Definition
jQuery is a fast, lightweight JavaScript library that simplifies HTML document traversal, event handling, animation, and AJAX interactions. Released in 2006, it became the most widely used JavaScript library on the web by abstracting browser inconsistencies behind a clean, chainable API. While modern vanilla JavaScript and frameworks like React have reduced its necessity, jQuery remains relevant in legacy codebases, WordPress themes, and rapid prototyping. Creators building websites or landing pages often encounter jQuery in themes and plugins.