Book Review - jQuery Pocket Reference

jQuery Pocket Reference

by David Flanagan

This is a great little book (143 pages, including index) for those with some knowledge of JavaScript who want to learn the jQuery JavaScript Library.

Following the introduction, which covers jQuery terminology and some of the basics, each chapter goes on to cover a key part of the library with subsections focussing on individual functions therein. Sample code is peppered throughout, supported by useful commenting.

The author provides clear descriptions and has a clever knack of making it all seem rather easy and straight forward (great for beginner confidence). The book is short and to the point, but nonetheless jam packed with almost everything you need to know about the library. As a JavaScript novice I particularly appreciated the author helpfully pointing out the denomination of ‘this’, which I often struggle with. There is no attempt to confuse or bamboozle; the text is brilliantly distilled to contain only useful, relevant information delivered in a genuinely helpful and easy to understand prose.

I haven’t used jQuery before, however, after reading this book, I now understand the syntax and feel confident that I could get started fairly quickly and without too much head scratching. I am sure more seasoned jQuery developers would find some useful tidbits in here as well.

David Flanagan authored the only JavaScript book recommended by Douglas Crockford (creator of JSLint and pre-eminent JavaScript expert), the very excellent JavaScript, The Definitive Guide. Relax….you’re in safe hands.

Reviewed by Kim Rowan