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JavaScript

Posted by Alexey Tseitlin
Alexey Tseitlin
5,866 Points

jQuery basics

Whats the benefits of doing this:

var overlay = $("<div>Hello</div>");

instead of this: 

var overlay = "<div>Hello</div>";

1 Answer

zazza
zazza
21,750 Points
zazza
zazza
21,750 Points

The first creates a jQuery object and you can use all (most) of the jQuery methods, extensions, etc. on that object. The second simply creates a plain JavaScript string (it's only a coincidence that they contain the same "string value") with only the methods/properties provided by JavaScript (e.g., length property, or toLowerCase() method). Simply put, the second one has nothing to do with jQuery, it's just a plain old string.

Sally Gradle
Sally Gradle
24,694 Points

I agree with George. If all you want is a string, then the second option will work. However, if you want to use the object, then it has to be a jQuery object. It's all in what you are trying to accomplish. I find it a little easier to find my way (write the program) if I know where I want to go (what result I want). Keep that in mind, and you will know which to use.