What is it?

jQuery is a javascript framework, it all happens on the client side, and allows developers to enhance the user experience of a website. Scrolling, sliding, fading, etc. it has a lot of cool features that can really add to the overall feel of a website. I've just done my first tuorial tonight and it seems all pretty straight forward.

Here's a short, interesting interview with Karl Swedberg (he runs learningjquery.com):

• http://carsonified.com/blog/dev/jquery/karl-swedberg-on-jquery/

Tutorials

I've used MooTools (another javascript framework) before and found it nice and pleasant to use. Since then, everyone has been raving about jQuery (actually, I'm about 6 months late here), so I looked up a beginners guide to it. The tutorial I did is located here:

• http://woorkup.com/2009/11/22/jquery-for-beginners-making-your-website-cool/

Here's the result of the tutorial (I changed it a little)

Here's a tutorial on how to build  an image/content slider:

• http://cssglobe.com/post/3783/jquery-plugin-easy-image-or-content-slider/

Or you could try searhing twitter for a list of up to date tutorials

• http://twitter.com/#search?q=jquery%20tutorial (it really is a testament to it's popularity when you see the amount of tutorials)

jQuery Plugins

Tripwiremagazine has a list of some plugins for jQuery that are useful (although some can be achieved with css). Here is the link:

• http://www.tripwiremagazine.com/2009/11/is-top-rated-jquery-plugins-the-best.html

Noupe also has a larger list of plugins:

• http://www.noupe.com/ajax/37-more-shocking-jquery-plugins.html

Or you can learn how to create your own:

• http://woorkup.com/2009/11/19/jquery-lesson-series-how-to-implement-your-first-plugin/

Overuse

I've come across a lot of sites that use jQuery just for the sake of it, it does make a site look a little slicker but only when used right. When its overused, it can get really tiresome and completely removes it's impact. I've seen a few sites with only one UI element utilising jQuery that really impressed me.

Conclusion

This is the first time I've used jQuery, and I'm really impressed. The huge interest and large amount tutorials make it look like it's hear to stay. It has easily overtaken MooTools and Scriptalicious and it's developer base is growing rapidly.

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