? jQuery Plugins

✨ Quick Overview

jQuery plugins are reusable JavaScript modules that extend jQuery’s functionality. They allow developers to add complex behavior such as sliders, modals, form validation, animations, and AJAX helpers using simple method calls.

? Key Concepts

• Plugins extend the $.fn object
• They work on jQuery-selected elements
• Support chaining by returning this
• Can accept options and default settings
• Promote reusable and maintainable code

? Syntax / Theory

A jQuery plugin is created by attaching a function to $.fn. Inside the function, this refers to the current jQuery object.

// Basic structure of a jQuery plugin
(function($){
$.fn.myPlugin = function(){
return this.each(function(){
// Plugin logic goes here
});
};
})(jQuery);

? Code Example(s)

The following example creates a simple plugin that highlights selected elements.

// Custom jQuery plugin to highlight elements
(function($){
$.fn.highlight = function(color){
return this.each(function(){
$(this).css("background-color", color || "yellow");
});
};
})(jQuery);

? Live Output / Explanation

? Interactive Example

Click the button below to apply a jQuery plugin effect.

// Using the custom highlight plugin on button click
$("#demoBtn").on("click", function(){
$("h2").highlight("#fde68a");
});

? Use Cases

• Image sliders and carousels
• Form validation and input masking
• Modal dialogs and popups
• Custom UI components
• Reusable animation effects