jQuery(https://jquery.com) was created in 2006 by John Resig. It is a fast and concise JavaScript Library. Resig introduced jQuery to the world with the motto “Write less, do more.”
What is jQuery?
jQuery is a fast and feature-rich JavaScript Library. It is cross platform and therefore, supports different types of browsers. The main purpose of jQuery is to provide an easy way to use JavaScript on your website to make it more interactive and attractive. It is also used to add animation.
It is designed to simplify the client-side scripting of HTML. It makes things like HTML document traversal and manipulation, animation, event handling, and AJAX very simple with an easy-to-use API that works on a lot of different type of browsers.
jQuery takes a lot of common tasks that require many lines of JavaScript code to accomplish, and wraps them into methods that you can call with a single line of code.
jQuery also simplifies a lot of the complicated things from JavaScript, like AJAX calls and DOM manipulation.
Benefits of Using jQuery
Various plugins like Pop-up Boxes, Image Slider, Content Slider etc., makes the Web designer’s job easier as all they have to do is to customize the jQuery plugin to match the design. Some of the benefits of jQuery are listed below.
1) Search Engine Optimized
While search engines are getting better at being able to read content within some Flash, everything within jQuery is setup as text. This means it is completely readable to all the search engines, exposing all your keyword rich content.
2) Ease of Use
One of the main reasons why developers opt for jQuery is due to its easy implementation. It is a lot easier to use as compared to other JavaScript libraries.
3) Saves Time
Eradication of the requirement of writing repetitious and complex loops and DOM scripting library calls.
4) Plug-ins
There are a wide variety of plugins all over the web. Some of these free ones offer high-quality visual appearance and effects. It makes it simpler and easier for the web developers.
5) Free
jQuery is a free, open source software.
6) Mobile Support
jQuery is supported by any mobile device whose web browser supports JavaScript. A lot of mobile devices like iPads and iPhones don’t run Flash at all.
7) Support Community
Along with a wide array of plugins, comes a support group that will help you remedy out any issues. In the web, a large helpful community of people will be there to help you out with anything.
8) Tutorials
The official jQuery website has a section for tutorials. This is will prove to be a great aid to beginners.
For beginners, jQuery is easy and simple to learn and use. It is a great tool to add additional excitement to your website without any compromise. But if you do not have ANY technical knowledge, then it is suggested to start with the basics of web development before you delve into jQuery. HTML, CSS and JavaScript will help you. jQuery can be integrated either by downloading the full library directly or importing it via CDN.