JavaScript Rich Text Editor

Rich text editors are powerful tools in developing Ajax based applications. With the help of rich text editors, developers would be able to actively test their coding. Manually coding the application without the help of rich text editors is possible but testing them in real time is not possible.

It could be very frustrating for developers when they find out that the application they made could not properly run. Troubleshooting could then take time and resources if it was not actively checked before it was launched. Time and resources could be saved if the developer opts to use a rich text editor.

Like many tools, rich text editors for JavaScript are not the same. Some of them are geared towards specific development practices while other are geared towards another direction.

The following are some of editors JavaScript developers should consider:

• Xinha – This editor might not have much of a feature since it primarily uses HTML but if you take a closer look at the options this application would provide, this could become you favorite editor. It uses HTML so that could help developers have the WYSIWYG development feel. Code the application manually and see them being implemented in real time using this tool. Although it can be used for large scale applications, this is highly recommended if you’re looking to build a small Ajax online application.

• WYMEditor – If you are looking to slowly build the application with the help of plug-ins, then this should be your rich text editor. WYMEditor is a plug-in friendly editor that will help developers easily configure the JavaScript application. The application is web based so no download is needed. Although it’s not explicitly indicated, this is a great tool for Ajax based applications because of its powerful implementation of XHTML as well as CSS. You can practically enjoy the client-side development in real time through this tool.

• Fckeditor – One of the lightest rich text editors, the editing tool uses HTML so that it could maintain the near-zero footprint of the application when dealing with the coding. But even though it’s small, the application edited in this tool could easily become robust because of its ease of use. With the familiar MS Office interface, you’ll feel like working in a simple document. A unique feature of the application is its ability to monitor the type of browser with automatic adjustment.

• TinyMCE – A very powerful rich text editor, this tool was specifically built to help developers build a robust Ajax based application. Instead of using JavaScript or HTML, TinyMCE uses both programming languages to easily build the application. The powerful functionalities of TinyMCE do not mean it can leave a serious footprint in your application since it is still a lightweight editing tool. Its difference is primarily on its ability to support different languages as well as full customization on the application. The tool also comes with a compressor which will squeeze your application if you want to have a lightweight application.

Try some of these tools. They do have an important use but they are all lightweight and could help you build robust Ajax based applications.