Svelte vs jQuery: What are the differences?

Introduction

In this article, we will discuss the key differences between Svelte and jQuery.

1. Performance: One of the major differences between Svelte and jQuery is their approach to performance. Svelte is a compile-time framework, which means that it converts the code into highly efficient JavaScript during the build process. This helps in reducing the size of the final JavaScript bundle and improving the overall performance of the application. On the other hand, jQuery operates at runtime and relies on traversing the DOM to manipulate elements, which can have a performance impact, especially in large applications.

2. Size: Another important difference is the size of the libraries. Svelte is a lightweight framework, with its core library being only a few kilobytes in size. This makes it ideal for building small, fast applications. On the other hand, jQuery is a larger library, with its minified version being around 84 kilobytes. This can have an impact on the loading time of the website, especially on slower network connections.

3. Reactivity: Svelte has built-in reactivity, which means that any changes made to the data are automatically reflected in the DOM. This allows developers to write code that is more declarative and easier to reason about. In contrast, jQuery does not have built-in reactivity and developers need to manually update the DOM when the data changes. This can lead to more verbose and error-prone code.

4. Component-based architecture: Svelte promotes a component-based architecture, where UI elements are encapsulated within reusable components. This encourages modular code and makes it easier to manage and maintain complex applications. On the other hand, jQuery does not have a built-in component system and developers need to manually manage the state and behavior of UI elements.

5. Browser support: Svelte supports modern browsers and does not require any additional polyfills or libraries. It takes advantage of new JavaScript features, such as reactive programming and template literals. On the other hand, jQuery has good backward compatibility and supports older browsers, making it a suitable choice for projects that need to target a wide range of browsers.

6. Learning curve: Svelte has a steeper learning curve compared to jQuery. Svelte introduces new concepts and syntax, such as reactive statements and stores, which may require some time for developers to become familiar with. On the other hand, jQuery has a simpler syntax and a large community that provides extensive documentation and resources, making it easier for beginners to get started.

In summary, Svelte and jQuery differ in terms of performance, size, reactivity, component-based architecture, browser support, and learning curve. Svelte focuses on high performance and efficient code generation, while jQuery offers backward compatibility and a simpler syntax.