jQuery, the free development library that was created to simplify JavaScript programming and load faster than its flash counterpart, is quickly becoming the most popular library to build web sites with today. According to research conducted by W3Techs, jQuery is now being used on nearly half of all new websites worldwide. Popular sites from Amazon, Netflix, Tumblr, ESPN and Pinterest are all using jQuery.
This relatively new coding language provides a simpler way to make your site interactive, functional and engaging. Custom jQuery design is commonly used for creating animations, drop down menus, drag and drop functionality, light boxes, image sliders and photo galleries.
Why should you use jQuery for your JavaScript framework instead of Flash? jQuery loads faster and most importantly is compatible with all mobile browsers. Virtually anything you can do with Flash you can replicate with jQuery. Not to mention it’s a completely free open source library.
Advantages of using jQuery
It’s Easy to Use: Custom jQuery design is easy to implement in comparison to JavaScript. Shorter and simpler code can be used to achieve the same results.
Mobile & Cross-browser compatibility: A big issue with JavaScript programming is the inconsistencies from browser to browser and platform to platform. What you see on IE isn’t necessarily what you will see on Firefox. jQuery removes these inconsistencies and formats your modules the same on all browsers. jQuery is also compatible with mobile web, unlike flash which doesn’t run on iphones or ipads.
Plugins: The most popular aspect of jQuery is the jQuery Plugin Repository. Plugins allow you to extend your websites functionality and enhance the user interface. The repository includes hundreds of downloadable plugin options that can replicate almost any type of functionality.
If you would like some help with custom jQuery design on your next project, contact KnockMedia’s skilled jQuery development team at (800) 889-9316.