess Look Like?

The basic WordPress default htaccess file looks like this for most websites.

# BEGIN WordPress
RewriteEngine On
RewriteRule .* – [E=HTTP_AUTHORIZATION:%{HTTP:Authorization}]
RewriteBase /
RewriteRule ^index.php$ – [L]
RewriteCond %{REQUEST_FILENAME} !-f
RewriteCond %{REQUEST_FILENAME} !-d
RewriteRule . /index.php [L]
# END WordPress

How Do You Modify the .htaccess for the WordPress Site in the Subdirectory To Fix the 404 Page Not Found Error?

To fix the “404 page not found” error, you will need to add a line of code to the .htaccess file in the subdirectory.

The code will look something like this.

ErrorDocument 404 /subdirectory/404.php

Replace “subdirectory” with the name of the subdirectory that you want to use for your custom error page.

Save the changes and upload the .htaccess file to your server.

Browser Caching

Browser caching helps your website to load faster for repeat visitors.

What Is Browser Caching?

Browser caching occurs when a browser stores files on the user’s computer.

When a visitor comes to your website, their browser will download a copy of the files and save them on their computer.

The next time they visit your site, their browser will use the cached version of the files.

The process helps your site’s pages load faster than forcing the user’s browser to download them again.

How Does .htaccess File Help in Browser Caching?

The .htaccess file can help in browser caching by adding code that will tell the browser how long to cache the files.

The code will look something like this.

ExpiresActive On
ExpiresByType image/gif “access plus 30 days”
ExpiresByType image/png “access plus 30 days”
ExpiresByType image/jpg “access plus 30 days”

The code will tell the browser to cache the files for 30 days.

File Caching

Sometimes, you need to use .htaccess to fix file caching issues.

What Is File Caching?

File caching is when a browser stores a copy of a file on the hard drive.

The next time the user goes to that website, their browser will load the cached version of the file instead of fetching it from the server again.

The process can speed up page loading times.

How Does .htaccess File Help in File Caching?

The .htaccess file can help in file caching by adding code that will tell the server how long to cache the files.

For example, you can add the following code to your .htaccess file:

# BEGIN Cache-Control Headers
<IfModule mod_expires.c>
ExpiresActive On
ExpiresByType image/jpg “access plus 30 days”
ExpiresByType image/jpeg “access plus 30 days”
ExpiresByType image/gif “access plus 30 days”
# END Cache-Control Headers

You can also use the .htaccess file to prevent the caching of files.

The code will look something like this.

Header set Cache-Control “no-cache, no-store, must-revalidate”
Header set Pragma “no-cache”
Header set Expires

Gzip Compression on Apache

Enabling gzip compression on your Apache web server will make your website faster for visitors using a slow internet connection.

What Is Gzip Compression on Apache?

Gzip compression is a process of compressing files so that they take up less space on a server.

It is helpful for reducing the size of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript files.

When a browser requests a file from a server, the server can compress the file before sending it.

The browser will then decompress the file to display it correctly.

How Does .htaccess File Help in Gzip Compression on Apache?

The .htaccess file contains instructions that prompt how the server behaves in certain situations.

One of the directives in the .htaccess file is the mod_gzip directive.

This directive tells the server to compress files before sending them to the browser.

To enable gzip compression, you need to add the following lines to your .htaccess file.

mod_gzip_on Yes
mod_gzip_dechunk Yes
mod_gzip_item_include file .(html?|txt|css|js|php)$
mod_gzip_item_include handler ^cgi-script$
mod_gzip_item_exclude mime ^image/.*

• The first two lines enable mod_gzip and tell it to decompress files that have mod_gzip already compressed.
• The third line tells mod_gzip to compress HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and PHP files.
• The fourth line tells mod_gzip not to compress CGI scripts.
• The fifth line tells mod_gzip not to compress images.

Disable Image Hotlinking

Sometimes, other website owners use image hotlinking to use your website’s images.

What Is Image Hotlinking?

Image hotlinking is when another website owner links to one of your images directly.

The process negatively impacts your website because it uses your server’s bandwidth.

How Does .htaccess File Help in Disabling Image Hotlinking?

The WordPress .htaccess file can help you disable image hotlinking on your website.

By doing this, other website owners will not be able to use your images directly.

To disable image hotlinking, you need to add the following code to your .htaccess file.

RewriteEngine on
RewriteCond %{REQUEST_METHOD} !^(HEAD|GET)$ [NC]
RewriteRule .* – [F,L]

If you want to allow specific websites to hotlink your images, you can add the following code.

