JavaScript and jQuery are two programming languages that come under the broad title of Java. Both parts of the fourth generation of computer languages were introduced after C++.
It mainly aids in designing and creating programs and software that ease the life of computer users. It also helps in creating web pages and websites linked to different browsers.
Key Takeaways
- JavaScript is a versatile programming language for creating interactive web content and applications.
- jQuery is a popular JavaScript library that simplifies tasks like HTML document traversal, event handling, and animation.
- Using jQuery can streamline JavaScript development and improve code readability, but it requires an effective understanding of the core language.
JavaScript vs jQuery
JavaScript is a popular programming language used for both front-end and back-end development. It is used to create interactive and dynamic web pages. jQuery is a JavaScript library that simplifies manipulating HTML documents and handling events. It provides a set of functions and methods.
JavaScript is a fourth-generation programming language that is used for the creation of many different software-based programs and also webpages.
For each program a programmer intends to create, they will have to type in each code without fail to get what they planned. They can’t get the codes or even paste them from another source.
jQuery is one of the versions of the fourth-generation language created from Java itself. It is a compilation of many codes that could be taken from jQuery to some other place to complete a part or even entire code.
It has been instrumental in obtaining many additional features that can’t be used in Java-like animations, videos, etc.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | JavaScript | jQuery |
|---|---|---|
| Model and Script Used | ECMA and DOM | DOM alone |
| Code Writing | The more significant amount of time needed | Users can import from the library |
| Compatibility With Browsers | Not compatible with all browsers | Compatible with almost all browsers |
| Time to Complete a Single Program | Greater amount of time needed | Less time |
| Animations | Long codes need to be typed | Codes can be imported |
What is JavaScript?
JavaScript is one of the most commonly used fourth-generation programming languages and has recently gained momentum.
It is used to make websites more user-friendly and also make them responsive to the user properly.
JavaScript helps ensure that websites are constructed in such a way that they are pretty interactive with the users and keeps the user busy in what they intend to do.
It is used with HTML and C++, third-generation programming languages, to construct and design a webpage.
The purpose of HTML and C++ is slightly different from JavaScript. While HTML and C++ design the page, JavaScript makes it lively.
In general, JavaScript has been dubbed another name, client cooperative language.
Even though JavaScript helps make web pages, that isn’t its sole purpose. It is also commonly used for making programming software.
This software can be used on both a personal computer and a desktop. These days, such software can be uploaded onto a few smartphones too.
At times, specific databases also seek the services and capabilities JavaScript provides. One of those databases is CouchDB.
Whenever a browser that is kept linked with JavaScript is opened, JavaScript forms a memory tree with all the webpages and links visited by the user.
JavaScript uses a combination of an interpreter and compiler and an ECMA script and a Document Object Model.
JavaScript tends to be time-consuming as every single code must be written.
Even to add in an animation or a video, the user must type a proper and lengthy code according to their needs.
What is jQuery?
jQuery is one of the versions of Java that provides the base for JavaScript. This is possible as it is created from the basics needed for JavaScript.
jQuery is considered a library of the codes required to develop software and webpages through JavaScript.
It was created by John Resign and released for public use in January 2006 in New York City as part of a launch.
It is a free coding source and can be used by all once they learn how to use it, and there shouldn’t be any problem with coding as jQuery already has all the codes.
It is fast in retrieving the codes and precise as it gets precisely the one we need, and all the features of jQuery are compatible with almost all the browsers available.
The primary purpose of jQuery is that it is the perfect source for codes and therefore makes life easier for people by helping them code.
It is a lightweight JavaScript library with only DOM and no script type like ECMA.
Its user-friendly nature makes it less time-consuming, as all the codes can be easily found.
The user needn’t write the codes to obtain the software that they had intended to get.
If a user wants to add animations or video files, they can just import it from jQuery,, easing out their job.
Main Differences Between JavaScript and jQuery
- JavaScript was the first coding language to be developed in its category, whereas jQuery was built using the codes and methods used for JavaScript. This means that jQuery was built after jQuery.
- jQuery allows users to import animations and video files from its library, so they wouldn’t have to type all the codes by themselves. Still, JavaScript, on the other hand, requires the user to type everything to obtain the required file.
- JavaScript has an ECMA script and a DOM model, whereas jQuery has the model.
- JavaScript can be compared alongside HTML and C++ for creating webpages, whereas it can’t be compared to jQuery as it is a library.
- JavaScript may not be compatible with all browsers, whereas jQuery is cross-compatible.
- https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=gDhVZ35PA8AC&oi=fnd&pg=PT16&dq=+jQuery&ots=oqn557Pbv_&sig=c_K2DbfC6Xi-0VUJBE2VjF_UgV8
- https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-642-14107-2_7
Last Updated : 03 July, 2023
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Sandeep Bhandari holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computers from Thapar University (2006). He has 20 years of experience in the technology field. He has a keen interest in various technical fields, including database systems, computer networks, and programming. You can read more about him on his bio page.
The article is useful for those who need a quick comparison of JavaScript and jQuery.
I would have liked a more in-depth analysis of each.
Absolutely, I found it to be a very good read.
I didn’t find the article as helpful as I expected.
I found this article to be very engaging and interesting.
This article is very insightful and helpful. I wish there were more articles like this one.
Excellent article, very clear and informative.
I couldn’t agree more. The article is very well-written.
I disagree, the article seems to favor jQuery too much. There’s nothing wrong with JavaScript.