jQuery is a popular JavaScript library that makes it easier to build websites. The word jQuery means “JavaScript Query,” which refers to how it helps find and work with elements on a webpage.
It is not a JavaScript framework, but a JavaScript library, which means it adds extra tools to make coding faster and easier. With jQuery, you can do things like:
- Show or hide elements
- Create smooth animations
- Handle user actions (like clicks)
Send and receive data without refreshing the page (using Ajax)
Make your website work better across different web browsers
jQuery is widely used because it saves time and reduces the amount of code you need to write.
What does JQuery do exactly?
jQuery simplifies how you handle website behavior. It helps you respond to user actions, update content without reloading the page, show or hide elements, and manage animations or effects — all in fewer lines of code. It also solves many browser compatibility issues, making your site work smoothly across different browsers. Instead of writing complex JavaScript, jQuery lets you do the same tasks faster and with cleaner syntax.
Why Use jQuery?
jQuery is a popular JavaScript library that makes it easier to build interactive and user-friendly websites. Instead of writing long and complex JavaScript code, developers can use simple jQuery commands to add powerful features.
Here are the main reasons to use jQuery:
- Simplifies JavaScript Coding
jQuery reduces the amount of code you need to write. Common tasks like showing or hiding elements, changing content, or adding effects become much easier and faster to do.
- Easy DOM Manipulation
With jQuery, you can easily select and modify HTML elements on a webpage (called the DOM). This helps in updating content, changing styles, or even creating dynamic pages without much effort.
- Smooth Animations and Effects
jQuery comes with built-in animations like fade, slide, and smooth transitions. You can make your website look more modern and engaging without creating these animations from scratch.
- Simplified Event Handling
Handling user actions like clicks, form submissions, or mouse movements becomes very simple with jQuery. This improves website interactivity and user experience.
- AJAX Made Easy
jQuery makes it very easy to use AJAX, which allows you to load data from the server without refreshing the page. This leads to faster and smoother websites.
- Cross-Browser Compatibility
One of the best features of jQuery is that it works the same on all modern browsers. You don’t need to worry about browser-specific bugs or differences in code.
JQuery All Versions Explained
- Types of jQuery Versions
jQuery versions are divided into three main categories:
- Legacy Versions (1.x Series)
First jQuery versions.
- Supports very old browsers like Internet Explorer 6.
- Useful for old websites.
- Slower and not recommended for new websites.
- jQuery 2.x Series
- Improved performance.
- Removed support for old browsers like IE 6, 7, and 8.
- Best for modern browsers at that time.
- jQuery 3.x Series (Latest Stable)
- Current main version.
- Supports all modern browsers.
- Faster, safer, and includes the latest features.
- Regularly updated for security and performance.
Which version of JQuery is used in today?
- Current jQuery Version
As of today, the latest stable version of jQuery is 3.7.1. This version is used by most modern websites.
- Why jQuery 3.x is Popular Today?
Fast and lightweight
- Supports all modern browsers
- Better security
- Regular updates and bug fixes
- How to Check the Latest Version?
You can always find the latest jQuery version on the official website:
Conclusion
In simple words, jQuery is a helpful tool for web developers. It makes working with websites easier and faster. Instead of writing long and difficult JavaScript code, you can use short and simple jQuery commands to add animations, handle user actions, and update content without refreshing the page.
jQuery also solves browser compatibility problems, so your website looks and works the same on all modern browsers. The latest version, jQuery 3.7.1, is safe, fast, and trusted by many developers today.
Even though modern JavaScript is very powerful, jQuery is still useful for beginners and older websites because it saves time and reduces coding effort.
FAQ
- What is jQuery?
jQuery is a free JavaScript library that makes it easier to build websites. It helps you do common tasks like showing or hiding content, adding animations, handling user actions (like clicks), and loading data without refreshing the page.
Instead of writing long and complex JavaScript code, you can use simple jQuery commands to get the same results. It also helps fix browser issues so your website works well everywhere.
In short, jQuery saves time and makes web development easier, especially for beginners.
- Is jQuery still used in 2025?
Yes, many websites still use jQuery in 2025, especially older websites and simple projects. However, for new advanced projects, developers often use modern JavaScript or frameworks like React or Vue.
- What is the main benefit of using jQuery?
The biggest benefit of jQuery is that it makes coding faster and easier. You can do common tasks like showing/hiding elements, animations, and AJAX requests with simple commands.