Four reasons why Javascript and jQuery are essential

We have come a long way from static websites. In 2014, we expect web applications to be modern, highly interactive and look and feel like desktop applications. Here are four reasons why it is important for a developer to understand and be proficient in Javascript and jQuery:

Applications run in web browsers

A few years ago, people spent a lot of time writing and using desktop applications. Now, most applications are being written to run within the browser: they are called web applications. Most of these web applications rely on Javascript technologies which are widely supported by major browsers such as Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Internet Explorer and mobile browsers such as the ones on Android and iOS. Writing software in Javascript ensures that it will run across many devices and operating systems.

HTML5 applications are dynamic 

Modern websites and web applications are dynamic in nature. Users expect web applications to behave like desktop applications. They expect high-quality user interfaces as well as complex interactions such as touch and slides. HTML5, which is a combination of HTML for markup, CSS for styling and Javascript for behaviour, allows programmers to implement modern features such as the above-mentioned enhanced UI elements as well as access the GPS (geolocation), store data on the client (local storage), animating elements, etc. This requires an in-depth knowledge of Javascript.

jQuery makes Javascript more powerful

jQuery adds many new capabilities to Javascript to make it even more powerful. For examples, using jQuery, a programmer can make AJAX calls and parse XML or JSON data being returned. The programmer can also manipulate the Document Object Model (DOM) within the browser very easily thereby modifying the content of the webpage dynamically. This is used, for instance, to have enhanced navigation capabilities such as drop-down menus, fades, etc.

jQuery is extensible

As jQuery is so pervasive and powerful, a lot of derived projects exist: jQuery Mobile extends jQuery to allow the programmer to implement responsive web sites and apps that are accessible on all smartphones, tablets and desktop devices.  jQuery UI is a set of UI elements (effects, widgets, themes) used to construct highly interactive web applications.

Javascript, jQuery and jQuery Mobile training

At Knowledge7, we are happy to announce that our Web Scripting with Javascript and jQuery training is starting on 11 March. Master Javascript and jQuery to create modern, highly interactive web applications.

Join our Mobile Application Development with HTML5 training, starting on 6 May 2014, and create mobile apps using HTML5, jQuery and jQuery Mobile.