Hello there, I'm working on my first professional project. The fact is that I don't know which are the best tools to produce something serious (I'm talking about web-develop through PHP):

• Are template engine like Smarty mandatory? Which one is "the best" (the most used, complete, documentated)
• At the moment I'm developing on Notepad++ (mostly because I find it useful and complete) is there a better development tool? Or is just a matter of personal taste?
• At the moment I'm studying JQuery and deepening my knowledge as regards CSS what other "mandatory" subjects can you suggest me?

This is what I can think of at the moment, have you any other suggestions? Thank you.