You want more for your web pages. You’ve got HTML and CSS_under your belt and want to add scripting to your skill set, but you don’t want to spend your Time writing lines and lines of script. You need a scripting library that allows you to change webpages on the fly. And since we’re wishing, can it play well with AJAX and PHP, too?
Can it do in 3 lines of code what most client-side languages do in 15?
No way! You need to meet jQuery.
What is jQuery ?
jQuery is a Javascript library, and it is a language designed to simplify the client-side scripts in the browser. It was created by John Resig at BarCamp New York in 2006. It is an open source software under licenses from MIT and GPL combined. Jquery 1.9.1 is the latest version disponible in the jquery official site .As a jQuery beginner ; code once you understand the basic concepts available in the next tutorials. jQuery is particularly suitable for:
- Create animations.
- Handle browser events.
- Loading Content using AJAX programs.
- Create Awesome sliders like the one in our Home page.
- Build professional Mobile phone Applications.
- …..
It also used in creating web pages and dynamic elements. It allows developers to create plugins that are compatible with a wide number of platforms such us : Adobe Dreamweaver,Wordpress, Joomla...etc.
Thousands of jQuery plugins are available on the web. Among the most common were assistants AJAX data grids, XML tools, drag and drop, the manipulators Cookies, etc.. You can find the best plugins in the jQuery official page.
What makes jQuery so powerful and universal ?
Fortunately, jQuery comes to the rescue: defining its own set of instructions, it acts as a wrapper for
different versions of JavaScript, whether existing or coming. On the other hand, it allows browsers present on market, their multiple versions and their compatibility with the instructions of JavaScript and AJAX.
For a script written in JavaScript to run correctly on different versions of each browser,
programmer-like you-must set up a series of tests and run a specific code for each browser and version ,
as shown in the following figure :
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With jQuery, these tests are unnecessary: just run the necessary instructions, regardless of the browser used, or version of JavaScript compatible with this browser.
Where applicable, all these tests are made so transparent . In your case, you only have to worry about the code.
Remember, jQuery is very convenient, but do not enjoy and think only of the visual development : a page must foremost based on solid HTML bases !
But what happens when a new version of JavaScript born?
Well, the jQuery instructions are completed. Accordingly. You can continue to use the instructions already used and / or consult the documentation available on the new instructions. Whatever your approach, all used instructions work in all available browsers. This approach is a real bonus for you, whether beginner or experienced.
I will add some other details that will certainly convince you that you made the right choice by deciding to learn jQuery :
- The official documentation is available for everyone and in high quality.
- The Community that revolves around jQuery is expanding and provides quality support.
- Many leading players of the Web (Microsoft, Google, Amazon, Twitter, Mozilla, etc.), Use jQuery.
- A multitude of plugins available to enhance the basic capabilities of jQuery.
Welcome to the wonderful world of jQuery !
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