JavaScript lets you supercharge your web pages with animation, interactivity, and visual effects, but learning the language isn't easy. This fully updated and expanded guide takes you step-by-step through JavaScript basics, then shows you how to save time and effort with jQuery--the library of prewritten JavaScript code--and the newest innovations from the jQuery UI plug-in.

The important stuff you need to know:

• Make your pages come alive. Use jQuery to create interactive elements that respond to visitor input.
• Get acquainted with jQuery UI. Expand your interface with tabbed panels, dialog boxes, date pickers, and other widgets.
• Display good forms. Get information from visitors, help shoppers buy goods, and let members post their thoughts.
• Go beyond the browser with Ajax. Communicate with the web server to update your pages without reloading.
• Put your new skills right to work. Create a simple application step-by-step, using jQuery and jQuery UI widgets.
• Dive into advanced concepts. Use ThemeRoller to customize your widgets; avoid common errors that new programmers often make.