Like Reks said, ModLoader was killed in MC 1.2. While Forge is definitely the most popular option, there are some other modloaders available, such as LiteLoader. You could check it out. I don't make mods anymore, but here's the best advice: don't develop for 1.8. Do it for a version like 1.7.2 or 1.7.10, since 1.8 is weird to develop, which is why I stopped coding mods. If you would like to develop for LiteLoader, go to this page: https://www.assembla.com/spaces/liteloader/wiki

There's always Technicpack, which essentially bundles mods together in a pre-set group, which is what Tekkit and Hexxit are based on. The downside is that you have to download a separate launcher, but for the most part it's worth it. It isn't a close alternative to Forge, but most people who don't like to install mods themselves use it.

Forge is the only option due to mod loader died back in 1.2
So sadly forge is the only option at the moment but you can watch mr crayfishes modding tutorial on youtube to help you get better at Modding.
Also start with 1.7.10 modding, cause 1.8 modding is weird