Learning Javascript vs. jQuery

Question

I got the Wrox.Beginning.JavaScript.3rd.Edition and wanted to start learning it from scratch, then my boss came along and said that why bother, learn jQuery. Can I understand jQ

Answer 1

So what's your question? JQuery is a framework built on the top of a language JavaScript. To use JQuery confidently, you should get familiar with JavaScript. JQuery contains a bunch of useful patterns and utils that mask the incompatibilities of the browsers. Using a JavaScript framework make sense as it allows you to focus on your problem instead of the problem of the JavaScript implementations of the browsers.

For further details on JavaScript frameworks, see SO question »Which Javascript framework (jQuery vs Dojo vs … )?«. For learning JavaScript, learn the good parts.

Answer 2

I would say the statement is akin to you reading a C#/VB.Net book and having your boss say "Don't bother, just learn ASP.Net". You really don't get much from the latter without the former.

Answer 3

Maybe your boss is trying to save you some time learning the basics of Javascript and start you off learning jQuery right away but I think this would be a bad idea.

Understanding the basics of javascript is key to using jQuery successfully. jQuery provides shortcuts and solutions to problems (cross browser problems etc) but it is not a language unto it's self.

My advice, learn javascript, learn about handling events in different browsers, inserting in to the DOM and then start using jQuery. You will appreciate it a lot more and be a better coder for it.

Answer 4

jQuery is made from javascript. :)

It would be a very good idea to read the source-code of jQuery to enhance your overall understanding of javascript...

Definitely learn both at the same time :)
Good luck and have fun.

Answer 5

JQuery provides a good layer of abstraction for interacting with DOM elements. You can do a lot of interesting things with it quickly and easily. But there are probably many things that JQuery won't do for you. You'll need to use regular JavaScript for that.

Answer 6

what are U doing? - ofcourse pure JavaScript is better =)