I’ve recently been working on streamlining my website and leaning up my HTML and Javascript. I’ve already begun replacing the MS Ajax.Net JavaScript on my site with jQuery JavaScript, and now I’m looking at some of the html I’m using for things like popups, tab controls, and buttons.
JQuery UI was brought to my attention a few weeks ago and I’ve been studying it for a while but I’m afraid to jump right into it. I like the theming and I like that it uses “sprite” like CSS magic for icons. But I’ve noticed the CSS rounded corners don’t work in IE.
So I’m wondering, have/do any of you currently use jQuery UI? If so, what parts are you using? Have you customized it any? What are some pros and cons you’ve run into?
Thank you for your answers in advance.
Incidentally, I started using jQuery today for the first time 🙂 I am only new to jQuery, but I’ve dealt with enough JavaScript and other frameworks (prototype, scriptaculous, etc..) to know whats going on.
jQuery is extremely easy to use. Built-in functions are very comprehensive. Compatibility is good. They support most things even in IE6, with the help of plugins.
I’ve experimented with most of the common UI elements – dialog, accordion, tabs, and some UI effects, animation, fading and stuff. The fact that it took me less than 1 working day to find out about all these and play with them and also implement them in my current website speaks for the very small/short learning curve. (also see this)
Theming is easier than any framework I’ve seen. They have a nice and easy-to-use theme-builder called ThemeRoller. Changing CSS by hand is almost unnecessary. You can simply change everything using the WYSIWYG editor and download your edited theme. That is going close to professional ($$$) apps!
Very light-weight – ~19KB. Unlike some other monstrous frameworks I’ve come across.
Haven’t run into any problems, yet… obviously. Been using it only for a day. But from experience (first day with a new framework never went this smoothly for me :)), I am not expecting many problems.