Summary
In this chapter we learned how jQuery can be extended by implementing and using plugins. We first saw an example of the simplest way that a jQuery plugin can be implemented and analyzed the characteristics that make a great plugin, and one which follows the principles of the jQuery library.
We were then introduced to the most common development patterns in the developer community for creating jQuery Plugins. We analyzed the implementation problems that each of them solves and the use cases that are a better match for them.
After completing this chapter, we are now able to abstract parts of our applications into reusable and extensible jQuery plugins that are structured using the development pattern that best matches each use case.
In the next chapter, we will present several optimization techniques that can be used to improve the performance of our jQuery applications, especially when they become large and complex. We will discuss simple practices such as using CDNs to load third-party...
