Javascript toolkit / starting point better than handcoding?

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Hi there, can anyone recommend a free javascript starter tool that would help end vast amounts of hand coding? Something fairly simple such as: you tell it you want a dropdown menu with 10 options, when to calculate, etc.

I am fairly new to javascript and i understand and have hand coded some things, but it would seem a lot faster if something precoded for me. thanks!
#programming #handcoding #javascript #point #starting #toolkit
  • jQuery simplifies just about about every part of Javascript, and requires a LOT less coding to do the same exact tasks.

    jQuery: The Write Less, Do More, JavaScript Library

    Also there are TONS of jQuery plugins out there, which means that just about any type of widget / functionality you require has already been coded for you.
    • [ 1 ] Thanks
  • Thanks, I'll check it out. What I'm trying to do is fairly simple, I'm sure, with the right tools.
  • Great way to not learn how to program. Honestly, why bother learning to write code if all you want is to have code produced for you? Libraries such as jQuery and MooTools aren't going to teach you anything about programming, all they'll teach you is how to use the library in question.

    What happens when something in the library isn't working as expected, or is somehow bugged because you're trying to use it for something it wasn't supposed to be used for? How will you know what to do? How will you debug it?

    Libraries are there for people with a solid, demonstrable understanding of their given language. They were created for experienced developers to speed up application development, they weren't created for beginners to produce fast apps because they can't be bothered to write code.

    If you're not even interested in learning JavaScript/client-side development, I suppose it doesn't even matter. However, if that were the case you probably wouldn't even be bothering with jQuery.

    Take it from me, don't learn jQuery if you want to learn JavaScript. Don't learn a library if you want to learn programming... code it raw.
    • [1] reply
    • @ SiteSupplier... the OP didn't say they want to learn Javascript, but that they want a "tool that would help end vast amounts of hand coding".

      And for that, jQuery fits the bill perfectly.

      That said, if the OP actually does want to learn coding fundamentals (which I strongly recommend), then it would be just as easy (if not easier) to learn jQuery from scratch as it would be to learn traditional Javascript from scratch.

      If I had to learn one of those from scratch all over again, there's no question which one I'd pick! jQuery, hands down.

      To the OP... if you want to get involved with jQuery, my suggestion would be that you learn basic Javascript / jQuery fundamentals before you start using any of the "copy and paste" plugins out there. That way... whenever you want to customize a plugin (or if you need to troubleshoot a problem), you'll know exactly what to do.
      • [1] reply
  • Even though JQuery is a high level library you'll probably find it too low level still. I think you're looking for an equivalent of WYSIWYG for JavaScript which as far as I'm aware doesn't exist.
    JQuery while abstracting a lot of JavaScript complexity gives you just enough leeway to create bloated, slow code when you don't understand its under the hood workings.

    The guys commented above are most probably JS heavy-hitters and are well aware of
    all the pros and cons and are able to have an articulate banter amongst themselves about it, even. But I'll think we'll see you here again, godinu asking more questions which is aright by me and everyone else, I think.

    All the best!
    • [1] reply
    • Probably the closest thing I've seen to something like that, would be this...

      IxEdit

      I haven't used it personally, but it looks interesting.
      • [1] reply
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    Javascript toolkit / starting point better than handcoding?

    Hi there, can anyone recommend a free javascript starter tool that would help end vast amounts of hand coding? Something fairly simple such as: you tell it you want a dropdown menu with 10 options, when to calculate, etc. I am fairly new to javascript and i understand and have hand coded some things, but it would seem a lot faster if something precoded for me. thanks!