jQuery is the most popular JavaScript library, which accelerates and facilitates development of interactive websites and applications. Thanks to this tool it’s possible to easily create animated elements on web pages, manipulate elements (move, copy, change style), or perform asynchronous requests to the server (AJAX).
Moreover very large selection of plugins is available for this library, that significantly extend its functionality. Some of the examples are: readymade user interface elements (calendars, tabs, modal windows and many others), new events (e.g. drag & drop mechanism), new animation effects or more complex forms’ elements.
Biggest jQuery advantages:
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Shorter development time
Each JavaScript library significantly shortens implementation time of complex applications (compared to writing JS code from scratch), however in this case jQuery really stands out from the crowd.
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Most popular solution of this type
None of all JavaScript libraries is as popular among developers as jQuery. It’s used by such companies and websites as Google, Microsoft, Amazon, IBM, NBC. What’s more jQuery is also present in readymade solutions, for example in Drupal.
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Works in all popular browsers
Compatibility list declared by library creators covers: Microsoft Internet Explorer from version 6 (year 2001), Mozilla Firefox 2+, Google Chrome 1+, Opera 9.0+ and Safari 3.0+. Furthermore code based on jQuery will also work on mobile platforms, like iPhone (Safari browser), or on Opera Mini browser.
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Increases website interactivity
Adding animated galleries, sliders or modal windows is not a problem, no matter if a readymade solution (in shape of jQuery plugin) or custom one is used. User interface elements don’t have to be just static buttons any longer.
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Tons of plugins for almost anything
jQuery plugins allow you to add plenty of readymade solutions to the website (e.g. interface elements), without wasting a lot of time on implementing a feature that was already created by someone else.
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One of the fastest, if not the fastest library
jQuery leads in various efficiency tests, or is at the forefront among all JavaScript libraries, regardless what browser is used.
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Easy to use
Complex applications or user interface elements implementation is nothing but pleasure for both experienced and novice developers. However only experienced developers guarantee high quality of source code and short development time.
