25 Web Development Blogs You Should Be Reading

To stay ahead in the web development game, it’s utterly vital that you’re up-to-date with advancements in your chosen field. As we all know, the best way to get current information is from blogs, but which ones to look at? There are loads of great web development blogs out there and tons of terrible ones too. If you were to read them all, you’d have absolutely no time left for building websites or anything else for that matter.

We’ve whittled the best web development blogs down to a top 25. By adding these great blogs to your RSS reader, you’ll be able to get all the industry information, tips, tutorials and, very importantly, freebies, that you could ever need. Sit back, read and let your knowledge grow!

1. A List Apart

A List Apart is one seriously classy blog. Its content is every bit as slick as its design and layout. Focusing on web standards and best practices, this is the place to come for in-depth information.

2. Nettuts+

Nettuts+ offers tutorials and insightful articles covering HTML, CSS, JavaScript, CMS’s, PHP and Ruby on Rails. It has a regularly updated page devoted to freebies!

3. Smashing Magazine

Suitable for designers and developers alike, Smashing Magazine’s popularity grows year-on-year. Its articles, which address everything from graphics to coding, design and even inspiration, are always written with personality and a dash of humor.

4. WebAppers

WebAppers is your guide to the best open source resources around. It’s an absolute goldmine, jam-packed full of free JavaScript and Ajax components. Everything available has been hand-picked and quality controlled.

5. Woork Up

Woork Up is one of the most polished blogs in this list. Aimed at both designers and developers, you’ll find the latest tech news alongside in-depth tutorials and other resources.

6. Ajaxian

Ajaxian is a site run by Dion Almaer, director of developer relations at Palm, and Ben Galbraith, an experienced Chief Technical Officer and Enterprise Java Architect. Besides tutorials, you’ll find information pertaining to jobs, training and conferences.

7. Oneextrapixel (OXP)

OXP was created by two Singaporean developers and designers who really know their stuff. Luckily for us, they’re only too happy to share it. You’ll find tips, tutorials and resources aplenty.

9. Inspect Element

Inspect Element is a blog based on the sharing of ideas and resources. All information supplied is highly accessible, as useful for beginners as it is for experts.

10. Position Absolute

Position Absolute is headed up by Cedric Dugas, a quirky Canadian who’s fanatical about CSS and jQuery. Besides news and articles, you’ll find loads of JavaScript snippets to use.

11. Script & Style

As you might have guessed from its name, Script and Style is aimed at both developers and designers. You’ll find loads of fascinating information in the easy-to-access archives, which run for a whopping 67 pages.

12. Cats Who Code

Everything that Cats Who Code does is executed with humor and real artistic flair. The site receives 8,000 unique visitors a day and is a member of the Smashing Network, so you know it’s good!

13. Web Developer Plus

Web Designer Plus covers Ajax, CSS, Flash, jQuery and PHP, as well as Photoshop and WordPress. Articles are always highly informative and freebies, which include WordPress themes, are always top-quality.

14. XHTML-CSS-CODE.com

XHTML-CSS-CODE.com is much more interesting than its name suggests. Far from being a dry repository of data, it’s full of fascinating HTML, XHTML and CSS info. You’ll even find articles covering creativity and inspiration.

15. Webitect

Webitect, a relatively new site, founded in October 2008, is a useful resource for web developers, as well as designers, bloggers and freelancers in general. There really is something for everyone here. Much of the content is written by Nick Parsons, a designer, developer and proud Texan.

16. A Fresh Cup

A Fresh Cup is a blog written by Mike Gunderloy, covering all aspects of software development. Much of the blog’s content is geared towards Ruby on Rails users and enthusiasts. Every day, links are provided to great articles from the rest of the web.

17. RailsTips

RailsTips is written by John Nunemaker, Chief Technical Officer at Ordered List. If you know of anyone more passionate about Ruby on Rails, I’d like to meet them. John also writes blogs on MongoDB and blogging in general.

18. DailyJS

DailyJS is a regularly updated blog on all things JavaScript. It’s written by Alex Young, London based software engineer and founder of Helicoid; Ric Roberts, founder of Swirrl; and Gus Knowlden, web satirist and technical whiz-kid.

19. wtfjs

wtfjs is a rather irreverent collection of JavaScript irregularities, inconsistencies and annoying abnormalities. Sometimes enlightening and often hilarious, it’s strictly one for the geeks.

20. Sitepoint

Currently the 952nd most visited website in the world, and proud of it, Sitepoint’s blog is updated with new articles on a daily basis, covering all aspects of development and design. Sitepoint is an online media company which offers advertising, sponsorship, software and content-based products.

21. Web Development Blog

Web Development Blog’s primary focus is on PHP scripts and tutorials. However, readers will also find bbpress plugins and Google gadgets, as well as information regarding SEO, Ubuntu/Linux and Google services.

22. Robby on Rails

What Robby Russell doesn’t know about Ruby is not worth knowing. He’s the founder of Planet Argon web design/development agency and author of soon-to-be-released book, Programming Rails. Robby shares his thoughts and knowledge on this highly informative blog.

23. HTMLCenter

HTMLCenter is Full Sail University’s Web Design and Development degree program blog. The site’s currently in a state of transition, but the blog is still updated regularly with information and tutorials related to CSS, HTML, JavaScript, PHP, VBScript and more.

24. Viget Extend

Viget Extend is the blog of Viget Labs, a 40-strong commercial team of web developers, designers, marketers and strategists. The blog covers technology, trends, tips, best practices and industry events.

25. Cool

Cool by name and by nature, Heidi Cool has built up a strong following for her blog, which is specifically intended for those who build academic and corporate sites. You’ll find plenty of tips and advice from a lady who’s been in the business for over 15 years.