Learning jQuery

When it comes to creating a website, mobile application, or desktop software, developers have to ensure that the latest development trends and technologies are factored in in the development process. This is especially the case when building the front-end of any digital product.

And talking about front-end development, jQuery is one of the leading JavaScript libraries for front-end development, thanks to its neat syntax, ease of use, and cross-browser compatibility. jQuery works by compressing multiple lines of JavaScript codes into a single line of code, making HTML document manipulation and traversal, animation, and event handling much simpler.

But despite jQuery being used by over 43% of developers including when building CSGO coinflip
websites, there has been a persistent shortage of jQuery skills the world over, if the number published by EvansData are anything to go by.

But all is not doom and gloom. If you are an inexperienced programmer looking to make a career out of jQuery or simply looking to branch into the library and interactive programming, there are plenty of resources to learn from.

In this article, we have curated a list of the top 8 books about jQuery everyone should read.

• Introducing HTML5

HTML5 is constantly evolving, and so does its uptake by different browsers and HTML5 websites. If you’re an upcoming programmer looking to explore the possibilities of HTML5, its merits and demerits, as well as the aspects that are yet to be adopted, this book by Bruce Lawson and Remy Sharp will serve as an excellent guide.

Other important elements covered in the book include;

• How to apply JavaScript APIs.
• How to use and control native
  multimedia
• The best methods to create more intelligent web forms.
• Details on geolocation, canvas, and offline storage options.
• JQuery in 8 Hour, For Beginners, Learn JQuery fast!

As the name suggests, this book is intended to teach all the JQuery basics in a record 8 hours. Specifically designed for beginners, it covers all the essential JQuery knowledge, and it is laid out in simple, plain language, making it fast and easy to understand.

Under the hood, you will find 80+ practical examples to study and over 100 questions & answers to help beginners with different aspects of jQuery. Other notable mentions inside the book include JQuery Function, Elements Selection, Functions, Events, Effects & Animation, Utility Functions, and Ajax by JQuery.

• jQuery Cookbook

Picture this… 19 highly experienced programmers coming together to develop a guidebook with the most practical jQuery tips and techniques.  And that’s exactly what jQuery cookbook does. Using the experience that they’ve gathered throughout the years, the authors of the book cover even the smallest nuggets you’d ever want to know about the JavaScript library, as well as how to implement them.

But that’s not the best part. The book follows a chronological delivery pattern, which covers the basics first and gradually gets complex as the reader delves deeper into the topics. Still, there are practical scenarios planted all over the book, making it easy to practice what you’ve learned.

• Head First jQuery

Ryan Benedetti is one of the most established and widely-published web developers in the world.  In his Head First jQuery, Ryan is basically trying to take you through all the aspects of the jQuery library in improving frontend programming. Although still ideal for beginners, the book is much more ideal for experienced web developers and owners aiming to spruce up the user-side elements of their websites.

Key among other topics covered in Head First jQuery include:

• Navigating HTML documents.
• Using jQuery functional to
  create visual effects and animations, building forms, and handling
  different events, etc.
• Writing productive AJAX apps.
• Leveraging the power of CSS and HTML.
• Manipulate given data using MySQL, JSON, and PHP.
• Learn JavaScript VISUALLY

Looking to learn your way up the ropes on the basics of JavaScript in a more visual fashion? Learn JavaScript VISUALLY is your go-to book. It covers both basic and deep JS concepts and topics mainly using pictures making it easier to grasp.

• Effective JavaScript: 68
  Specific Ways to Harness the Power of JavaScript

For programmers with a sufficient understanding of the JS basics, this book by David Herman gives you an in-depth tour of how you can effectively use this programming language. Being a seasoned programmer, David Herman shares his cumulative technical experience using practical and elaborate examples, making 68 Specific Ways to Harness the Power of JavaScript one of the best JavaScript books out there.

The book also introduces several other topics touching on JavaScript including floating-point number precision type coercions, and semicolon insertion. It also explores some of the best practices when working with arrays, concurrency, API design, library, functions, and objects.

• Programming JavaScript Applications: Robust Web Architecture with Node, HTML5, and Modern JS Libraries 1st Edition

Unlike most JS books on the market that try to explain how best to use JavaScript, the Programming JavaScript Applications: Robust Web Architecture with Node, HTML5, and Modern JS Libraries book help show how to use JavaScript to create actual applications.

In the initial topics, the book gives you a somewhat in-depth overview of the JavaScript app architecture, as well as explore the basic concepts of functional programming, introduction to prototypes, JS best practices, and object composition.

Along with that, Eric Elliott has an excellent job in covering other areas such as feature toggle systems, REStful APIs, logging, Node basics, authentication, and authorization.

• JavaScript for Kids: A Playful Introduction to Programming

If your little ones are into programming, “JavaScript for Kids: A Playful Introduction to Programming” is an excellent place to start learning the different basic programming concepts.

The book is divided into three main parts:

• Fundamentals – This part covers all the basic elements of JS such as data types, functions, loops, and conditional statements. It also offers details on how your little ones how to create simple HTML web pages and a text-based game titled Hangman.
• Advanced JavaScript – This second part builds on what your little ones have learned in the first part, and it basically teaches them advanced techniques in jQuery including object-oriented programming, running code with timers, and responding to browser events. At the end of it all, there is also a simple task which entails building a game titled Find the Buried Treasure.
• Canvas – The last and final section of the book teaches everything about HTML5 canvas elements, drawing to the canvas, creating animations, and controlling them using the keyboard. At the end of it all, there is an exercise section to create the classic Snake game.

Final Thoughts

There you have it! The best 8 jQuery books in 2021. Whether you’re looking to make the first steps towards learning the ins and outs of the jQuery library, or are simply to enhance your knowledge, we hope our list will help. The good thing is that our list is diversified, and it covers kids, beginners, and experienced programmers, so you shouldn’t have a problem finding the right book.