RewriteEngine on
RewriteCond %{REQUEST_METHOD} !^(HEAD|GET)$ [NC]
RewriteCond %{SERVER_NAME} =example.com [NC,OR]
RewriteCond %{SERVER_NAME} =example.net [NC,OR]
RewriteRule .* – [F,L]

Replace example.com and example.net with the websites that you want to allow to hotlink your images.

Disable Directory Browsing

If you’re concerned about hackers affecting your website, use the following method to fix the problem.

What Is Directory Browsing?

Directory Browsing is a WordPress security risk that allows hackers to find out what files and folders are on your website.

With directory browsing enabled, a hacker can easily see all the files on your website.

Seeing this information makes it easier for them to find vulnerabilities.

How Does .htaccess Help in Disabling Directory Browsing?

The .htaccess file can help disable directory browsing in two ways.

The first way is to add a rule that will prevent access to the .htaccess file.

Doing this will prevent a hacker from even seeing what is in a WordPress file.

The second way is to add a rule that will block all access to any folder that does not have an index file.

Using this option will make it so that a hacker can only see the files that you want them to see.

To disable directory browsing, you will need to add the following code to your .htaccess file.

Options -Indexes
FollowSymLinks
IndexIgnore *

Frequently Asked Questions

Although we’ve meticulously revealed how to use your WordPress .htaccess file for various use cases, you may still have questions.

Here are the answers to three commonly asked questions about the .htaccess file.

Wrapping Up

The .htaccess file is an important part of creating your WordPress blog.

It helps to secure your website, disable directory browsing, and change the permalink structure.

In this article, we’ve shown you how to use the .htaccess file for a variety of purposes.

As a next step, identify which challenge you need to overcome by learning how to navigate the .htaccess file.

Back up your website’s files and begin the editing process.

If you run into any trouble, reach out to your WordPress hosting company for help.

Sure, you could go into business for yourself so you can pick and choose assignments and clients, but that doesn’t make the actual work you do any easier.

These days, it’s not just about knowing how to code.

Now it’s expected that you have clean coding skills, web design know-how, client management savviness, and even some project management expertise thrown in good for measure.

You’re a jack-of-all-trades who didn’t originally sign up for this.

While you could outsource all of your non-development responsibilities to others, that requires money (to pay their wages), time (to train and supervise them), and trust (obviously).

If that’s not something you can afford right now—or you’re not in the position to make that sort of decision—then you’ll need to outsource and streamline those tasks another way.

The following list of 16 tools will ease some of that burden.

They’ll also ensure that every single website you have a hand in developing comes out as close to perfect as possible.

Web Developer Tools

These tools serve as the backbone of your work as a developer.

1. Front-End Frameworks

As a developer, you undoubtedly see the same coding elements over and over again.

Rather than recreate the wheel with each new website project, you should enlist the work of front-end frameworks.

There are a number of reasons for this:

• Frameworks save you time in coding everything from scratch.
• They ensure that the underlying code of your website is done flawlessly.
• If you take time to review them, they’re also an excellent way to expand your skills if you’re a novice coder.

One of the most well-known, well-supported, and highly trusted front-end frameworks is Bootstrap. If you’re not already familiar with this framework, I’d suggest you download it, get acquainted with it, and start using it in your next set of projects.

More Details

2. CSS Preprocessors

This is another time-saving tool meant to cut down on the amount of coding you need to do while improving the quality of your code.

In sum, preprocessors empower developers to expand the range of what they can do with CSS.

Rather than have to repeat yourself in order to define properties over and over again, you can utilize preprocessors variables, mixins, and functions to do it once.

Cleaner code, more organized CSS, and less time spent on unnecessary work.

Sass, also known as “CSS with superpowers”, is definitely the most well-known of these preprocessors and is one you should start using now if you’re not already.

More Details

3. JavaScript Libraries

Okay, so now that you’ve got your framework and preprocessor, the last piece of the coding power-pack trio is the JavaScript library.

This serves a similar purpose as the framework: to provide developers with pre-written JavaScript to handle common tasks and streamline the development process.

The most popular of the JavaScript libraries has got to be jQuery.

As of writing this, over 70% of all websites use this library.

If you’re new to these libraries and are curious to see how these work, then you’ve got to start here.

More Details

4. Control Panel Solution

For developers responsible for choosing web hosting for their company’s or client’s website, you may not always find that there’s a built-in control panel solution (or at least not one that you like working with).

