I’m working on a new project that uses Dojo Toolkit and DJango. I haven’t started on the DJango back-end yet because I first need to create a few Dojo widgets. The first widget that I created is gpDojoPortfolio. As the name suggests, this widget will display a portfolio. Each item in the portfolio slides into view using the dojo.fx module.
The YUI Loader Utility is a client-side JavaScript component that allows you to load specific YUI components and their dependencies into your page via script. While I haven’t used the YUI Loader Utility that often, I like using the utility beacause I don’t have to remember all of the dependencies needed by each component. In addition, I can use the loader utility to load any custom plugins.
Not long after I begin learning a new Javascript Framework, I find a need to create a plugin (or widget). I have created quite a few JQuery plugins (see previous posts) and have recently created a my 4th Dojo Widget (I have also created a few YUI widgets). I recently began working on a JQuery photogallery plugin (I know, why re-create the wheel). I actually created this photogallery quite a few years ago, but not as a JQuery Plugin, but as a Javascript object (class). I am now converting it into a JQuery plugin.
While working on a different project (that uses Dojo), I also had to create a photogallery. While I enjoyed the benefits of using both JQuery and Dojo to re-create the photogallery, I have to say that the ability to create a template (Dojo Widgets) can significanly decrease the time it takes to create a plugin or widget.
When I initially read about Dojo widget templates, I didn’t really understand the need. My perception was that if a developer was fairly proficient with creating and manipulating DOM elements, then what is the need for a template? Well, creating this plugin using both JQuery and Dojo gave me a more favorable perception of using templates – a tremendous advantage.
Although the requirements for the JQuery photogallery plugin was a bit more complex (and although I still find it easier in general to develop using JQuery), I have to say that having the ability to create a template gives Dojo a real advantage over JQuery when creating widgets or plugins. Advantage: Dojo.
