? jQuery Utility Methods

? Quick Overview

jQuery Utility Methods are helper functions provided by jQuery that simplify common JavaScript tasks such as array manipulation, object handling, type checking, and iteration. These methods are not tied to DOM elements and can be used independently.

? Key Concepts

They work on arrays, objects, and values
They reduce boilerplate JavaScript code
They are accessed using the $.methodName() syntax
They improve code readability and consistency

? Syntax / Theory

Utility methods are static functions of the jQuery object. They do not require a selector.

General Syntax

? View Code Example

// General syntax of a jQuery utility method
$.methodName(parameters);

? Code Examples

1️⃣ $.each()

? View Code Example

// Loop through array values using $.each
var numbers = [10, 20, 30];

$.each(numbers, function(index, value) {
console.log(index + " : " + value);
});

2️⃣ $.type()

? View Code Example

// Detect the data type of a variable
var data = [];

console.log($.type(data));

3️⃣ $.isArray()

? View Code Example

// Check whether a variable is an array
var fruits = ["Apple", "Banana"];

console.log($.isArray(fruits));

4️⃣ $.trim()

? View Code Example

// Remove extra spaces from a string
var text = "   jQuery Utility   ";

console.log($.trim(text));

? Live Output / Explanation

Explanation

$.each() iterates over arrays or objects.

$.type() gives a reliable data type.

$.isArray() checks if a value is an array.

$.trim() removes leading and trailing spaces.

? Interactive Example

Type something with extra spaces and see the utility methods in action!

Click the button to see the result...

? View Code Example

// Demonstrate multiple jQuery utility methods together
function runUtility() {
var input = $("#userInput").val();
var items = [input, 123, ["a", "b"]];
var htmlResult = "";

$.each(items, function(i, value) {
var type = $.type(value);
var displayVal = (type === "string") ? "'" + $.trim(value) + "' (trimmed)" : JSON.stringify(value);
htmlResult += "Item " + i + ": " + displayVal + " | Type: " + type + "<br>";
});

$("#utilityOutput").html(htmlResult);
}

? Use Cases

Validating data types before processing
Cleaning user input
Iterating arrays and objects efficiently
Writing cleaner and shorter JavaScript logic

? Tips & Best Practices

Use utility methods for non-DOM logic
Prefer $.each() over traditional loops for readability
Combine multiple utility methods for data processing

? Try It Yourself

Create an array of numbers and sum them using $.each()
Check different variable types using $.type()
Trim user input before form submission