Control panels are an important part of the management, creation, and storage of your website, so it’s important not to let this piece fall by the wayside.

The right control panel solution can save you a lot of time and energy in the long run.

If you’re currently looking for a reliable control panel solution to work with, check out Plesk.

5. Integrated Development Environment

While some developers rely on basic text editors to write their code, if you’re trying to build a high-performance website, what you really need is an integrated development environment (IDE).

With an IDE, you don’t need to use multiple tools to write, test, or debug your code; it’s all right there for you.

If you want to build websites and other online applications faster, you’ll need an IDE like the Netbeans IDE on your side.

This is also an incredibly helpful tool to have when you’re ready to scale your business and bring on other developers, to ensure that you’re all working quickly and consistently.

More Details

Quality Assurance Tools

Once you’ve got your development process streamlined, the next set of tools you need to adopt are the ones to help you test your work.

6. Coding Validation Services

Although the whole purpose of using the tools above is to streamline the coding process and improve the quality of your code, it’s still important to have something that can check the overall quality.

You never know when an issue may spring up that needs fixing.

Validation services are also a great way to ensure that the work everyone else is doing on the website is up to snuff.

W3C offers a number of different validation services to help you out in this regard.

The Nu HTML Checker will review all of your site’s HTML documents while the CSS Validator will check the Cascading Style Sheets.

There are other tools available if you want to get more granular in your site checks (like for broken links or RSS feed issues).

More Details

7. Chrome Developer Tools

As of December 2016, 73.7% of all Internet users utilize Chrome as their browser of choice.

Knowing that the majority of visitors to your site will view it in Chrome, it’s important to have a tool to help you review the backend of your site and debug issues with the coding right from within that browser.

Chrome DevTools is a comprehensive in-browser tool that helps you inspect your pages, conduct performance checks, and fix issues on the spot.

More Details

8 and 9. Page Assessment Tools

Internet users have much higher expectations these days when it comes to the digital experience.

They want fast-loading pages, mobile-friendly counterparts, and high-quality content.

While you may not be responsible for the latter, you can do your best to ensure that the websites you build are fast, responsive, and ready to impress.

It’s no surprise that Google would have devised a website testing tool for developers.

They’ve recently merged their PageSpeed and Mobile-Friendly testing tools into one, but there isn’t much being reported on with regards to page speed.

So I’d suggest you use Google for a mobile-friendliness test and Pingdom’s free tool to check your page speed.

More Details (Pingdom)

10. Responsive Check

While Google will be able to call your attention to problem areas on your site, sometimes it’s best to be able to take a hands-on approach when it comes to the final quality assurance checks of your work.

You can conduct your QA reviews on any devices that you own (most likely a Mac or PC and one mobile device), but how do you ensure that your website checks out on all major devices?  

A responsive site checker like Responsinator is a good place to start.

All you need to do is enter your site’s URL (or the demo site URL if it’s still in beta) and then go through your site, page by page, to ensure there are no issues.

More Details

Project Management Tools

Whether you work solo or you work with a team, there’s always a need for more organization and streamlined collaboration.

11. Project Management Software

Project management software doesn’t always have to be as expensive or extensive as the name implies.

In fact, there are a number of free apps you can use just to ensure you’re keeping track of your projects, deliverables, and even client lists.

These tools tend to be as minimal or scalable as you want them to be, so it’s a matter of finding one with an interface that matches your work style and that includes all the functionality you need to run your projects smoothly.

Asana happens to be my favorite tool for developers.

Why?

Because there are a variety of interfaces (calendar, task lists, Kanban boards, etc.) and because you can manage your projects as granularly as you want. It’s really up to you.

12 and 13. Design Feedback Tools

If there’s one lesson I’ve learned when it comes to developing websites, it’s that you might not speak the same “language” as your client and that’s a problem.

The last thing you want is to have to redo any part of your website build due to a miscommunication or misunderstanding of their feedback.

When you’re working with design files that your clients might not be able to open or a test website that they can’t make changes to, how do you collaborate and implement their feedback effectively?

Any tool that enables you to move design files into a collaborative workspace is key.

InVision has a great app for this. If you’ve already developed your website, encourage your clients to download a screenshot app like Jing, so they can capture what exactly they’re looking at and annotate their notes right within it.

More Details (InVision)

More Details (Jing)

Educational Tools

Last, but not least, let’s take a look at the educational resources every developer should have handy in case of questions, problems, or general edification purposes.

14. Coding Language Tutorials

No matter what level of coding experience you have, it can never hurt to have some coding language tutorials on hand.

