What is jquery?

jQuery is a small, fast JavaScript library that makes it easier to work with HTML documents, handle events, create animations, and communicate with servers. Think of it as a toolbox that simplifies common tasks you would otherwise write a lot of code for in plain JavaScript.

Let's break it down

  • Library, not a language: jQuery is written in JavaScript, but you add it to your web page and then use its functions.
  • Selectors: It lets you pick elements on the page using CSS‑like syntax, e.g., $('p') selects all paragraph tags.
  • Chaining: You can string many actions together, like $('button').hide().fadeIn(500);.
  • Cross‑browser: jQuery smooths out differences between browsers so the same code works everywhere.
  • Ajax helpers: Simple functions to load data from a server without reloading the page.

Why does it matter?

Before modern JavaScript (ES6+) and browsers became more consistent, developers wrote a lot of repetitive code to do simple things. jQuery reduced that boilerplate, sped up development, and made interactive websites possible even for beginners. It also helped teams share a common, well‑tested way to manipulate the DOM.

Where is it used?

  • Legacy websites that were built before 2015 still rely on jQuery.
  • Many content‑management systems (WordPress, Drupal, Joomla) load jQuery by default for plugins and themes.
  • Small to medium projects that need quick interactivity without a full‑blown framework.
  • Tutorials and learning resources often use jQuery to teach DOM manipulation concepts.

Good things about it

  • Very easy to learn; you can start writing useful code in minutes.
  • Huge community, lots of plugins, and extensive documentation.
  • Works consistently across all major browsers, including older versions of Internet Explorer.
  • Reduces the amount of code you need to write for common tasks.
  • Can be added to any existing page with just one <script> tag.

Not-so-good things

  • Adds extra file size (about 90 KB minified) to your page, which can slow loading if not needed.
  • Modern browsers now support most features natively, making jQuery less essential.
  • Over‑reliance can hide the underlying JavaScript concepts, making it harder to transition to frameworks like React or Vue.
  • Some plugins are outdated or no longer maintained, leading to security or compatibility issues.
  • Large projects may benefit more from component‑based frameworks that handle state and routing better than jQuery.