Client side languages (Javascript and Jquery)

Javascript language was initially (during web1.0 era) used for client side validations only. But in current scenario, its purpose has changed drastically. It is widely used for user interactivity, friendliness, validations, high performance and speed, responsiveness (for handheld devices like mobile, tablet etc.) and many more purposes.

Due to all these reasons, client side languages like JS and Jquery are used. As websites are mostly browser/ device dependent, so JS is heavily used. This can impact loading time and performance of the website. To overcome this, many JS frameworks and libraries are launched in the market.  All these have their own pros and cons.

Difference between Framework and library.

A library is essentially a set of functions that you can call, these days usually organized into classes. Each call does some work and returns control to the client.

A framework embodies some abstract design, with more behavior built in. In order to use it you need to insert your behavior into various places in the framework either by subclassing or by plugging in your own classes. The framework's code then calls your code at these points.

Refer http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_JavaScript_libraries  to get the list of most commonly used Javascript frameworks and libraries.

Cascading Stylesheets (CSS)

CSS3 is latest standard these days. It supports all previous features of css2 as well. Important  modules added in css3 are:

• Selectors
• Box Model
• Backgrounds and Borders
• Image Values and Replaced Content
• Text Effects
• 2D/3D Transformations
• Animations
• Multiple Column Layout
• User Interface

All these modules cover all latest features of css like gradient, shadow, effects, opacity etc.

Basics  and advanced details of CSS3 can be covered from w3c website http://www.w3schools.com/css/css3_intro.asp w3c validator validate the css

CSS frameworks are in demand these. These frameworks are based on some backend environment. Dynamic stylesheet language, extends the CSS with dynamic behavior such as variables, mixins, operations and functions.

Benefits of using frameworks are:

•  File size minimized.
• Code reusability increases.
• Encourage grid based design.
• No need to reinvent the wheel.
• Enables cross browser functionality.
• Speeds up development.

Most commonly used css frameworks are:

1. LESS Framework:  Refer http://lesscss.org/ and http://lessframework.com/    

It runs on both server side (using Node.js) and client side (in modern browsers only).

Less.js need to add on page to run less stylesheet.

File extension is .less

2. SASS Framework: Refer http://sass-lang.com

Ruby-on-rails required in backend to run SASS file.

File extension is .sass or .scss