Modern web developers are professionals who specialize in the development of websites and web-based applications. They use a variety of programming languages, frameworks, and tools to create dynamic and interactive websites that can be accessed through a web browser.

Web developers typically work with front-end technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to design and build the user interface of a website. They may also work with back-end technologies such as databases and servers to create dynamic and interactive features, and to ensure that a website is fast, secure, and scalable.

Web developers are responsible for ensuring that a website is functional, visually appealing, and easy to use. They may work on a variety of projects, including building new websites from scratch, maintaining and updating existing websites, and optimizing websites for search engines.

In order to become a modern web developer, it is generally necessary to have a strong foundation in computer science and programming, as well as a solid understanding of web development technologies and best practices. Many web developers have a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field, and some may also have professional certifications or advanced degrees.

There are many tools that modern web developers may use in their work. Some of the most popular tools include:

1. Text editors: Text editors are used to writing and edit code. Some popular text editors include Sublime Text, Atom, and Visual Studio Code.

2. Integrated development environments (IDEs): IDEs are advanced text editors that come with a range of features and tools specifically designed for software development. Examples of IDEs include Eclipse, PyCharm, and Visual Studio.

3. Version control systems: Version control systems (VCS) are used to track changes to code over time and collaborate with other developers. Popular VCSs include Git and Mercurial.

4. Debuggers: Debuggers are used to identify and fix errors in code. Some popular debuggers include Chrome DevTools, Firebug, and Fiddler.

5. Testing and debugging tools: These tools are used to test and debug code to ensure that it is functioning correctly. Examples include Jest, Mocha, and Selenium.

6. Package managers: Package managers are used to manage and install dependencies (i.e., libraries and frameworks) in a project. Examples include npm (for JavaScript) and pip (for Python).

7. Frameworks and libraries: Frameworks and libraries are pre-written code that can be used to build web applications more quickly and efficiently. Examples include React, Angular, and Bootstrap.

It's worth noting that different web developers may have different tool preferences, and the specific tools that a developer uses will depend on the requirements of the project and their skills and preferences.