What does jQuery do? How to Get Started with the jQuery Library?

If you code with JavaScript, you can speed up your work by learning what jQuery is and how to use it. It can make your coding faster and more efficient, saving you time and energy.

This tutorial will explain how to use jQuery in web development, what it can do for you, and its most essential features. We'll also give you a list of short tutorials that show you how to use jQuery so you can understand how it works.

What does jQuery do?

jQuery is an open-source JavaScript library that was made to make working with JavaScript easier. You can code a set of commands quickly with jQuery, which would take much longer with HTML code.

What is a library of JavaScript? How is it used in building websites?

A JavaScript library is a compilation of JavaScript files that each do something different. Many JS libraries, like React, can be used for a specific task on either the client or server side.

jQuery library is one of the most popular JS libraries out there. It's simple to change and use. Also, jQuery has a large community with many learning resources, tutorials, and other documentation to help people learn.

The best thing about jQuery is that it works with other JavaScript libraries and has a lot of plug-ins to help make its functions more robust. It doesn't work with any other programming languages, though.

The Positives and Negatives of jQuery

If you're still determining whether or not to discover jQuery, here are the pros and cons of using this JS library for building websites.

Advantages of jQuery

Event handling is one of the most critical parts of the jQuery Library. A few lines of code are all you need to make events like a mouse click function or a form submission. This keeps the HTML code clean and free of all the different event handlers.

Its Document Object Model (DOM) manipulation feature makes it easier to change HTML elements. The easy-to-use interface of a web browser lets you add, change, or delete web elements using different event methods.

With the AJAX method in particular, jQuery is an excellent tool for making a website that responds to user actions. This feature makes it easier for users to make HTTP requests without reloading the web page.

Also, jQuery comes with a lot of animation effects already built in. It even lets you make your animations out of the CSS properties you choose.

Also, jQuery works with all popular web browsers because it supports different browsers. It also works with XML Path Language (XPath) syntax and CSS3 selectors.

A content delivery network makes adding jQuery scripts to a website (CDN) easier. So, you don't have to download the library file and put it in the folder for the site.

Disadvantages of jQuery

Even though jQuery is small, its Library is vast. As the code base grows, it takes longer to open the JS file, which makes the user's computer work harder.

Because jQuery is abstract, it is harder to learn and use JavaScript. Even though it makes it easier for beginners to create events, doing complicated things like manipulating the DOM will require a better understanding of JavaScript to get the result you want.

The biggest problem with jQuery is that it can't work with older versions. Since there are many versions of jQuery, you must host the Library and keep it up to date.

Important jQuery Features

If you want to find out how jQuery can help you, let's look at some examples of the essential functions.

1- The function hide()

The hide() function makes HTML elements disappear, so they no longer affect the HTML page. It can be used as an animation method when combined with the duration, easing, and callback functions.

The function show()

HTML elements are shown by the show() function. It only works on things that the hide() function has hidden. Also, if a parameter is added, it turns into an animation method function, just like hide ().

The function toggle()

With a click event, the toggle() function changes the visibility of HTML elements based on their CSS display property. This function will hide an element if it can be seen. If it's hidden, the opposite will happen. Web designers often use this function to put together a series of animations.

This function can bind two or more functions to specific elements if it is given a parameter. If you click on the component, you can switch between the functions.

The function fadeIn()

The fadeIn() function changes the opacity of HTML elements to make them slowly appear on an HTML page. Combine it with the speed or callback function to change the speed of the animation and make the next event happen when the matched elements are fully visible.

The function fadeOut()

The fadeOut() function does the opposite of what this function does. Like hide() and show(), fadeIn() and fadeOut() can be used to make animations if a parameter is given.

The function fadeToggle()

The fadeToggle() function is like the toggle() function in how it works. It lets the user slowly show or hide certain elements.

The function slideUp()

With a sliding animation, the slideUp() function hides things. It can be used with the duration and easing parameters to change the length of the animation.

The function slideDown()

The slideDown() function makes things move down as they are shown. In the same way, it accepts parameters for duration and easing.

The function slideToggle()

You can switch between the slideUp() and slideDown() functions to show or hide elements with the slideToggle() function.

The function animate()

Using one or more CSS properties, this function moves elements around. Like the other functions, this one lets you change the animation's length and how it changes and call the following function when the animation is done.

Keep in mind that the animate() function can't show hidden elements like slideDown() and fadeIn ().

jQuery Examples

The slideDown(), slideUp(), and slideToggle() functions are shown in the following example:

$("#flip").click(function(){
     $("#panel").slideDown();
});

Here is an example of how to use the hide() and show() functions:

$("#hide").click(function(){
    $("p").hide();
}); 
$("#show").click(function(){
   $("p").show();
});

This is a code block for the animate() function:

$("button").click(function(){
   $("div").animate({
   left: '250px',
   height: '+=150px',
   width: '+=150px'
   });
});

Here's an excellent example of how CSS can be used:

$("button").click(function(){
    $("h1, h2, p").toggleClass("blue");
});

Conclusion

One of the most famous JavaScript libraries is called jQuery. It has a lot of benefits for web developers, which is why you should learn how to use it first.

When you use the jQuery Library, you can write less JavaScript code and still get all its features. This lets you work faster and pay more attention to other project parts.

We hope this jQuery tutorial helps you learn more about the jQuery Library and how to start using it. If you still have questions, please leave a comment below.

What does jQuery do? How to Get Started with the jQuery Library?