jQuery function declaration

Question

What is the difference between $.myfunc and $.fn.myfunc? I can see one needs return value and use $().myfunc() to invoke while the other one is not. Can the community suggest me some reference or keywords to get more understanding? Thanks.

Answer 1

$.myfunc refers to a "static" or global function in the jquery namespace. It is not reliant on jquery initialisation via a selector such as $('#id').myfunc(...).

$.ajax is an example.

$.fn.myfunc on the other hand adds myfunc to the prototype of the jquery object, so that when a jquery objetc is created via a selector $('#id') the new object has a method called myfunc that is invokable in the context of the newly created jquery object.

Answer 2

$.fn is a shortcut to jQuery.prototype. It augments the jQuery object. It is used when working with a set of elements chosen with a selector.

$('a').newWindow();

I believe assigning a property directly to $ will make it a utility function, such as each() (not tied to a particular set of matched elements).

var sum = $.arraySum(array);