Responsible Web Development: Tools and Best Practices #
Tools, guides and standards for responsible web development: web accessibility, eco-design, web performance, security, SEO and software quality. A curated list of up-to-date resources for more sustainable, inclusive and efficient websites.
Performance #
Tools
PageSpeed Insights
Analyzes your site's performance based on Google metrics.
WebPageTest
Advanced performance testing with technical insights.
SpeedCurve
Continuous performance monitoring with budget tracking.
Documentation
- Core Web Vitals –Core Web Vitals: metrics for perceived quality.
- PerfDevTools –Official guide to Chrome's performance tools.
- SpeedCurve Performance Budgets –Define realistic and measurable performance budgets.
Accessibility #
Tools
W3C Official Accessibility Tools List
A curated, W3C-verified selection of the best WCAG testing and evaluation tools. A reliable foundation to audit, fix, and maintain accessibility across any web project.
WAVE
Accessibility checker with visual highlights.
Accessibility Checker
Automated compliance testing against WCAG standards.
Contrast Finder
Tool for improving text/background contrast.
Documentation
- WCAG –International standard for web accessibility.
- RGAA –French accessibility standard for public services.
- ARIA Authoring Practices –Best practices for accessible interactive components.
- WAI decision tree for the image alt attribute –Decision tree that explains how to use the alt attribute of the “img” element in every situation (the alt attribute is not always required).
Typography #
Tools
Security #
Tools
Mozilla Observatory
Security scanner based on web best practices.
Mozilla SSL Config Generator
Generate a secure and up-to-date SSL/TLS configuration automatically, based on Mozilla's best practices.
Security Headers
Check your site's HTTP security headers.
SSL Labs
Comprehensive analysis of your website's SSL/TLS configuration, with a clear grade and actionable recommendations.
Documentation
- OWASP Top 10 –Top 10 most common web security risks.
- CSP Generator –CSP header generator to strengthen security.
- RGS –Official French reference defining security requirements for public information systems, including recommendations relevant to secure development practices.
Eco-design #
Tools
EcoIndex
Assesses the environmental impact of a web page.
Hubblo
Tracks environmental performance of IT systems.
GreenSpector
Assesses the environmental impact of digital services on real devices: energy consumption, equivalent CO₂ emissions, CPU and memory usage.
Documentation
- 115 bonnes pratiques du CNUMR –Collaborative list of eco-friendly best practices.
- W3C Sustainable Web –W3C initiatives for a more sustainable web.
- GreenIT.fr –Pioneering collective of web eco-design in France.
- Institut du Numérique Responsable (INR) –Reference institute for a more responsible digital future.
- Le Label NR –Label promoting responsible digital practices (Label NR)
- RGESN –Official French guidelines for ecodesigning digital services
SEO #
Tools
Ahrefs
Backlink analysis, technical SEO and keyword tracking.
Semrush
Comprehensive SEO audits and position tracking.
Detailed Extension
Really great SEO extension: Detailed
Documentation
- Google SEO Starter Guide –Google’s official SEO starter guide.