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Web Developer Resource Index: Libraries

JavaScript Libraries, or frameworks, are sets of pre-written, bundled, and related code and data, usually with a single objective by design. By incorporating (loading or linking to) them ito your pages, it typically results in the simplification of what are often tedious tasks. Well designed and implemented JavaScript libraries can significantly increase the productivity of the developer.

Examples of library categories include Ajax, CSS, DOM traversal and manipulation, special effects and generating dynamic user-interfaces. General purpose libraries fit into one or more than one of these categories, and/or are extensible through a plug-in architecture.

Complex libraries are often shipped “minified,” meaning all extraneous whitespace and comments are stripped out of the code. This results in a smaller footprint and shorter download times, but makes the source code very difficult to read and understand. However, library authors will usually make the original version available for development environments, allowing the user to read, study, and alter the library to improve it, repair bugs, and so on, while the minimized version is reserved for staging and production.

JavaScript is incredibly popular these days. The quantity and quality of Libraries, and development, API, effects, and Ajax frameworks, have exploded in the past few years. For that reason, and because it was getting a little crowded downstairs, I’ve created this sub-category.

I’ve also taken the time to evaluate most of them—and in my opinion (I’m not alone in this assessment)—jQuery is a real standout. You don’t even have to host it yourself any longer, let Google do it for you.

Updated: Friday, January 16th, 2009 @ 12:41 AM EST

Programming:Languages:JavaScript:Libraries {0}(12)[75]

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Resources

1.jQuery

"Write less, do more," jQuery is a fast and concise JavaScript Library that simplifies HTML document traversing, event handling, animating, and Ajax interactions for rapid web development. jQuery is designed to change the way that you write JavaScript. [1700]
★★★★★
URI:http://jquery.com/
Author:
John Resig
[2]
Reviewed:Wednesday, November 12th, 2008 @ 4:49 AM EST
by:
Douglas Clifton

jQuery ajax code css dom framework javascript jquery library programming
2.Prototype

A JavaScript framework that aims to ease development of dynamic Web applications. Featuring a unique, easy-to-use toolkit for class-driven development and the nicest Ajax library around, Prototype is quickly becoming the codebase of choice for developers. [1600]
★★★★★
URI:http://prototype.conio.net/
Author:
Sam Stephenson
[1]
Reviewed:Wednesday, November 12th, 2008 @ 4:49 AM EST
by:
Douglas Clifton

Prototype ajax developer framework javascript library
3.jQuery UI

Provides abstractions for low-level interaction and animation, advanced effects and high-level, themeable widgets. Built on top of the jQuery JavaScript library, you can use it to build highly interactive Web applications. Hosted by Google Code Ajax API. [1879]
★★★★☆
URI:http://ui.jquery.com/
Author:
jQuery UI Team
[1]
Reviewed:Friday, January 16th, 2009 @ 12:41 AM EST
by:
Douglas Clifton

jQuery UI api google javascript jquery user-interface
4.Ext JS

Although Ext appears to be a commercial software house, their flagship product is a high-performance, open-source, cross-browser JavaScript library designed for building RIAs. The documentation is thorough and there are plenty of examples to work from. [1816]
★★★★☆
URI:http://extjs.com/products/extjs/
Author:
Ext
[1]
Reviewed:Wednesday, November 12th, 2008 @ 7:20 AM EST
by:
Douglas Clifton

Ext JS javascript library open-source performance ria user-interface
5.Google Code: Ajax Libraries API

A CDN and loading architecture for the most popular open-source JavaScript libraries. By using the Google Ajax API Loader's google.load() method, your application has high speed, globally available access to a growing list of these popular frameworks. [1804]
★★★★☆
URI:http://code.google.com/apis/ajaxlibs/
Author:
Google Code
[2]
Reviewed:Wednesday, November 12th, 2008 @ 4:49 AM EST
by:
Douglas Clifton

Google Code: Ajax Libraries API ajax api cdn code framework google javascript library open-source programming
6.General Interface

GI is an open-source, browser-based Ajax/JavaScript IDE and code library designed for rapid development of Rich Internet Applications (RIA) that look and feel like desktop GUI apps. Supports XML, SOAP, JavaScript/JSON and other HTTP accessible services. [1738]
★★★★☆
URI:http://tibco.com/devnet/gi/
Author:
Kevin Hakman
[1]
Reviewed:Wednesday, November 12th, 2008 @ 4:49 AM EST
by:
Douglas Clifton

General Interface ajax browser gui http ide javascript json library open-source ria soap xml
7.Ajax/DHTML Library Scorecard

A well-researched overview and history of JavaScript, browsers and the DOM, followed by an in-depth look at all the major JavaScript libraries currently available (a list that can change tomorrow). The author is aware of this, and plans frequent updates. [1663]
★★★★☆
URI:http://musingsfrommars.org/2006/03/ajax-dhtml-library-scorecard.html
Author:
Leland Scott
[1]
Reviewed:Wednesday, November 12th, 2008 @ 4:49 AM EST
by:
Douglas Clifton

Ajax/DHTML Library Scorecard ajax browser dhtml dom framework history javascript library
8.Prototype Dissected

Although Prototype is an excellent JavaScript code library, one of the complaints many developers have is the lack of quality documentation. Jonathan has put together an excellent resource/cheatsheet here that details every available method and property. [1651]
★★★★☆
URI:http://www.snook.ca/archives/000531.php
Author:
Jonathan Snook
[2]
Reviewed:Wednesday, November 12th, 2008 @ 4:49 AM EST
by:
Douglas Clifton

Prototype Dissected ajax framework javascript library reference
9.moo.fx

A lightweight (< 3k) JavaScript effects library built with Prototype.js, moo.fx is fast, cross-browser, standards compliant, and provides controls to modify height, width, and opacity. Designed for simplicity, it allows you to do more with less code. [1641]
★★★★☆
URI:http://moofx.mad4milk.net/
Author:
Valerio Proietti
[1]
Reviewed:Wednesday, November 12th, 2008 @ 4:49 AM EST
by:
Douglas Clifton

moo.fx code javascript library performance standards
10.ASK: Ajax Source Kit

Designed as a simple way to get content onto your page through asynchronous JavaScript and XMLHttpRequest, without sacrificing accessibility or usability. In short, ASK is cross-platform/browser, degrades nicely and doesn't break the back/forward buttons. [1640]
★★★★☆
URI:http://robertnyman.com/ask/
Author:
Robert Nyman
[1]
Reviewed:Wednesday, November 12th, 2008 @ 4:49 AM EST
by:
Douglas Clifton

ASK: Ajax Source Kit accessibility ajax dom framework javascript library programming usability
11.script.aculo.us

A fantastic Ruby on Rails code library for building widgets (controls) and creating special effects built on top of the Prototype JavaScript framework. Have a look at Ajax autocompletion, drag and drop shopping cart, and ghostly sortable lists. Slick! [1601]
★★★★☆
URI:http://script.aculo.us/
Author:
Thomas Fuchs
[1]
Reviewed:Wednesday, November 12th, 2008 @ 4:49 AM EST
by:
Douglas Clifton

script.aculo.us framework javascript library ror ruby
12.Dojo

An open-source JavaScript toolkit that helps you build serious applications in less time. It fills in the gaps where JavaScript and browsers don't go quite far enough, and gives you powerful, portable, and tested tools for constructing dynamic interfaces. [1597]
★★★★☆
URI:http://dojotoolkit.org/
Author:
Alex Russell
[1]
Reviewed:Wednesday, November 12th, 2008 @ 4:49 AM EST
by:
Douglas Clifton

Dojo ajax javascript library user-interface