Popular JavaScript libraries such as jQuery, MooTools, Prototype, Dojo and YUI can be great for accomplishing common JavaScript tasks. These libraries provide many functions, whether the matter is related to events or effects or AJAX. And if one of these libraries can’t do the job, a plug-in probably exists that can.
Key Takeaways
- The article provides a list of 15 useful JavaScript libraries that can simplify common tasks such as form validation, animation, URL handling, and more. Some of these libraries include wForms, Validanguage, LiveValidation, JSTweener, Fx, Taffy DB, ActiveRecord.js, Sylvester, Pretty Date, JavaScript URL Library, Typeface.js, Amberjack, JsLoad, and Custom JavaScript Dialog Boxes.
- Each library has its unique features and benefits. For instance, wForms simplifies JavaScript form functions, Validanguage is an unobtrusive JavaScript form validation framework, and LiveValidation is a lightweight library that provides a set of validation functions. JSTweener is a tweening library for JavaScript, Fx is a lightweight library that can create a tween for almost any CSS property, and Taffy DB works as a database layer within AJAX’ed Web applications.
- The article also answers frequently asked questions about these JavaScript libraries, providing insights into their key features, how they differ from other libraries, how to use them, and their potential limitations. For example, Validanguage stands out for its simplicity and flexibility, supports a wide range of validation rules, and allows for custom validation rules. JSTweener, on the other hand, provides a simple and consistent interface for creating animations, supports a wide range of easing functions, and does not require any additional dependencies.
1. wForms
An open-source and unobtrusive library that simplifies the most common JavaScript form functions. It offers ready-to-use form validation functions for which can be applied by adding class info to the form objects.
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2. Validanguage
It is an unobtrusive JavaScript form validation framework. It has an inheritance logic whose settings can be defined globally, perform or per element.
3. LiveValidation
It is a lightweight library that equips you with set of validation functions. Besides the classic validation methods, the library has a powerful live validation feature that controls the fields as you type.
4. FormReform
This tiny library transforms a classic form into a stylish layout with one, two or four columns. Forms are styled to fit any design automatically with formreform.
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5. JSTweener
A tweening library for JavaScript. Its API is similar to the famous ActionScript tweening engine Tweener.
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6. Fx
A lightweight library, with a YUI-like syntax, FX can create a tween for almost any CSS property. It supports color and scroll animations. Designing the “to” and “from” values of any object/property is enough.
7. Taffy DB
A JavaScript library that can be thought as an SQL database in the browser or an advanced “array manager.” It works as a database layer within AJAX’ed Web applications.
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8. ActiveRecord.js
This library supports Google Gears and Chrome, Aptana Jaxer, Adobe AIR, and any platform that supports W3C HTML5 SQL Specification (Webkit and iPhone for now). It makes it easy to work with databases in JavaScript.
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9. Sylvester
This is a JavaScript library for doing vector and matrix math easily, without using a lot of loops and getting lost between arrays. It includes classes for modelling vectors and matrices in any number of dimensions and for modelling infinite lines and planes in 3D space.
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10. Pretty Date
A smart JavaScript solution for displaying dates within the past month in a prettier and more user-friendly way. It displays dates relative to the current time; for example, “Yesterday,” “3 hours ago,” etc.
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11. JavaScript URL Library
A library for handling and manipulating URLs more easily. It is possible to reach every part of a URL as a string and modify it when needed. This URL library is very new but already works as mentioned.
12. Typeface.js
An unobtrusive library for using any font on a website. Unlike popular solutions like sIFR or FLIR, typeface.js doesn’t require Flash and is 100% JavaScript.
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13. Amberjack
A tiny JavaScript library (about 4 KB) that helps you add good-looking website tours to your website. Once activated, a modal box guides users by displaying any type of content.
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14. JsLoad
Remote loading API of JavaScript library. JsLoad is simple API that enables you to import big JavaScript libraries from Google server. JsLoad load dependencies of any version of the library automatically.
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15. Custom JavaScript Dialog Boxes
A lightweight library (about 4.5 KB) for creating custom dialog boxes. Four boxes can be displayed: alerts, warnings, prompts, success. With a simple function, you can specify the title of the box, the content to be shown and how many seconds to show it for.
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Frequently Asked Questions about JavaScript Libraries
What are the key features of Validanguage JavaScript library?
Validanguage is an elegant, high-level JavaScript validation library designed to remove the tedious task of form validation. It is highly customizable and supports a wide range of validation rules. The library is designed to be unobtrusive, easy to use, and completely flexible. It also supports asynchronous validation, which allows you to validate form fields without reloading the page.
How does JSTweener differ from other JavaScript libraries?
JSTweener is a tweening library for JavaScript. It provides a simple and consistent interface for creating animations with JavaScript. Unlike other libraries, JSTweener does not require any additional dependencies and it has a small file size, making it a lightweight choice for developers. It supports a wide range of easing functions, allowing for complex and visually appealing animations.
How can I use Anime.js for my web animations?
Anime.js is a lightweight JavaScript animation library that works with any CSS properties, individual CSS transforms, SVG or any DOM attributes, and JavaScript Objects. It provides a powerful, easy-to-use API for controlling and manipulating animations. To use Anime.js, you need to include the library in your project, create an animation, and then control it using the library’s API.
What is the purpose of Ajaxshake in JavaScript?
Ajaxshake is a website that provides a collection of JavaScript plugins and tutorials. It is not a JavaScript library itself, but it provides resources for developers to learn about and use various JavaScript libraries and plugins. The site includes examples, demos, and code snippets to help developers understand how to use these resources in their own projects.
How does Validanguage compare to other form validation frameworks?
Validanguage stands out for its simplicity and flexibility. It is designed to be unobtrusive, meaning it doesn’t interfere with your HTML markup. It supports a wide range of validation rules and also allows for custom validation rules. Additionally, it supports asynchronous validation, which can improve the user experience by validating form fields without requiring a page reload.
How can I integrate Validanguage into my project?
To integrate Validanguage into your project, you need to include the Validanguage script in your HTML file. Then, you can use the library’s API to define validation rules for your form fields. The library provides a range of predefined validation rules, but you can also define your own custom rules.
What are the benefits of using JSTweener for animations?
JSTweener provides a simple and consistent interface for creating animations with JavaScript. It supports a wide range of easing functions, allowing for complex and visually appealing animations. Additionally, it does not require any additional dependencies and has a small file size, making it a lightweight choice for developers.
Can I use Anime.js with other JavaScript libraries?
Yes, Anime.js is designed to work well with other JavaScript libraries. It can animate any CSS properties, individual CSS transforms, SVG or any DOM attributes, and JavaScript Objects. This makes it a versatile choice for adding animations to your projects.
How can Ajaxshake help me as a developer?
Ajaxshake provides a collection of JavaScript plugins and tutorials, making it a valuable resource for developers. The site includes examples, demos, and code snippets to help you understand how to use various JavaScript libraries and plugins in your own projects.
Are there any limitations to using Validanguage for form validation?
While Validanguage is a powerful and flexible form validation library, it may not be suitable for all projects. It is designed to be unobtrusive, meaning it doesn’t interfere with your HTML markup. However, this also means that it may not provide as much control over the validation process as some other libraries. Additionally, while it supports a wide range of validation rules, it may not support every possible validation scenario.
Sam Deering has 15+ years of programming and website development experience. He was a website consultant at Console, ABC News, Flight Centre, Sapient Nitro, and the QLD Government and runs a tech blog with over 1 million views per month. Currently, Sam is the Founder of Crypto News, Australia.
