Would you like to become a front-end web developer? Do you already have knowledge of HTML, JavaScript and CSS? If so, your next step is to learn jQuery . You are probably wondering “What is jQuery” “.
What is jQuery?
Simply put, jQuery is a JavaScript library that can do a lot with just a little code . This makes things like event handling, animation, and HTML document traversing a lot easier. jQuery was primarily developed for people with little programming experience.
Accordingly, it is relatively easy to understand and use. If you want to become a world class JavaScript programmer, you should take some time to learn jQuery.
I have put together the best tips for you. Here we go!
Tip 1: take an online course
If you’re looking for a way to learn jQuery quickly and efficiently, then the best tip is to sign up for a good online course. Why? Because they are very user-friendly and allow you to learn the content at your own pace. You can also go back to difficult concepts and edit them again if you want to brush up on them again. If you don’t currently have enough money to cover the cost of an online course, you can even apply for a scholarship!
LerneProgrammierung recommends you to start with the jQuery quick start. In this course you will get a comprehensive overview of jQuery and its use. With clear instructions, you’ll quickly learn how to create a perfect dynamic website with minimal effort.
Tip 2: Good JavaScript basics
jQuery is based on JavaScript. So it is important to make sure that you have a good knowledge of JavaScript before even looking at jQuery. It is certainly possible to learn jQuery without knowledge of JavaScript, but it is much more difficult.
If you don’t know that much about JavaScript, you should start with an introductory course, such as the interactive JavaScript tutorial. There you will get an overview of the basics and how to use JavaScript. You can write the code directly in the browser. If you don’t have time to work through the entire JavaScript tutorial, then at least take a quick look at our tutorial video. The most important JavaScript concepts are presented here in an easy-to-understand form. Conveniently, you can simply watch the video on mobile devices and use it on your way to work or university on the bus or train.
Having a JavaScript manual on hand is also very useful when you encounter unknown elements in the syntax or conventions.
Tip 3: learn jQuery with a cheat sheet
If you really want to learn jQuery, it is important to familiarize yourself with a number of different resources. For example, a cheat sheet is a great way to get the most out of an online course. You don’t have to know everything about jQuery to use it. It’s much more important to be familiar with resources that you can use if you don’t understand concepts or ideas. You can use a cheat sheet to make sure you understand everything in the course. You don’t have to know everything in your head, but you do need to know enough to understand your cheat sheet and, when in doubt, use it to look up something.
Tip 4: Understand the difference between ID and classes in HTML
You can use jQuery to modify your HTML source code directly. To do this, however, it is important that you understand a little about HTML and how it interacts. There are two attributes that you can change with jQuery – ID attributes and class attributes. These are both very different things and need to be treated as such.
Let’s take a look at the ID attributes first. If you write a code in HTML, you can add an ID attribute to important elements. They are unique and can only be used for one element per page. The jQuery syntax for addressing an element with a specific ID is $ (‘# elementID’). Make sure to write down the # prefix you use to select the ID.
HTML class attributes are slightly different. They are less selective and are used much more frequently. Class attributes can be assigned to any element on a page – including those with an ID. They can be assigned to as many elements as necessary. This is very useful, for example, to group similar elements. The jQuery syntax for addressing an element according to classes is (“.elementClass“). The prefix “. “Is used to select the classes.
If your HTML and CSS skills are a bit rusty, you can work on them again while you learn jQuery. Take a look at our beginners course to brush up on the basics of HTML, CSS and web development.
Tip 5: learn how to store selectors in variables
This tip may only make sense once you’ve started learning jQuery. It’s important to learn how to cache selectors efficiently. In the case of intermediate storage, a variable is saved that you can refer to again and again. So jQuery does not have to search for the information every time you call a certain object with a selector. Your programs will run faster as a result.
