jQuery is described as 'Fast, small, and feature-rich JavaScript library. It makes things like HTML document traversal and manipulation, event handling, animation, and Ajax much simpler with an easy-to-use API that works across a multitude of browsers' and is a very popular app in the development category. There are more than 25 alternatives to jQuery for a variety of platforms, including Windows, Linux, Mac, Web-based and Self-Hosted apps. The best jQuery alternative is Zepto.js, which is both free and Open Source. Other great apps like jQuery are Dojo Toolkit, Bliss JS, Prototype JS and DOMtastic.