Utility layer

System stack

Utilities never seem important until you really need them.

There is no "standard set" of utilities, just as there is no standard organization. Your organization, and the services it provides, define the domain of problems that are likely to need addressing. Build your utility chest with applications that meet your needs: accounting, advertising, artwork, . . . every domain has software that can provide a productivity boost to your internal processes.

For web development projects some of the layers that will need special tools include:

• Vector and raster graphics software for the design layer
• Compliance validation utilities for presentation and markup layers
• Syntax checkers, code compressors, and obfuscators for the interaction layer
• Object modeling software for the logic layer
• Schema managers for the data layer
• Network sniffers for the firewall layer
• Regression testing suites for the test layer
• Bug trackers for the revision layer
• System monitoring, log rotation, and backup software for the administration layer