Codecademy has a whole host of them that cover not only the basics (like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript), but that also go into some more advanced languages and platforms.

More Details

15. Web Developer Community

Whether you’re looking for an answer to an issue you’ve run into or you’re simply curious about what’s happening with other developers, Stack Overflow is a great community to get involved in.

They also have extensive documentation related to anything and everything a web developer may be interested in learning about (e.g. Java, SQL, algorithms, Ruby on Rails, etc.)

More Details

16. Open Source Software Community

Whether you actively use the platform or simply want to put it aside for when you need it, GitHub is another one of those resources that every developer should bookmark.

Here are just some of the ways you can use this platform/community in your work:

• Host, manage, and test your code.
• Try your hand at a new programming language.
• Get involved in open source projects to gain more experience as a developer.
• Gain access to frameworks that are free for download/use.

More Details

Summary

Like I said, web development isn’t always the easiest.

With the help of these 16 tools, though, you can cut out some of those extraneous, repetitive, and monotonous tasks so you can focus on what you do best: build beautiful, high-performing websites.

Although I like to insist on bloggers taking the time to learn how to write these codes and know what each part of them does, sometimes you need a code in a pinch!

Be sure to view the other CSS tutorials on this site for more in-depth demonstrations and explanations of coding.

Quick jump:

• Text Formatting
• Links
• Images
• Backgrounds
• Lists
• Special HTML Characters

Text Formatting

Headings

Defines an important heading in your text.

You can use <h1> to <h6>, with the highest number resulting in the smallest font size.

<h1>Your important heading</h1>

Aligned Heading

Aligns your heading using a little bit of CSS. You can use “left”, “right”, or “justify” in place of “center” below:

<h1 style="text-align:center;">Your aligned heading</h1>

Paragraphs

Inserts a paragraph break. Defines each paragraph.

<p>Your paragraph here</p>

Aligned Paragraph

Aligns your paragraph using a little bit of CSS. You can use “left”, “right”, or “justify” in place of “center” below:

<p style="text-align:center">Your paragraph text is aligned</p>

Line Breaks

Line breaks are used instead of paragraphs, when you want to create a new line without starting a new paragraph.

The end of your sentence.<br />

Bold Text

Makes the weight of your font bold

<b>Your bold text</b>

Strong Text

Same look as bold text, but is semantic. Instead of it being simply a style, strong text shows how the text should be read or understood.

<strong>Your strong text</strong>

Italic Text

Makes your text italicized

<i>Your italic text</i>

Emphasized Text

Same look as Italic text in HTML, but is semantic. Specifies that the text should be emphasized when read.

<em>Your emphasized text</em>

Underlined Text

Underlines your text

<u>Your underlined text</u>

Strike-through

Places a line through your text to strike it out.

<s>Your text here</s>

Font Family

Changes the font of the text using a little CSS. You can change the font to any web safe font or Google web font.

<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Your new font</span>

Font Size

Changes the size of the font using a little CSS. You can use px, em, or a percentage. Here is an example with px:

<span style="font-size:16px;">Your font in a new size</span>

Font Color

Changes the color of your font to any hex color value of your choice:

<span style="font-color:#030303;">Your new font color</span>

Highlighted Text

Highlights the text with a background color using a little CSS:

<span style="background-color:#C2F2CA">Your highlighted text</span>

Block Quotes

Useful when quoting someone or when you need a particular part of your text to stand out.

<blockquote>Your quoted text here</blockquote>

Links

Basic Text Link

Use to add a link to specific text or a word. Replace the http://www.yourlink.com with your own link:

<a href="http://www.yourlink.com">Your linked text</a>

Open Link in New Tab

Used to open the link in a new window or tab instead of in the same web page:

<a href="http://www.yourlink.com" target="_blank">Your linked text</a>

Link To An Email Address

Opens the user’s email program to quickly send an email to the address supplied. Replace the email address with your own:

<a href="mailto:[email protected]">Your email address or link</a>

 Link To An Email Address With Subject Line

Useful if you want the email to have a specific subject when a user clicks your link. Use %20 in place of any spaces and replace the text with your own subject line:

<a href="mailto:[email protected]?subject=Your%20Email%20Subject">Your email address or link</a>

Anchored (“Jump”) Link

Anchor links, or “jump-to links“, are used for jumping to a particular part of a page with the click of a link.

This happens in two parts.

First, include the code below wherever you want the user to end up when they click the link, for example, at the top of the post.

