Prototype

Battle for the Better JavaScript Libraryin a Web 2.0 World

Robert Lin WHIM Spring 2008

jQueryvs

Pre-2004

Browser Market Share

Source: Wikipedia

Which Browser Reigns King?(2002)

Browser Market Share

Source: W3Counters

Which Browser Reigns King?(Today- 2008)

CROSSCOMPATABILITY

MATTERS!

Today

JavaScript Library Market Share

Source: Ajax Experience Conference (The Ajaxian)

JavaScript Library Popularity

Source: Google Trends

Why are Libraries Important?

• Cross-browser compatibility• Easy-to-use transition animations and effects– Moves web to a more direct manipulation model of user

interaction

• Chaining makes complex functionality readable• Robust AJAX handling• Standardized API for outside developers• Overall, streamlined access to the DOM– Confused about DOM?

Code Demonstration

Old School

Prototype Syntax Sample

jQuery Syntax Sample

Just Say No!

DON’T DO IT

!!!

Go!

Prototype:http://www.prototypejs.org/

jQuery:http://jquery.com/