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Development Tools

Ryan Hellerud
Ryan Hellerud
3,635 Points
Posted by Ryan Hellerud
Ryan Hellerud
3,635 Points

From mac to pc for work... how should I set up for development.

Hi Guys! So I started a new job for a charter school system and have been assigned to re-do an existing web page used by teachers mostly locally and on site. They would use the site to download and print out pages to give to their students to work on. It's a pretty basic and simple site but the previous site was done in expression engine and the code is horrendous.

I am planning on doing the site for them using zurb foundation but I can't use my mac dev station, I have to use a pc without admin privileges such as as installing software. Kind of a pain, I know. In any case, I am coming up with a list of software I will need it to install for me and so far I have sublime text, scout (for sass and compass) and I will install foundation files manually. I think that just about sums up what I would need but can you guys think of anything else?

Are there any further issues that might come up? I prefer to stay away from pc command line because im not sure what my access privileges will be I may have to try to get by with the above mentioned tools, will that suffice?

Also, the site right now simply has restricted access with the pop up appearing where you need to enter a log in and pw for access. I assume IT takes care of this so all I really have to worry about is the front end design.

Please feel free to add input or ask further questions. Thanks!

4 Answers

James Barnett
James Barnett
39,199 Points
James Barnett
James Barnett
39,199 Points

A static site typically requires:

  • text editor
  • version control
  • way to upload site to the web server

If you want to use Sass then an app for that as well.

I'd suggest:

  • Brackets (free text editor made for the web)
  • filezilla (sftp to upload files)
  • cmder (git, basic unix command line utilities and a prettified command line)

Also either Scout or Prepros for Sass-related needs

I prefer to stay away from pc command line because im not sure what my access privileges will be

Not sure why, most command line tools both on Windows and on OS X don't require elevated access levels to use.

I have to use a pc without admin privileges such as as installing software. Kind of a pain, I know.

Not sure why, thousands of professional developers across the country have a similar setup. I don't think it's unreasonable for a school to want to have accountability about what programs the computers connected to it's network are running.

Ryan Hellerud
Ryan Hellerud
3,635 Points
Ryan Hellerud
Ryan Hellerud
3,635 Points

Thanks for the reply. And you are right on your points. As far as the command line and git, would you say I need git installed, I am not that great on it, I think I may need to go through the command line and git tutorials. The previous sites I've done I've mostly not used version control I guess it would be a good time for me to start, do you think? Also, would you recommend brackets over sublime text which I currently use? Also, not sure if I need an ftp program because they have a shared drive connected to the network for the server uploads I believe but I have to check. I haven't gotten my actualy computer here yet there was some delay so for now im just using a random lap top.

Ryan Hellerud
Ryan Hellerud
3,635 Points
Ryan Hellerud
Ryan Hellerud
3,635 Points

Also as far as foundation is concerned. Do i have to install ruby, git and node js? All required for foundation cli. I tried installing foundation manually but something's not working, looks as if the foundation styles aren't loading when im looking at the index.html file.

James Barnett
James Barnett
39,199 Points
James Barnett
James Barnett
39,199 Points

I think packing a CSS-related app as Node-based package is more odd than distributing one as Ruby-based one. That being said I think you'll need to install NodeJS. I don't think Scout works with external Ruby gems. However prepros can, so in that case you'll need to install Ruby.

  • Ruby
  • NodeJS
  • Git (I suggest cmder)
  • Brackets was made for front-end development and you don't have to worry about explaining Sublime licensing issues in case anyone asks
  • FTP-client possibly (I suggest Filezilla)

You can also use Prepros to help out with Sass. You can also check out mixture.io which is a paid app but supports Sass, Compass and Foundation out of the box

further reading

Ryan Hellerud
Ryan Hellerud
3,635 Points
Ryan Hellerud
Ryan Hellerud
3,635 Points

Thanks, I actually checked out the bracket vids and it actually looks awesome, so i'll definitely want to give that a try. Aslo, when you mention cmder , that is a command line emulator, do I need that to install git? Or does it just make using the console nicer and better? I'm hoping IT will be able to install all this as they might not have much experience with web dev tools so hopefully it isn't an issue. Also, thanks for the heads up regarding scout, I had scout on my list but will replace it with prepros after learning about the issue you mention.

My list so far: -Brackets -prepos -google chrome -cmder -Filezilla *zurb foundation which requires: -git -nodeJS -Ruby 1.9 or higher

Is this everything ill need?