Name it something unique:

<a name="backtotop"></a>

Then, add the anchor to your link that the user will click on to jump to that section:

<a href="#backtotop">Back to top</a>

Images

Basic Image

Include an image in your post.

Replace the image URL with your own URL.

You will need to have this image uploaded somewhere online.

Describing your image helps with SEO:

<img src="http://www.yoursite.com/yourimage.jpg" alt="describe this image"/>

Image Link

For adding a link to a certain image.

Replace the image URL and link with your own:

<a href="http://www.yourlink.com"><img src="http://www.yoursite.com/yourimage.jpg" alt="describe this image"/></a>

Image Link Opens In New Window

<a href="http://www.yourlink.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.yoursite.com/yourimage.jpg" alt="describe this image"/></a>

Image Width and Height

You can change the width and height of the image if you need to, however it’s usually best to resize your image prior to adding it to your site.

You can specify the width and height below for browser compatibility.

Change the width and height values to those of your actual image:

<img src="http://www.yoursite.com/yourimage.jpg" alt="describe this image" width="450" height="600"/>

Align Image to Left or Right of Paragraph

If you want to place your image to the left or right of a paragraph, use the following code, replacing “left” with “right” if you like:

<img src="http://www.yoursite.com/yourimage.jpg" alt="describe this image" align="left"/>

Backgrounds

The following should be completed in your site’s main CSS file, or a dedicated CSS section of your website/blog editor.

If you don’t have a CSS section or file, you can place these codes in between <style> and </style> tags in the <head> section of your website’s HTML, although it is recommended to have an external CSS file.

Page Background Color

Change the overall background of your website or blog with this code.

Replace the color hex code with your own.

body {
background-color:#c3c3c3;
}

Repeating Background Image

For smaller backgrounds that you want tiled, or larger backgrounds that were made to be repeating, use this code and replace the image URL with your own.

You will need to upload the image online first:

body {
background-image:url(http://www.yourwebsite.com/background-image.jpg);
background-repeat:repeat;
}

Change the above red “repeat” if you want the image to only repeat vertically: repeat-y
Change the above red “repeat” if you want the image to only repeat horizontally: repeat-x

Non-Repeating Background Image

For background images that you want displayed only once (not repeated or tiled). Replace the image URL with your own.

body {
background-image:url(http://www.yourwebsite.com/background-image.jpg);
background-repeat:no-repeat;
}

Top Centered Non-Repeating Background Image

Center your background image on the page, at the top. Replace the image URL with your own.

body {
background-image:url(http://www.yourwebsite.com/background-image.jpg);
background-repeat:no-repeat;
background-position: top center;
}

Top Centered Vertical Repeating Background Image

Center your background image on the page, at the top.

It will repeat vertically down the page.

Replace the image URL with your own.

body {
background-image:url(http://www.yourwebsite.com/background-image.jpg);
background-repeat:repeat-y;
background-position: top center;
}

Lists

Ordered List

This will create a numbered list.

Replace list elements with your own:

<ol>
<li>List item 1</li>
<li>List item 2</li>
<li>List item 3</li>
</ol>

Unordered List With Bullets

This will create a list with bullets instead of numbers. Replace list elements with your own:

<ul>
<li>List item 1</li>
<li>List item 2</li>
<li>List item 3</li>
</ul>

Unordered List With Different Bullet Types

You can change the bullet type of any unordered list to circle, square, or disc (default):

<ul>
<li style="list-style-type:square">List item 1</li>
</ul>

Unordered List with Custom Image Bullet

If you want to use your own bullet image instead of the default ones, you can do that as well with a little CSS.

Perhaps a star or a heart or check mark? You will need to create a small enough image and upload it somewhere online:

<ul style="list-style-image:url('http://yourimageurl.com/yourbullet.jpg')">
 <li>List item 1</li>
 <li>List item 2</li>
 <li>List item 3</li>
 </ul>

Special HTML Characters

Copyright symbol ©

©

Less Than Symbol <

<

Greater Than Symbol >

>

Ampersand &

&

Trademark Symbol ™

™

Non-breaking Space

 

Quotation Mark “

"

Registered Trademark ®

®

Heart ♥

♥

Euro sign €

€

Left Arrow ←

←

Right Arrow →

→

Up Arrow ↑

↑

Down Arrow ↓

↓

Spade ♠

♠

Club ♣

♣

Diamond ♦

♦

You have to first find a niche, then register a domain, then install WordPress and build out the look, feel, and functionality of the blog after that.

While there are themes that allow for quick and easy building, there will come a time when you want to customize how your blog looks. That’s where CSS comes in.

