jQuery
jQuery is a small JavaScript library that became popular for making websites interactive in the late 2000s and early 2010s. It smoothed over browser quirks and made common tasks—like showing/hiding elements, handling clicks, and making AJAX requests—much simpler with a concise, readable syntax. At a time when browsers behaved inconsistently, jQuery was a unifying layer that allowed developers to build rich experiences reliably and quickly.
Official WebsiteMigration Guidance
Modern browsers have standardised, and frameworks like React, Vue, and native Web APIs now cover jQuery's use-cases with better structure and performance. For new projects, prefer modern frameworks or vanilla JavaScript. For existing jQuery code, migrate gradually by replacing widgets and introducing components where it delivers clear value.
When to use jQuery
Today, jQuery is best used for maintaining existing sites that were built with it, or for very small enhancements on pages that don't justify a full framework. If you already have jQuery on a page, it can be pragmatic to use it for a minor feature rather than importing heavier tools.
Why choose jQuery?
Organisations historically chose jQuery because it dramatically reduced development time and worked everywhere. Its plugin ecosystem provided ready-made solutions for widgets like sliders, modals, and date pickers—useful for marketing sites and admin interfaces alike.