jQuery to Vanilla JavaScript: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Transitioning from jQuery to Vanilla JavaScript can seem daunting, but it’s a valuable skill for modern web development. This guide will help you understand the differences and how to convert common jQuery functions to Vanilla JavaScript. Why Switch from jQuery to Vanilla JavaScript? jQuery was once essential for simplifying JavaScript tasks, but modern JavaScript has caught up. Vanilla JavaScript is faster, lighter, and doesn’t require an external library. According to a 2021 survey, 72% of developers prefer using Vanilla JavaScript for new projects. Common jQuery to Vanilla JavaScript Conversions Selecting Elements jQuery:

$('selector')

Vanilla JavaScript:

document.querySelector('selector')

Selecting Multiple Elements

jQuery:

$('selector')

Vanilla JavaScript:

document.querySelectorAll('selector')

Adding Event Listeners jQuery:

$('selector').on('event', function)

Vanilla JavaScript:

document.querySelector('selector').addEventListener('event', function)

Changing CSS

jQuery:

$('selector').css('property', 'value')

Vanilla JavaScript:

document.querySelector('selector').style.property = 'value'

Hiding Elements jQuery:

$('selector').hide()

Vanilla JavaScript:

document.querySelector('selector').style.display = 'none'

Showing Elements

jQuery:

$('selector').show()

Vanilla JavaScript:

document.querySelector('selector').style.display = 'block'

AJAX Requests jQuery:

$.ajax({
  url: 'url',
  method: 'GET',
  success: function(response) {
    // handle response
  }
})

Vanilla JavaScript:

fetch('url')
  .then(response => response.json())
  .then(data => {
    // handle data
  })

Benefits of Using Vanilla JavaScript

Performance: Vanilla JavaScript is faster because it doesn’t need to load an external library.
Control: You have more control over your code and can optimize it better.
Learning: Understanding Vanilla JavaScript helps you become a better developer.

Statistics

Speed: Vanilla JavaScript can be up to 30% faster than jQuery.
Usage: Over 50% of new web projects in 2022 used Vanilla JavaScript instead of jQuery.

Analogy

Think of jQuery as a Swiss Army knife. It’s versatile and useful, but sometimes you just need a single, sharp tool. Vanilla JavaScript is that sharp tool—efficient and to the point.

FAQ

What is the main difference between jQuery and Vanilla JavaScript?

jQuery is a library that simplifies JavaScript tasks, while Vanilla JavaScript is the plain, native JavaScript without any libraries. Is Vanilla JavaScript faster than jQuery?

Yes, Vanilla JavaScript is generally faster because it doesn’t require loading an external library.

Can I use both jQuery and Vanilla JavaScript together?

Yes, but it’s not recommended as it can lead to code redundancy and performance issues.

How do I start converting jQuery to Vanilla JavaScript?

Begin by identifying common jQuery functions in your code and replace them with their Vanilla JavaScript equivalents.

Are there any tools to help with the conversion?

There are online tools and resources that can help you convert jQuery code to Vanilla JavaScript, but manual conversion ensures better understanding and control.

External Links

JavaScript.info - Comprehensive JavaScript tutorials.
MDN Web Docs - Official documentation and guides.
W3Schools JavaScript Tutorial - Beginner-friendly JavaScript tutorials.

By understanding and applying these conversions, you can make your web projects faster and more efficient. Transitioning from jQuery to Vanilla JavaScript is a step towards modern, optimized web development.