Here at Silverscape we have embraced JavaScript libraries, especially JQuery. “A JavaScript library is a library of pre-written JavaScript controls which allow for easier development of JavaScript-based applications.” If you are not too familiar the term ‘JavaScript Libraries’, they are most commonly referred to as ‘AJAX’. They make development easier, open up a whole new horizon of opportunities to that were impossible to achieve without Flash before. But my favorite part of JavaScript libraries, JQuery in particular, is their support plug-ins. The core of the library usually covers the, but the entire package is supplemented by many independently developed plug-ins that incorporate features of the core library into packages, extends and even expand their capabilities.

“Almost all JavaScript libraries are released under either a copycenter or copyleft license to ensure license-free distribution, usage, and modification.” Like many others, JQuery is a free, open source library. The number of plug-ins contributed by its users is staggering; there is plug-ins to add custom media players, custom pop-ups, rotate/crop/resize images, change site themes, etc. Any need you might have, chances are that ‘there is an app a plug-in for that”. An interesting side effect to this might be having you boss know about new plug-ins before you do.  :0

JQuery is the most robust and widely used library today and it used by some of the biggest website on the internet such as: Google, Amazon, Twitter, NBC, ESPN, and Bank of America just to name a few. Some of my favorite and commonly used JQuery plug-ins includes:

• Timers
• curved corners
• lazy load
• simple modal
• Lightbox
• scrollTo