Fact Check: Is jQuery still used?

Is jQuery Still Used?

Introduction

The claim in question is whether jQuery, a popular JavaScript library, is still widely used in web development. This question arises amidst a rapidly evolving landscape of web technologies, where new frameworks and libraries frequently emerge. Understanding jQuery's current status requires an examination of its usage statistics and comparisons with other JavaScript libraries.

What We Know

Current Usage Statistics: According to BuiltWith, jQuery is utilized by a significant percentage of websites. As of December 2023, it reports that jQuery is used by approximately 73.4% of all websites [2]. This statistic indicates a strong presence in the web development ecosystem.
Comparative Popularity: W3Techs provides a similar perspective, noting that jQuery is still one of the most widely used JavaScript libraries, with a market share that reflects its ongoing relevance [4]. Additionally, a report from wmtips claims that jQuery holds an even larger share, stating that it dominates with an overwhelming 89.1% share among JavaScript libraries as of 2025 [6].
Framework Comparisons: Stackcrawler also emphasizes jQuery's popularity, ranking it as the most popular JavaScript framework in 2025, based on its usage across websites [8]. This suggests that jQuery continues to be a preferred choice among developers, despite the emergence of newer libraries and frameworks.

Analysis

The evidence presented from BuiltWith and W3Techs appears to be credible, as both sources are known for their comprehensive analytics on web technologies. BuiltWith has a long-standing reputation for tracking technology usage across the web, while W3Techs provides detailed reports on web technologies and their market shares. However, it is essential to consider the methodologies used by these sources.

Methodology Concerns: BuiltWith and W3Techs utilize different methodologies for gathering their data. BuiltWith analyzes the technologies used on websites that it crawls, while W3Techs aggregates data from a broader range of sources. This difference in approach could lead to variations in reported statistics. It would be beneficial to understand how each source defines "usage" and the sample size of websites analyzed.
Potential Bias: While both sources are generally reliable, it is crucial to remain aware of any potential biases. For instance, if a source primarily focuses on certain types of websites (e.g., e-commerce vs. personal blogs), this could skew the data. Additionally, wmtips and Stackcrawler may have a vested interest in promoting certain technologies, which could influence their reporting.
Context of Usage: The context in which jQuery is used is also important. While it may still be prevalent, the rise of modern frameworks like React, Angular, and Vue.js has changed how developers approach JavaScript. Many new projects may opt for these frameworks over jQuery, which could indicate a shift in the industry despite jQuery's current usage statistics.

Conclusion

Verdict: True

The evidence indicates that jQuery is still widely used in web development, with usage statistics suggesting that it remains a dominant JavaScript library. Reports from BuiltWith and W3Techs show that jQuery is utilized by a substantial percentage of websites, with figures as high as 89.1% in some contexts. This suggests that jQuery continues to play a significant role in the web development landscape.

However, it is important to acknowledge the nuances surrounding this verdict. While jQuery's current usage is high, the landscape of web development is evolving, with newer frameworks gaining popularity. This shift may affect jQuery's relevance in future projects, even if it remains widely used at present.

Additionally, the methodologies of the sources reporting these statistics could introduce variability in the data. Different definitions of "usage" and potential biases in the sample of websites analyzed may impact the reported figures. Therefore, while the current evidence supports the claim that jQuery is still widely used, it is essential to approach these statistics with a critical eye.

Readers are encouraged to evaluate information critically and consider the broader context of technology trends in web development.