8 replies to this topic

[hetra]

Hello all,

I've been working on my site's UI lately. I've improved it majorly (more efficient, more simple, etc.).

However, I want to know if I should use jQuery, and if so, how much to use it, when to use it, etc.

I have installed jQuery, and it works.

Thank you.

[njr1489]

jQuery is meant to make JavaScript with ease. You should use it if it interests you. There are other JavaScript libraries out there like JS Ext and MooTools which can accomplish the same thing which is why I say that. I use it because I can write JS code much faster.

[hetra]

So use jQuery whenever I would use JavaScript?

[njr1489]

Essentially you could. I'm not saying do it and completely forget about JavaScript (some people actually do this and forget jQuery is simply a library of JavaScript), but do it when it makes your life easier. But then again, 99% of the time I use jQuery, it is much faster than if I were to write plain old JavaScript.

[hetra]

Okay then. However, since jQuery is essentially JavaScript, will this slow down load times?

[BlaineSch]

Hunter100 said:

Okay then. However, since jQuery is essentially JavaScript, will this slow down load times?

Yes, it takes time to load the jQuery file, extra overhead since your jQuery funciton calls other functions.

However, it does make your code a ton cleaner, you can write code faster, so in most cases the benefits out weigh the slower load times, especially if you are already using it.

[njr1489]

Well it depends what you write. I did hear though that jQuery will have less load times if you specify your selectors better. IE:

$('div#header')

would load faster than

$('#header')

because it singles out elements by narrowing down its targets. But here's definite help for making jQuery faster: 10 Ways to Instantly Increase Your jQuery Performance | Nettuts+

[hetra]

Thanks for the advice and that link.

But, do you think the end-users might grow tired of too much JavaScript (whether it is jQuery, Moo Tools, Prototype, etc.)?

All my other questions have been answered though, so thank you.

[njr1489]

Maybe if you cram your pages with unnecessary effects, actions, etc. that do nothing for the user to accomplish their task (like adding annoying dialog boxes for the hell of it), then yeah. Otherwise, I find it really useful as these JS libraries can help me build pages that are dynamic, content-driven, etc. without moving from page to page so much.