Whether one should learn JavaScript first or jQuery, has been a conundrum for many years. No one has been able to answer this question with any certainty until now. There is no tool available for converting jquery to javascript, and there is no consensus amongst trainers on which skill should be learnt first. We believe, that there is a strong case to be made for jQuery to be learnt first, because of the following reasons:
- 1. jQuery is a collection of tools, written in JavaScript
- 2. jQuery provides a way of writing JavaScript quicker
- 3. jQuery allows you to do more, with less JavaScript
Especially for beginners who are in a hurry to learn and want to build an interactive gallery or add some animation to their projects, jQuery is definitely the first thing they should master. However, people who want a solid foundation and are willing to put in long hours can start of their learnings with JavaScript.
Popularity of JavaScript
JavaScript is the most popular programming language. When combined with jQuery, it becomes even more formidable due to its added advantages.
jQuery for Initiation into JavaScript Programming
jQuery is a cross-platform JavaScript library, which was designed for simplifying the client-side scripting of HTML. It comes as an open-source software and uses the permissive MIT License. It is the most widely deployed JavaScript library.
Most web developers are familiar with jQuery. They generally know how to use the popular library, however, only a very small fraction knows how jQuery really works internally. It is much easier to learn jQuery than JavaScript and hence, perfect for boosting the confidence of newcomers who may easily be intimidated by the vastness of JavaScript.
jQuery to JavaScript converter
It is possible to convert JavaScript data types with type conversion, however, there is no jQuery to JavaScript converter available in the market.
Pros and Cons of jQuery
Below are the pros of using jQuery:
Simple to Use
This is pretty much the main advantage of using JQuery – it is a lot easier to use. It has simpler syntax and requires less coding to achieve the same results.
Massive library
JQuery, thanks to its massive library, helps you perform a large number of functions.
Better open source Community
JQuery has a very active open source community that actively keeps enhancing its functionality. It has hundreds of pre-written plugins available for download to instantly speed up your development process.
Quality documentation and tutorials
The JQuery website has comprehensive documentation and tutorials which are easy for even a beginner to understand.
Support for Ajax
JQuery allows you to create Ajax templates, which make the interface sleeker and easier to work with.
A few cons of using jQuery
1. Sometimes functionality may be limited
You cannot completely rely on JQuery’s library and will have to use crude JavaScript from time to time.
2. Requirement of JQuery JavaScript file
You have to download the JQuery JavaScript file to run JQuery commands.
Despite the few minor cons, jQuery still remains a powerful tool for creating animations, handling events, and developing Ajax applications. jQuery also enables developers to create plug-ins on top of the JavaScript library. The modular approach to the jQuery library powers the creation of many compelling dynamic web pages and Web applications.
Challenges for beginners Trying to make it Big with JavaScript and jQuery
There are many individuals trying to kick start their careers in the IT industry with JavaScript and jQuery. However, the intensity of competition in the market is so high that most aspirants lose their motivation. Though it is not possible to convert jQuery to JavaScript by making use of a software, it is still possible to beat the competition by gaining the perfect platform.