What is jQuery?
You’ve might heard of this before and much probably used it as well. jQuery is the most outstanding cross-browser javascript library compiled for the ease of client-side scripting of html. To make it short, it’s a “ready to use” javascript library that has many visual functions such as popular ease-in, ease-out effects. Because jQuery has tons of impressive effects, it is often used by web designers to make their designs much lovable and more elegant.
Why use jQuery?
Web designers may have encounter difficulties on their concepts of web designing. They might sometimes look for an instant plugins that may make their designs look good or even best. With the help of various jQuery plugins including Image Slider, Content Slider, Pop-up Boxes, The Web designer’s job might be minimized because all they have to do is tweak or customize small to big parts of the jQuery plugin that they’ve used to match the designs that they’re doing.
Some benefits of jQuery:
1) Makes Novice a Pro.
- Easy to use and easy to understand. It does not require advanced programming skills.
- Even novice designers can get along with it in a matter of minutes.
2) Speed things up.
- 5 lines of codes versus 30 lines of javascript codes.
- Simply include it inside the head tag of you html code.
3) Makes a website look more professional.
- With the right use of effects or transitions, it can make your website look pro.
4) jQuery over Flash in terms of SEO.
- Some jQuery effects are almost identical to Flash, but the advantage is that you can optimize it in terms of SEO.
- The size that jQuery can use is smaller than a Flash.
- The content of jQuery is readable by search engine bots.
5) Lots of plugins available.
- You will not have hard time of finding jQuery plugins because they are all over in the internet.
- Some of free jQuery plugins offers a high quality visual appearance.
Well those are just some of the jQuery benefits. As you can see, beginner users can get jQuery to work even if he/she doesn’t have much programming skills so it’s easy to learn and use, they can use whatever plugin they want plus the fact that some jQuery developers are making their scripts or codes as short as possible just to be more customizable by users. By default, jQuery basic syntax script offers wide selection of animation effects; it’s just a matter of selecting what would greatly fit your website.
Frequently Asked Questions about jQuery
What makes jQuery different from JavaScript?
jQuery is a fast, small, and feature-rich JavaScript library. It makes things like HTML document traversal and manipulation, event handling, and animation much simpler with an easy-to-use API that works across a multitude of browsers. With a combination of versatility and extensibility, jQuery has changed the way that millions of people write JavaScript.
Why should I choose jQuery over plain JavaScript for front-end development?
jQuery simplifies a lot of the complicated things from JavaScript, like AJAX calls and DOM manipulation. The jQuery library provides several handy methods for AJAX functionality. With jQuery, you can develop AJAX templates with ease, and there are several interfaces available to perform AJAX calls.
What are the advantages of using jQuery?
jQuery is a powerful tool that significantly simplifies the process of writing JavaScript. It provides a simple and consistent interface that works across different types of browsers, saving you from the headache of dealing with cross-browser inconsistencies. It also has a wide range of plugins for almost any functionality you can think of.
Are there any disadvantages to using jQuery?
While jQuery is a powerful tool, it may not be necessary for all projects. For simple tasks, plain JavaScript might be quicker and more efficient. Also, jQuery, being a library, is a bit heavy which might make your website slower to load.
How does jQuery improve HTML document traversal and manipulation?
jQuery provides a simple and effective way to navigate HTML documents. It uses CSS syntax to select elements, which makes it very intuitive to use if you’re already familiar with CSS. It also provides methods to manipulate the DOM in a consistent way across different browsers.
How does jQuery handle events?
jQuery provides a uniform way to handle events without worrying about browser compatibility issues. It offers methods to attach or detach event handlers, to trigger or stop triggering events, and to create custom events.
How does jQuery simplify the process of creating animations?
jQuery comes with a rich suite of animation methods. These methods allow you to create complex animations with ease, without having to write a lot of code. You can easily animate any CSS property, control animation speeds, and even create a sequence of animations with the queue functionality.
How does jQuery ensure browser compatibility?
jQuery is designed to smooth out the rough edges of browser inconsistencies. It provides a consistent interface that works across different browsers, so you don’t have to worry about your code breaking in some browsers.
What kind of plugins does jQuery offer?
jQuery has a rich ecosystem of plugins for almost any functionality you can think of. From form validation and AJAX handling to complex animations and advanced UI features, there’s a jQuery plugin for almost everything.
How does jQuery impact website performance?
While jQuery is a bit heavy and might slow down your website’s load time, it can also improve performance by simplifying and optimizing your JavaScript code. However, for simple tasks, plain JavaScript might be quicker and more efficient.
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.
