E-dreamz Company Blog

Here at E-dreamz, the Design and Production Art team have been talking a lot lately about the best solutions for different types of animation on the websites that we produce. When the topic of animation comes up, it quickly becomes a discussion about the pros and cons of jQuery (our JavaScript library of choice) versus Flash. Both types of animation have there advantages and it’s our job when building websites to decipher which one would be the better solution in reaching the overall goals of the site.

So what are the pros of using jQuery?
1. jQuery doesn’t require a plug-in and Flash does. Many of you have probably had the experience at one point or another of using a browser that did not have a Flash player installed and when you go to look at any site that uses Flash you can’t see the appropriate content. This would not happen if jQuery were used instead.

2. Sometimes animations are easier to work with when using jQuery. Some animations are subtle, but can really enhance the overall look and functionality of a page. Two such examples that we often use on our sites are the show and hide feature and the tab functionality, both of which are much easier to implement using jQuery.

3. jQuery “weighs” less than Flash. Flash often requires more resources to dynamically load imagery or content such as using an XML file. jQuery loads faster and is currently better for Search Engine Optimization.

What are the pros of using Flash?
1. jQuery was not meant to do everything that Flash can. While jQuery animations can certainly be effective, the possibilities are GREATLY increased when Flash is used instead.

2. Flash provides an unlimited string of transitions and animations.

3. Flash is compatible with all browsers and does not require CSS to style basic animations. Animations are under the complete control of the builder which allows for more of a “wow” factor.

So in conclusion, both techniques have their advantages and on many sites, we use each one for different reasons.

Check out some of our sites listed below to see examples of each!
Stay tuned for Round 2

jQuery examples:
http://www.divorcecandy.com/
http://www.preludetothedream.org/about/history-photo.cfm

Flash examples:
http://www.speedwayharley-davidson.com/
http://www.tonystewart.com/
http://www.find-sasquatch.com/
http://www.buddgroup.com/
http://buffaloandspring.com/
http://www.orthocarolina.com/

jQuery and Flash both used:
http://www.flips4girls.com/
http://www.swiftcurrie.com/