Does JavaScript Make More Sense Than jQuery?

[Glese]

I am only able to learn languages which make sense and are not architectonic.

 

Since JavaScript became overhauled would you recommend to me, to learn that instead of jQuery which is still considered architectonic?

 

How does JavaScript compare to jQuery when creating for example a tooltip field, or a tabbed menu?

[joe92]

JavaScript has not become overhauled. It has simply been left aside as people would rather use the framework of JavaScript, jQuery, than learn actual JavaScript. This is mainly because there are a lot of cross browser compatibility issues with pure JavaScript which are all ironed out in the functions of jQuery.

 

Its just a matter of choice. Learn the core language, or learn the framework which utilises it?

[Adam]

First off, jQuery is JavaScript wrapped in a framework. Though understanding JS is not essential to write jQuery, as the framework wraps a lot of the main constructs really well. Personally though I would say having at least a foundational knowledge before hand will benefit you, from debugging to writing more efficient scripts. Also understanding the DOM, objects, etc. will give you a better insight as to how it works under the hood, and ultimately make better use of it.

 

Creating a tooltip field or tabbed menu will inevitably be faster with jQuery, because that's what it's designed for. One of the major benefits is that it deals with all the browser quirks  and handles what would probably be quite drawn out with vanilla JS -- doesn't mean understanding JS itself isn't a good idea though.

 

[Glese]

JavaScript has not become overhauled. It has simply been left aside as people would rather use the framework of JavaScript, jQuery, than learn actual JavaScript. This is mainly because there are a lot of cross browser compatibility issues with pure JavaScript which are all ironed out in the functions of jQuery.

 

Its just a matter of choice. Learn the core language, or learn the framework which utilises it?

As stated I have a knack for learning languages which make more sense to me, and I am perceiving jQuery as still architectonic and still in development, correct me if I am wrong. Would you recommend learning JavaScript rather with a framework like MooTools?

 

Regarding creating a tooltip field or a tabbed menu, it is true it may be easier in jQuery. Though the question is, does it make more sense in JavaScript with a framework for example?

 

I hope it is clear what I mean by a sense making language, a language which is readable and makes sense quickly.

[joe92]

I think you are missing the point here. JavaScript is a programming language. jQuery is not a programming language, JQuery is a framework of the language JavaScript. Essentially, jQuery is a massive library of functions which are written in JavaScript. It exists to save you time. MooTools is also a framework/library of JavaScript.

 

With regards to making a tooltip field. I would use CSS for that - http://sixrevisions.com/css/css-only-tooltips/

Live examples of CSS tooltips

 

As for creating a tabbed menu. It depends entirely on what you want the tabbed menu to do. If its something fancy, you will most likely end up using a combination of CSS and JavaScript (or jQuery). This guy has compiled a massive list of cool menu's to look at - http://www.1stwebdesigner.com/css/38-jquery-and-css-drop-down-multi-level-menu-solutions/

 

And, finally, in regards to learning JavaScript, I would say at least learn some before you use a framework. Learn how JavaScript works and how to make simple functions. Else you'll never understand why your framework works like it does (and even then, you'll most likely still have difficulties understanding some of it). Also, if you understand JavaScript yourself, you'll be able to whip up simple functions in just as much time as it would take to find to find it in the library.

 

Hope that clears things up,

Joe

[Glese]

Thanks for clearing everything up.