Question

The Zepto.js website says:

Zepto.js is a minimalist JavaScript framework for mobile WebKit browsers, with a jQuery-compatible syntax.

Is it only recommended for use with apps that will be used on mobile devices or can it also be used in traditional computer browser web apps as well? What are the downsides of doing so?

I use jQuery a lot in my regular web apps (for computer browsers) and I’ve realized (after finding Zepto.js) that I don’t always use all of jQuery’s features, so Zepto.js is perfect for what I do.

Also, why is there focus on the ‘WebKit’ engine? Does it not work with mobile Internet Explorer on Windows Phone 7, Firefox Mobile on Android or Opera Mobile?

EDIT: The presence of $.os.android in addition to $.os.ios indicates that there is support for non-iOS platforms, so the last question is answered!

EDIT (final): I guess the real question is “Can the Zepto.js library, intended for use on mobile WebKit-based browsers, be used as a lighter-weight alternative to jQuery for the desktop also?” The answer is no.

Answer 1

It seems that Zepto’s purpose has evolved. The site now notes :

Note that some optional features of Zepto specifically target mobile
browsers; as the original project goal was to specifically provide a
leaner alternative to jQuery on for the mobile web.

It lists the following as target platforms (note the inclusion of desktop browsers):

Browser support
Primary (100% support)

• Safari 6+ (Mac)
• Chrome 30+ (Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Chrome OS)
• Firefox 24+ (Windows, Mac, Android, Linux, Firefox OS)
• iOS 5+ Safari
• Android 2.3+ Browser
• Internet Explorer 10+ (Windows, Windows Phone)

Secondary targets (fully or mostly supported)

• iOS 3+ Safari
• Chrome <30
• Firefox 4+
• Safari <6
• Android Browser 2.2
• Opera 10+
• webOS 1.4.5+ Browser
• BlackBerry Tablet OS 1.0.7+ Browser
• Amazon Silk 1.0+
• Other WebKit-based browsers/runtimes

EDIT
List above updated to reflect reality as of January 2013.