A CSS (cascading style sheet) can be a lifesaver once you learn how to master the code. It is a coding type that lets you style elements of your HTML pages by applying classes to it.

To put it as simply as possible, HTML creates the pages and content, and CSS takes care of the presentation of those pages and determines how things are displayed or look.

When I was first learning CSS it was a little overwhelming to me because there are just so many things you can do with it. Throughout the CSS tutorials on this site, I will try to take it slow and not fly over your head.

Getting Started With CSS

Before I dive right into the tutorials, there are some things to explain. Mainly, there are two types of CSS methods… Internal and External style sheets.

An internal style sheet just means that any styles you create will be coded right into the HTML of a particular page, in between the <head> and </head> tags. External means that all of your styles are contained within one single .css file on your server.

It is recommended to use external style sheets to save on your site’s loading time. Plus, it’s much more convenient to just have everything in one place.

Example of an internal CSS on an HTML page:

<html>
<head>
<style>
p { color:#000000}
</style>
</head>
</html>

Example of an external CSS on an HTML page:

<html>
<head>
<link rel=”stylesheet” href=”style.css”>
</head>
</html>

If you are a Blogger user, Blogger uses internal style sheets, although they have one designated area in the Template Editor for all of your CSS work which is all tied in with your entire template, so it’s sort of like an external CSS in that you don’t have to worry about where to place it.

You also type your code as though it is inside of an external file, not an internal one (i.e. without the <style> tags).

WordPress uses external style sheets, which can be found in your theme’s folder on your server as a separate .css file.

To add an external style sheet file to your HTML page, you will simply add a “link rel” tag to the header section of your HTML file as shown above. The “href” is the link to your style sheet in the proper theme’s directory.

 Selectors and all of that good stuff

A CSS file is made up of selectors, values, and properties.

A selector is the name of the element you want to style in relation to the HTML code. For example, if we wanted to style the <p> (paragraph) tag, our selector would be “p”.

The Properties of your style are always displayed inside curly brackets, much like HTML uses greater than and less than symbols to contain code (< and >), CSS uses curly brackets { and }. The Value is what you give to the property to tell it what to do.

Let’s look at the example below using the paragraph selector:

p {
color:#000000;
}

“p” being our selector (the paragraph tag), with a curly bracket telling the CSS property to begin. “color” is our property followed by a colon.

In this example, I’m telling my CSS that I want the color of the text in the paragraph to be changed.

The value is “#000000” which is a hex code for the colour black. You could also just type “black” but using hex codes is something you should get used to.

The semi-colon at the end of the line separates the properties, so if we wanted to add more properties to the same selector, we would do so like this:

p {
color:#000000;
font-size:16px;
}

So now, when your HTML file reads the CSS file you linked in the header of it, all paragraphs “p” will have a text color of black and a font size of 16px.

Creating an external CSS file

To create an external CSS file, all you need to do is create a blank document in a program like Notepad or another text editor that has no formatting options, and save it as a .css file.

You can name your file whatever you like, such as style.css or newstyle.css. Inside this single document will be where all of your coding is contained.

Selectors Explained

Basic CSS selectors contain all of your standard HTML tags that can easily be styled, such as:

body
p (paragraphs)
h1, h2, h3, h4, h5, h6 (heading text)
a (links)
ul and li (lists)
div
strong
em
span

These are called Type Selectors because they correspond with specific HTML elements.

You can also create custom IDs to style a particular part of your CSS code and to give that part specific values.

These are called ID Selectors and look like this:

#hello {
font-size:24px;
}

The pound sign means we are summoning a particular ID from within your HTML, in this case we have named it “hello”. Your HTML code may look something like: <div id=”hello”>.

I will cover more of this as well as specific tutorials in other posts so you can learn exactly how to work with IDs and how to create them in your HTML coding.

The third type of selector is called a Class Selector.

Class selectors are very similar to ID selectors, but as ID selectors should only be applied to single element, the class selector can be applied to any number of elements. The class selector works by placing a period in front of the selector name instead of a pound sign.

Like this:

.hellothere {
font-size:38px;
color:#CCCCCC;
}

So now you should have a basic understanding of different aspects of a CSS.

To recap:

– A CSS or Style Sheet is used for styling different elements of an HTML page
– There are Internal and External methods for creating a CSS
– A CSS is made up of selectors, properties, and values
– There are different types of selectors which call on different elements of your HTML page

I hope you enjoyed this beginner lesson, and as always feedback is welcome below!