Introduction
In the world of software development, Java is one of the most popular programming languages boasting hundreds of frameworks, tools, and libraries. Among the vast array of choices available, we will delve into jQuery and React, the two most popular JavaScript libraries.
Building a visually appealing application that ranks high on user experience is a priority for web developers in all spheres. Consequently, these two JavaScript libraries are available to enhance the functionality and usability of applications.
Though, the main concern lies in choosing the right library for your next project. To help you out, this blog focuses on exploring key differences between jQuery and React and comparing them so you can choose the ideal library for your specific project requirements.
But first, let’s dig a bit deeper into what these two JavaScript libraries actually are.
What Is jQuery?
Founded in 2006, jQuery is the most popular frontend framework that offers simplicity and ease of use. It also saves time from writing extensive JavaScript codes. Further, it can be used to manipulate HTML, DOM, and CSS for optimizing functionality and improving the interactivity of a website.
jQuery is a simple and lightweight JavaScript library that uses less hand-rolled code to improve productivity and maintain code quality and standards. Additionally, it helps create tons of cool effects using very little code.
Moreover, in case you're struggling with the development process, the experienced jQuery community will be always there to help you.
Advantages Of jQuery:
- Flexible DOM for adding and removing the elements
- Simplified HTTP requests sending
- Facilitates dynamic content
- No need to learn a new syntax
- Readable, reusable, clean, and simple coding
- Eliminates writing complex and repetitive loops
- A robust open-source community offering a plethora of tools for faster development
- Seamless template building
Disadvantages Of jQuery:
- Slow working capability
- Numerous advanced alternatives are available
- Due to hidden complicated JavaScript parts, it's challenging to learn the language
- The APIs of the document object model are obsolete
Significant Features Of jQuery:
1. HTML/DOM Manipulation:
It makes manipulating the HTML Document Object Model (DOM) more effortless as well as gives you numerous options for DOM manipulation.
In addition to this, you can select, add, remove, and update any element on a web page to make the process of developing a dynamic web application uncomplicated and less time-consuming.
2. HTML Event Methods:
With HTML event methods, it's easy to handle events such as clicks, hovers, hovers, and form submissions.
3. Simplified AJAX Calls:
It simplifies the process of making Ajax calls by using jQuery.ajax() method to create an asynchronous request to a server and retrieve data. This helps build dynamic and interactive applications efficiently.
4. Cross-Browser Compatibility:
Another substantial feature is its compatibility with nearly all major browsers, even the older versions of Internet Explorer. Hence, jQuery is a popular choice for businesses and developers who need to support multiple devices and platforms.
What Is React?
Developed by Facebook in 2011, React is a well-known open-source, robust, and flexible JavaScript library. It is mainly used to create interactive UI components in a faster and more accurate way.
React offers reusable library code to help cut down the UI development time and reduce the possibilities of errors. In addition to this, using React best practices, programmers can create complex yet user-friendly web pages, large-scale applications, or single-page applications with dynamic appearance.
Besides this, the two important features – Virtual DOM and JSX set React apart from other popular JavaScript libraries or frameworks.
Advantages of React:
- Reusable element for seamless development
- Virtual DOM for high-performative and fast-rendering apps
- Superior productivity and maintenance due to regular updates
- Easy collaboration with other JavaScript libraries
- Can migrate between multiple platforms
- Virtual DOM allows consistent and seamless performance
- Offers advanced and super useful react dev tools
Disadvantages of React:
- JSX syntax concept might be tough to understand at the starting
- Can only build the UI of your app
- Due to multiple and constant updates, it is difficult to document React components properly
- Provides only frontend solutions
Significant Features Of React:
Reusable Components:
With reusable components it allows you to build complex user interfaces by breaking them down into small modular pieces. The ability to reuse components allows speed up the development process and maintain the code easier.
JSX:
JSX is a syntax extension that allows writing HTML-like code in your JS application, which makes manipulation of DOM and the creation of complex user interfaces much easier. It also simplifies visualizing and understanding the code to debug any issues easily.
Open Source:
React is an open-source project which makes it accessible to developers and contributes to its growing community and library of add-ons.
Extensive Library:
With a vast set of components and add-ons, it allows for building incredible user interfaces. With a huge global React community, developers can find pre-built components to promptly use in their app.
Comparison Between jQuery VS React
| Points | jQuery | React |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | Uses traditional DOM, which takes more time to update for large or complex applications. | Uses Virtual DOM, which speeds up the update resulting in better and faster performance. |
| Large Size Application | It’s not ideal for developing large-scale applications and can make code bigger and more complex, which causes issues like slower updates, difficulty in maintaining code, etc. | It’s better suited for large applications due to its component-oriented structure, which makes maintaining code very flexible, and virtual DOM enables large applications to process faster. |
| Usability | Simple and easy to use for creating basic web applications with some styles, an animated navigation menu, a simple contact form, and button-triggered events. | It's straightforward to use for creating complex web applications for mobile devices where multiple views and advanced functionalities are needed. |
| Modern | For more than two decades, jQuery has been making the development process much faster and easier; however, it is not modern in today’s time. | It is a newer platform that comes with many latest updates and can provide more resources and tools making it more relevant and modern. |
| Third-Party Libraries | Have a limited number of NPM packages. | It has a huge number of NPM packages, which means it has a significant number of third-party libraries. |
jQuery VS React: Which One To Choose?
Both of these JavaScript libraries have different capabilities and functionalities.
For instance, if you want dynamic modifications on your website that include animating items or sending AJAX queries, then jQuery can make it possible in an easy way. It will also offer other capabilities like working with the DOM and user experience modification.
On the other hand, React can help develop better user interfaces as it breaks down complex interfaces into smaller and more manageable reusable components. Moreover, with React’s Virtual DOM, updating UI is fast and efficient, which helps avoid slow and high-cost DOM operations.
Finishing It Up
Both jQuery and React are popular JavaScript libraries that can help you build robust and user-friendly interfaces. So, who is the winner in the battle of jQuery vs. React?
Well, if you look at the pros, cons, features, and comparisons, React might seem to be the winner. However, jQuery is still a worthy choice for many cases. So, making a decision completely depends on specific business requirements.
We believe after going through the above insights, you now have an idea of which library to go for depending on your project needs.
If you’d like to discuss your choice of libraries in the JavaScript ecosystem and what you would like to choose between jQuery and React, feel free to connect with Polyxer Systems.
Polyxer Systems is a prominent outsourcing and technology consultancy providing software solutions using advanced technologies and agile methodologies. With our team of skilled developers, we have helped numerous businesses with tailor-made software exceeding their expectations.
So, if you want to build a scalable app using either jQuery or React, we can assist you. Reach out to us to schedule a discovery call today.
