Consider Zepto for mobile version of boilerplate

[stereobooster]

Consider Zepto (by @madrobby) for mobile version of boilerplate, instead of jQuery. Just an idea. Moved here from boilerplate issue tracker.

@paulirish said:

We currently support non-webkit mobile environments and plan to remain that way for a bit.
So zepto wont work. XUI however is worth considering..

If your target group from South America, Africa or India you must worry about Opera Mini. All other popular mobile browsers is based on Webkit:

• iOS (Safari)
• Android (Chrome)
• BlackBerry browser is based on Webkit and Mango
• WebOS
• Nokia (40 and 60 series)

Sources: 1, 2

[chuanxshi]

Hi stereobooster, at the start of the mobile version, I took out the 'events' portion of the jQuery mobile and used it here, but now that has been removed (due to the reason that maintenance might be a problem).

Currently what is in by default is only the normal jQuery.

However we have a simple helper: https://github.com/shichuan/mobile-html5-boilerplate/blob/master/js/mylibs/helper.js

I have tried a few frameworks, think we are still lack of a 'killer' framework for mobile js. xui is worth considering.

we will release mobile boilerplate soon, think can leave this issue open for a while. get more feedback on this.

[stereobooster]

Maybe we need to add wiki page which will list all alternatives, pros and cons of all frameworks (size, supported devices, jQuery compatibility, etc)?

• XUI
• Zepto
• jQTouch
• Jo
• Sencha Touch
• jQuery Mobile

[chuanxshi]

@stereobooster: if you'd like to add, feel free to start a page under _Beyond the Boilerplate_ section :)

[bellerus]

I'm working on creating boilerplates for each of the above frameworks starting with jQuery Mobile. Thinking Zepto might be next.

[chuanxshi]

@bellerus: i have also been trying out, so far I feel Zepto is the best to use if you are not 'faking' any native experience.

[bellerus]

@shichuan Agree about Zepto for the most part. Just thinking about what other library to combine with Zepto if you need a little more animation baked in.

[stereobooster]

@bellerus how about Emile? Also check http://microjs.com/#animation

[chuanxshi]

I have been thinking of adding in normalized events to our MBP helper: https://github.com/shichuan/mobile-html5-boilerplate/blob/master/js/mylibs/helper.js

1. this includes touch/click virtual events: touch events, gestures, orientation
2. normalized virtual events that bind to both mouse and touch events and keep whatever bubbles up first (so it works for both browsers with native support and those don't)
3. the events are independent from any framework

and maybe also custom scrolling events

[stereobooster]

new framework https://github.com/mythz/jquip/ worth considering

[stereobooster]

one more https://github.com/appMobi/jQ.Mobi

[paulirish]

zepto is opera and ff compatible these days now, fwiw.

[alexgibson]

Perhaps now that Zepto supports FF / Opera and is soon to go 1.0 we could reconsider this using a fallback to jQuery for IE?

<script> document.write('<script src=' + ('__proto__' in {} ? 'zepto' : 'jquery') + '.js><\/script>') </script>

[necolas]

What's the latest thinking about this and the most useful/appropriate tool for this project?

[paulirish]

I'm +1 on zepto for MBP now. it's got good non-webkit support.

[alexgibson]

I'm +1 for using Zepto by default - but perhaps also include jQuery so dev's can have a choice if IE mobile is a target for their web app?

[paulirish]

Aye. I'd say Zepto for now and move to jQuery 2.0 when thats out.

[alexgibson]

Ok, lets do this