Introduction

HTML, CSS, and JavaScript are the three fundamental languages of the web. We structure our websites with HTML, style them with CSS, and add interactive functionality with JavaScript. Most animations and any action that happens as a result of a user clicking, hovering, or scrolling are utilized with JavaScript.

jQuery is the “Write Less, Do More” JavaScript library. It is not a programming language, but rather a tool used to vastly simplify writing common JavaScript tasks. jQuery has the added benefit of being cross-browser compatibile, meaning you can be certain the output of your code will render as intended in any modern browser.

By comparing a simple “Hello, World!” example in both languages, we can see the difference of how JavaScript and jQuery are written.

document.getElementById('demo').innerHTML = 'Hello, World!'

$(‘#demo’).html(‘Hello, World!’)

As you can see, jQuery can be easier to read and write than plain JavaScript.

## Goals

This guide assumes no prior knowlegde of jQuery, will cover the following topics:

*   Learn how to install jQuery in a web project.
*   Learn the definitions of important web development concepts such as API, DOM, and CDN.
*   Review common jQuery selectors.
*   Learn about jQuery events and effects, and make some simple, functional examples.

## Prerequisites

Before you begin this guide you'll need the following:

*   A basic knowledge of HTML and CSS. You should already know how to set up a simple website, and have an understanding of CSS selectors such as ids, classes, and pseudo elements.
*   An understanding of the fundamentals of programming. While it is possible to begin writing jQuery without an advanced knowledge of JavaScript, familiarity with the concepts of [**variables and datatypes**](https://www.taniarascia.com/javascript-day-one/) as well as [**math and logic**](https://www.taniarascia.com/javascript-day-two/) will help significantly.

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