jQuery: what is it!?

It is a cross-browser, JavaScript library that makes it easier to code, implement and develop JavaScript in your web projects.

A basic example would be when you want a script to run when a web page is loaded (window.onload). Using existing JavaScript, the page itself could take a while depending on how long it takes for images, content, and banner ads to load and so the script could run prior to content being ready.

By using jQuery, you can use the (document).ready function, thus allowing for all content to be loaded, and once the page is ready, then running the script. jQuery is also very popular for creating 'lightbox' effects on images and image galleries, and countless other nifty uses.

jQuery essentially offers a modern way of implementing and expanding upon JavaScript, and is a handy tool for the web developer who wishes to make slick-looking sites with code that works efficiently.