Framework Libraries
ExtJS
ExtJS is one of the most comprehensive JavaScript libraries with out of the box graphical assets to compliment its tools.
jQuery
jQuery is one of the lightest and most extensible JavaScript libraries available. It has a massive support network and it’s simple to use.
Prototype
PrototypeJS is one of the original JavaScript frameworks.
MooTools
MooTools is a super lightweight JavaScript library.
moo.fx
“moo.fX is a superlightweight, ultratiny, megasmall javascript effects library, to be used with prototype.js or the mootools framework.”
YUI
YUI is a global JavaScript and CSS library.
Script.aculo.us
script.aculo.us is used by Digg.com
MochiKit
Currently, MochiKit development is focused on code and documentation.
AJS
AJS is a ultra lightweight JavaScript library that is around 1 and half year old. It is hugely inspired by MochiKit, but differs by being small. The current version is only 33 KB (uncompressed), whereas MochiKit is over 100 KB.
Rico
Dojo
Single Purpose Scripts
PWC
PWC
The Prototype Window Class creates windows.
Nifty Corners Cube
Nifty Corners Cube creates rounded corners without graphics
curvyCorners
“curvyCorners is a free JavaScript program that will create on-the-fly rounded corners for any HTML DIV element, that look as good as any graphically created corners.”
SACK
If all you need is a Simple AJAX Code-Kit, SACK is it.
Lightbox
Lightbox is one of the slickest gallery tools out there–so much so that many spin-offs have been developed: GreyBox, Lytebox, TripTracker, etc…
JS Scrolling
JS Scrolling text in divs
Even More
Common.js/Global.js
Every JS developer has a file called common.js (well, most of us do, some call it global.js). This file has a few crucial functions that serve as a mini library. When we aren’t using a full-blown library that handles this stuff natively, we just use the common.js. Everyone’s common.js file is different. As you collect functions that are useful and universal, you can add them to your personal common.js library. But watch out! It will get big so practice regular pruning and source version control :)
Here’s a common.js with some goodies.
How to know if a Script is good
- Read the Documentation
- Avoid scripts that use document.all, document.layers
- Is the code readable?
- How light is it?
- How complex is it? Elegant code is simple.
- Can you rewrite it better?
- Search Google for answers :)
Beyond Other People’s Code
Building your own JavaScript Library