When choosing a variable name for your cached selector, you should be careful to use prefixes to identify the variable as a jQuery object. Most jQuery selectors are prefixed with $. Therefore it is easier to always use the same syntax when naming variables with jQuery objects. A line of code in which a selector is stored in a variable could look like this:
var $selektorVariable = $(‘selektierteElemente’);
As you can see, the selection variable is marked as a jQuery object, making your code easier to follow. If you want to learn more about jQuery selectors and how to use them, visit our jQuery tutorials page.
Tip 6: Learn how to distinguish between attributes and properties
Back to HTML for a moment. You may not have been aware of it until now, but HTML attributes and properties are two completely different things. It is important to distinguish between the two, as the jQuery methods differ depending on the handling method. Attributes can only have so-called string values and are determined by the HTML source code. The syntax for using attributes is ().
Properties are different. They are defined by the DOM (Document Object Model) and can have values of any type. They are handled with the prop () method.
So anything that only accepts string values can be changed with the attr () method, while everything that accepts other values, including numbers or Boolean values, has to be processed with the prop () method.
If you’d like to learn more about these and other methods, visit a page on jQuery syntax. There you can take a closer look at prop (), attr (), and a number of other methods.
Tip 7: don’t be afraid to ask for help
If you were one of those people who thought you could learn jQuery quickly, but gave up because it was “too difficult”, then you should try again. As a JavaScript library, jQuery can be one of the most important tools in your programming toolkit. There are millions of people worldwide who are fluent in jQuery. So if you have any questions or problems, you will surely find help if you look for it.
Online forums are places where people share programming and coding problems to help each other and interact. If you post your jQuery question in a relevant forum, someone will almost certainly be able to help you. Two good places to go are the official jQuery forum and the jQuery forum at Stack Overflow.
Tip 8: Make sure you are using the latest version of jQuery
jQuery is constantly changing as the library is constantly being developed by an active development team. If you want your jQuery experience to be the best, make sure you learn the latest version of jQuery. At the time of writing this article, 3.4.1 is the latest version. This contains a number of updates from previous versions.
If you have any doubts or questions about the current version, you can simply read the official jQuery 3.0 upgrade manual to see what changes have been made.
Tip 9: learn the jQuery plugins
Plugins are great. Regardless of whether you use WordPress, Shopify, jQuery, or any other program to build a website, plugins are sure to be among your best friends. If you want to use jQuery regularly, there are a few plugins you should know about. The best way to learn about jQuery plugins is to use the jQuery UI library and the jQuery plugin tab (surprise!). Pretty much anything you can think of can be found here.
You can use jQuery plugins for a lot of different things. Some are designed to solve problems on web pages, while others are used for specific functions or simple tasks. It’s best to have a look around in one of the libraries just mentioned.
Tip 10: Connect with other jQuery users
An essential part of learning how to use a programming language or library is networking with other interested learners. You can get in touch with other people via one of the forums described above and look for solutions to problems together. However, sometimes it is more helpful to meet people in person.
The best way to learn jQuery from other people is by networking with a local programming group. You are sure to find groups or events near you on Facebook. You can join any group that sounds interesting, even if it’s not directly a jQuery group. In many JavaScript or front-end web development groups, you are sure to find people with jQuery experience. Such groups are a place for exchange and discussion.
Alternatively, you can try Meetup. Here you will also very often find groups on the topic of programming, no matter where you are in the world. Even if there isn’t a specific jQuery group where you live, you are sure to find a group of front-end developers who meet regularly. There is also a great chance that at least a few of the members are very qualified and can help you with jQuery.
Summary
You can use HTML, CSS and JavaScript. What is the next step on your way to becoming a frontend web developer? jQuery!
jQuery is a general purpose JavaScript library that can be used for quite a lot. The best front-end web developers in the world use jQuery on a regular basis.
You should first make sure that you are familiar with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript as you will need all three languages when using jQuery. Then choose a good online course and work through it carefully. Manuals will help you understand the intricacies of using jQuery. You should also not underestimate networking with the jQuery community.
Make your jQuery learning process step by step. Notes are great for learning, and by researching and using additional resources, you can better understand even difficult concepts.
