Blogging Tools
Perhaps you have wondered (though, more than likely you have not) what tools I use for blogging? I will provide a list, though not comprehensive, of some of the more useful utilities.
- Firefox Extensions
- Performancing allows you to open a blog publishing frame (compatible with many blogging services) within your firefox browser. It has options to blog a certain webpage via split-screen mode, open in a new tab, or open in a new window. It reminds me a lot of ecto (Great tool, but freeware is freedom), despite it's lacking the ability to ping various engines, etc. Performancing allows you to type your blogs with a basic WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) editor, as well as the ability to edit the source code of the entry.
- Xinha Here! is a WYSIWYG html editor that allows you to convert any html text field into a complete html editor. This eliminates the need to copy and paste to an outside editor. This is useful for for commenting on other blogs, among other things.
- SpellBound is a spellchecker for Mozilla. This extension can be very useful for those late night posts when your brain doesn't quite function properly.
- Other Utilities
- Notepad++ makes a great replacement for the traditional Notepad. It has a tabbed interface. Who can complain about that? With Notepad++, you can tile the screen to compare to different, or even the same document. (Useful for comparing segments of long php files) It can handle a wide variety of file types, including C, C++, Java, C#, XML, HTML, PHP, Javascript, RC resource file, makefile, ASCII art file (extension .nfo , screenshot1, screenshot2), doxygen, ini file, batch file, ASP, VB/VBS source files, SQL, Objective-C, CSS, Pascal, Perl, Python, Lua, TCL, Assembler, Ruby, Lisp, Scheme, Properties, Diff, Smalltalk, Postscript and VHDL.
- w.bloggar allows you to create, manage, and edit your posts or templates offline. You can manage multiple sites effectively. Edit a post, save it onto your computer, and post it with one click; It's that simple. w.bloggar even allows you to ping various sites upon posting.
- Blogger for Word allows you to blog directly from within Microsoft Word. While I am not generally a Word user, it is difficult to argue with the convenience of this plugin. You can save your document as a post to your Blogger blog.
- Macromedia Dreamweaver is the premier force in the world of web development. While not free, I still highly recommend the product. After all, no such list would be complete without Dreamweaver.
- Web Applications
- Writely serves as an excellent tool for collaborative work on your blog. You can write a document and share it with those whom you wish to assist you. You can even post to your blogs with this service.
I'm suprised I didn't see Chami's html kit or the blogger for word tool.
Posted by
demonsthenes | 22 December, 2005 11:28
Thank you, demothsenes. The post has since been updated to include the aforementiond tools. I don't know how I failed to remember the free alternatives to Dreamweaver. As for the Blogger for Word tool, I simply don't use word on my home machines so it completely crossed my mind.
Once again, thanks for the reminder.
Posted by
Brad | 22 December, 2005 11:50
This post has been removed by a blog administrator.
Posted by
jforsythe.com | 22 December, 2005 13:27
Cool list. I didn't have a few of those extensions you found for Firefox. I have a huge list of blogging tools here:
More API-bloggers compatible with dasblog-metaweblog API
and here:
Offline blogger software compatibility with dasblog api reviews + web crossposting [flickr, etc]
I reviewed them based on features and compatibility with my Blogging API, but the list is still good. I will add your suggestions soon.
Posted by
jforsythe.com | 22 December, 2005 13:29