The release of jQuery 4.0 in 2026 feels like more than just a version bump — it feels like a time capsule.
For many developers (myself included), jQuery was one of the first tools that made front-end development truly approachable. There was a time when cross-browser issues were everywhere, DOM APIs were inconsistent, and doing simple things in vanilla JavaScript felt unnecessarily complex.
Then jQuery came along with its famous promise: “Write less, do more.”
And it delivered.
Why jQuery Mattered
jQuery wasn’t just a library — it shaped how we thought about frontend development:
- Clean DOM selection
- Simple event handling
- AJAX made accessible
- A massive plugin ecosystem
For a whole generation of developers, jQuery was the gateway into JavaScript.
jQuery in a Modern World
Today, we have powerful frameworks, standardized browser APIs, and modern JavaScript features that solve many of the problems jQuery originally addressed.
Most new projects don’t need jQuery anymore — and that’s okay. In a way, its success helped push the web forward to where we are now.
jQuery 4.0 focuses on modernization: removing legacy pieces, aligning with modern standards, and staying lean. It’s not trying to compete with frameworks; it’s evolving to remain relevant where it still makes sense.
A Respectful Nod to the Past
Seeing jQuery reach version 4 in 2026 is a reminder of how fast the ecosystem moves — and how some tools leave a lasting impact.
Even if you don’t use it anymore, chances are jQuery played a role in your journey.
And honestly? That deserves some respect.
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