4 December 2008
As a programmer I am always looking for new tools to not only speed up the development process, but also enrich this process and create a flawless end product. Along came jQuery...

jQuery

Developing with jQuery

I am a relatively new web developer and I have learned my trade not through books and cd-roms but through first-hand experience and the web. This process lead me straight to the home of a javascript library called jQuery.

Its tagline is 'write less, do more' and it couldn't be simpler. I was not trained in the art of sitting and writing javascript (although I do feel confident using it), which is why jQuery was such a big thing for me. The benefits include a lightweight footprint, CSS3 Compliant and its fully cross-browser-proof. Simply add your usual to the header and if necessary a document ready function so that the script is ready as soon as the whole page is rendered.

Next, locate the elements on the page that will be affected by the functions of the script and include these within the function outlined in the header. Bobs your uncle. You should have a working jQuery element on your page which does what it's meant to and fast, without taking up too much server-space or bandwidth.

Other benefits of jQuery are the plugins and the many different settings available to completely customise your script.

All in all, jQuery is definately a winner in my eyes and is here to stay and no doubt grow.

Examples for the uses include: image replacement, scrollable content, news tickers, popups, image galleries, menus etc, etc (I really could go on and on)

Visit the site at http://jquery.com/ to find out more


Thanks for reading

Simon Clark