jQuery and Creating a Compelling Web Experience

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

A project that I am currently working on has a requirement for a series of "pop-up" dialog boxes that display static content. This is a made-to-order call for some client-side scripting using JavaScript. For all you jQuery enthusiasts out there, I will admit I may be a little late to the party. But what a party it is!

In short order, the jQuery library has completely transformed my way of looking at the world of JavaScript. Most of my software development has focused on the server-side and I have tended to regard JavaScript as a somewhat wordy approach for adding punch to a Web site visitor's experience.  jQuery changed all that. Not only do I see this aspect of the presentation of content as essential, I see it as having gotten much more approachable with jQuery.

It's brief but highly readable syntax makes short work of the tasks at hand and the sheer volume of custom libraries available is staggering. I especially appreciate the ability to "chain" functions together in a most efficient manner.

So now, when the topic of enhancing the visitor experience comes up in client meetings, I will not be saying, "that can be done with JavaScript". Instead I'll be saying, "jQuery is the only way to fly".