Jquery: New Wave Javascript
Here’s a little gem that has some great possibilities. I stumbled across JQuery on accident, but it has changed my whole outlook on javascript, ajax, and general user interface scripting. It isn’t really the big things that it does either, it’s the small ones, including the subtle reference to DEVO in their site logo.
JQuery is a lightweight javascript library that makes it drop-dead easy to add scripting to your site. It incorporates some basic x-path functionality that make DOM selection and manipulation very easy. You have all the power of CSS 3 selectors and javascript.
The developers call it New Wave JavaScript, and they include a nice little reference to DEVO by using the flower pot hats from their radiation suit costumes in the logo. Personally, my favorite DEVO costume was the action vest – it had some nice touches, like the built in crotch strap. Regardless, using JQuery really does feel “New Wave.”
I’m just learning, but I can see already how the concept of JQuery simplifies and changes my whole outlook on DOM scripting and client side JavaScript. I’m a couple weeks into it, and I already don’t see how I can NOT use it in my projects.
I’d suggest giving it a try. Don’t be fooled by the very lousy site and limited documentation (getting better). This is good stuff. Fire up some DEVO (my favorites include: Gates of Steel, Beautiful World, and We’re Through Being Cool) and give it shot.