This post introduces a new category of posts to the Creative Individual blog – 5 You Can’t Live Without. This is were I’ll list my top 5 of a particular subject, such as Web Technologies, Sources of Online Inspiration, or as in the case of this post, 5 jQuery Scripts & Plugins You Can’t Live Without.
So, let’s find out which jQuery scripts and plugins have made my Top 5 list, and which one I consider to be number 1.
5. jQuery UI
jQuery UI provides abstractions for low-level interaction and animation, advanced effects and high-level, themeable widgets, built on top of the jQuery JavaScript Library, that you can use to build highly interactive web applications.
I’ve included jQuery UI as a whole, rather than just a particular section of its functionality because I think its strength lies in the wide variety of functions this plugin provides. And also the ability to only add the script that you need to your project makes jQuery UI all the better.
Website: http://jqueryui.com/
4. selectivizr
selectivizr is a JavaScript utility that emulates CSS3 pseudo-classes and attribute selectors in Internet Explorer 6-8. Simply include the script in your pages and selectivizr will do the rest.
I think selectivizr has said it all; if you want to use CSS3 pseudo-classes in your web project and be confident that it’ll work across all browsers (ahem, in Internet Explorer 6-8), then selectivizr is a most! And let’s face it, why wouldn’t you use CSS3 pseudo-classes!
Website: http://selectivizr.com/
3. Modernizr
Modernizr is an open-source JavaScript library that helps you build the next generation of HTML5 and CSS3-powered websites.
Just like selectivizr, if you want to use the latest web technologies and be confident that everything is going to work as planned, then adding Modernizr will save you a lot of headaches. Add it too your default build files and don’t look back!
Website: http://www.modernizr.com/
2. Fancybox
FancyBox is a tool for displaying images, html content and multi-media in a Mac-style “lightbox” that floats overtop of web page.
There is a whole host of jQuery lightboxes out there but Fancybox is by far my favourite. It deals with different types of content wonderfully and manages to look great a the same time. The documentation is pretty good and there’s lots of examples to help you out too.
Website: http://fancybox.net/
1. Nivo Slider
The world’s most awesome jQuery Image Slider
With a statement like that, you know its gotta be good! Just like Fancybox there are a lot of alternatives to Nivo Slider but Nivo Slider hasn’t made the top of my list for no reason. It is so easily to implement and comes with some highly polished themes and lots of options built in. And recently added are Nivo Slider Pro and a WordPress Plugin. If you haven’t already heard of this great image slider, go check it out now.
Website: http://nivo.dev7studios.com/
Do you agree with my Top 5 jQuery Scripts & Plugins You Can’t Live Without? What plugins make your top 5 list? Share your thoughts below.
Creative Individual is written by Laura Montgomery, a Website &
Graphic Designer based in the lovely Lake District, Cumbria. Laura is a
nice girl who is always interested in hearing from others, so please feel
free to
Modernizr and Fancybox aren’t compatible !! F**k !
Really Tam? I use Modernizr and Fancybox together all the time. It might be worth while checking what version of jQuery you are using.