In a world where web development is at the vanguard, client-side scripting has too contributed the web development. Many developers added interactive elements to make their sites more interesting and attractive.
As client-side scripting is served within the client browser to make their task easier, there are plenty of tools available in the market. jQuery and jQuery UI are two of the most popular tools that clarify tasks of client-side scripting.
Key Takeaways
- jQuery is a lightweight JavaScript library that simplifies HTML document traversal, manipulation, and event handling. At the same time, jQuery UI is a library built on top of jQuery to provide user interface components and interactions.
- jQuery provides the foundation for DOM manipulation and AJAX, while jQuery UI offers advanced UI features such as widgets, themes, and effects.
- To use jQuery UI, you must first include the jQuery library, as jQuery UI relies on its core functionality.
jQuery vs jQuery UI
jQuery provides a set of APIs that allow developers to easily select and manipulate HTML elements, handle events, and create animations and effects. jQuery UI provides a collection of user interface widgets and effects that are built on top of jQuery. jQuery UI includes a variety of UI components such as buttons, dialogues, sliders, and date pickers.
jQuery simplifies client-side scripting as it is a JavaScript library. Its main purpose is to use JavaScript easily on the website. jQuery was created by John Resign at BarCamp NYC in January 2006.
Now, it is maintained by Timmy Willison with his developer’s team. Before start studying jQuery, one should have at least primary knowledge of the subjects including HTML, JavaScript, and CSS.
jQuery UI is a set of widgets and interaction library which is built on top of jQuery. It helps users to build an interactive web application.
It helps make the website more responsive on every browser as it works on the development of a user interface that is completely based on HTML.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of comparison | jQuery | jQuery UI |
|---|---|---|
| Published | September 2007 | August 2006 |
| Type | JavaScript library | Plug-in |
| Usage | For more advanced work | For basic user interface demand |
| Popularity | In Germany, United States, Japan and other countries | It has not got primacy over jQuery in any country |
| Companies | Used by Uber, twitter, stackshare and reddit | Used by typeform, web site, accenture and pedidosYa |
What is jQuery?
jQuery has the motto to “write less, do more”, as it makes it easier to use JavaScript on a website. It is a lightweight JavaScript library that simplifies complicated things from JavaScript, such as DOM manipulation and AJAX calls.
jQuery collects tasks that require several lines of JavaScript code to fulfil and presents them into a single line of code.
In the market, there are plenty of other JavaScript libraries, but jQuery is popular among them and also extendable. Because most of the biggest companies, such as Google, IBM, Netflix, Microsoft, and much more, use jQuery on their web.
Even if there are cross-browser issues, jQuery runs just the same in all major browsers.
When it comes to the license, it was initially licensed under the CC BY-SA 2.5 and, in 2006, relicensed under MIT.
Later, it was licensed under GPL and MIT, or it can be said that it is dual-licensed. In 2012, the GPL was dropped, and as a result, it is now licensed under the MIT license.
jQuery has plenty of features some of them are CSS manipulation, lightweight, Event handling, less code requirement, DOM manipulation, Support CSS3, built-in animation, JavaScript library, cross-browser support, and it is easier to use JavaScript, which makes it simple and easy to use.
What is jQuery UI?
jQuery UI is an assemblage of themes, GUI widgets, and animated visual effects, which are built on top of jQuery (a JavaScript library).
It is a perfect choice because it does not matter whether you add a date picker or you build any highly interactive web application it will help in building them.
When it comes to appearance, it appears like an old version of browsers as it looks like aged and old fashion.
It can be categorized into interactions (set plug-ins to interact with DOM), widgets (plug-ins help to create user interface), effects (contain transition for DOM and custom animation), and utilities (modular tools).
When it comes to popularity, it is the second most popular in terms of the JavaScript library, as it is used on over 197,000 of the top million websites. This data is analyzed by the JavaScript analytics service of Libscore.
jQuery UI has notable users, including Netflix, IMDb, The Huffington Post, Pinterest, and PayPal.
jQuery UI has some of the features which make it prominent to use, such as good documentation, theme mechanism, development of interactive web applications, browser support, stability, open-source, maintenance-friendly, and free to use.
It can be said that these features of jQuery play a significant role in gaining its popularity.
Main Difference Between jQuery and jQuery UI
- If someone wants to use jQuery UI, there should be jQuery installed on the device. On the other hand, to use jQuery, there is no need to install jQuery UI on the device.
- jQuery was developed by “The jQuery Team”, whereas its original author is John Resig. In contrast, the developers of jQuery UI are Scott Gonzalez, Paul Bakaus, Mike Sherov, Felix Nagel, Jorn Zaefferer, and Rafael Xavier de Souza.
- jQuery is capable of a wide variety of things to make it easier for the user in such a way that there is no need to script function every time in JavaScript, while jQuery provides its own set of features to cater to the specific need.
- When it comes to website categories such as Computer Electronics and Technology and other categories, jQuery has dominant usage coverage of the jQuery UI in the category of the website.
- jQuery is required when the work contains custom code and interactions. On the flip side, jQuery UI is beneficial for primary needs as it speeds up the process and twists coding.
- https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=gDhVZ35PA8AC&oi=fnd&pg=PT16&dq=jQuery&ots=oqlc04Oap4&sig=yh1LIZqm6IOeM-qNmuggweuazEg
- https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=gDhVZ35PA8AC&oi=fnd&pg=PT16&dq=jQuery&ots=oqlc04Oap4&sig=yh1LIZqm6IOeM-qNmuggweuazEg
Last Updated : 01 August, 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 effectively presents the comparison between jQuery and jQuery UI, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of their differences.
I found the overview of jQuery UI’s features to be informative. It’s beneficial to understand the range of functionalities offered by the UI library.
Indeed, the article does a great job at providing a clear picture of which tool to use based on different needs.
The detailed information regarding the features of jQuery and jQuery UI is impressive. The explanation of how jQuery simplifies client-side scripting and the widgets provided by jQuery UI make it easier to understand their uses.
Absolutely, and the inclusion of notable users of jQuery UI was quite enlightening.
Totally agree. It’s fascinating to know the real-world applications of these tools.
The article does an excellent job at explaining the key characteristics of both jQuery and jQuery UI. It’s impressive to see that top companies like Uber and Twitter make use of jQuery, making it a trusted tool in the market.
I completely agree. Additionally, the information provided on the changes in jQuery’s license is particularly useful.
The information given about the licensing changes for jQuery is detailed and provides a good historical insight into its development.
The breakdown on what jQuery and jQuery UI are used for is very clear. It makes it easier for beginners to understand the purposes of these tools.
Agreed. I found the explanation on jQuery UI features and their categorization particularly helpful.
The content covers the key aspects of both jQuery and jQuery UI, offering a comprehensive understanding of their roles in web development.
The article succeeds in explaining both jQuery and jQuery UI’s purposes effectively, making it easier for someone with a preliminary knowledge of web development to grasp their benefits.
I agree, and the insight into the purpose of jQuery UI in building an interactive web application was particularly enlightening.
The breakdown of features for both jQuery and jQuery UI is impressive. It’s made clear how each tool serves a different purpose in a web development environment.
Yes, and it’s helpful to understand the clear distinction between what each tool offers.
The table showing the comparison between jQuery and jQuery UI is really insightful. It’s a great way to understand the differences between the two.
The information provided about jQuery and jQuery UI’s popularity and notable users adds value to the article by showing their real-world impact.
Indeed, knowing the real-world applications makes the content more relatable and interesting.
I completely agree. It’s fascinating to see the widespread adoption of these tools.