AJAX  

jQuery AJAX vs Fetch API (2025 Comparison)

In web development, two common ways to make HTTP requests are jQuery AJAX and the Fetch API. Both can send and receive data, but they are very different in design, performance, and modern usage.

1. Introduction

jQuery AJAX was extremely popular before modern JavaScript features existed.
Fetch API is the modern, built-in way to make HTTP calls without any library.

2. What is jQuery AJAX?

jQuery AJAX is part of the jQuery library that helps make asynchronous HTTP requests.

Key Points

  • Requires jQuery library

  • Works even in very old browsers

  • Uses callback-style or promise-like handling

  • Heavy for modern apps

Example

$.ajax({
  url: "https://api.example.com/data",
  method: "GET",
  success: function(data) {
    console.log(data);
  },
  error: function(err) {
    console.log(err);
  }
});

3. What is Fetch API?

Fetch API is a built-in browser feature for making HTTP requests.

Key Points

  • Native (no installation)

  • Promise-based

  • Cleaner, modern syntax

  • More lightweight

Example

fetch("https://api.example.com/data")
  .then(r => r.json())
  .then(data => console.log(data))
  .catch(err => console.log(err));

4. jQuery vs Fetch (Quick Comparison)

FeaturejQuery AJAXFetch API
Requires libraryYesNo
Browser supportOld + newModern browsers
Syntax styleCallbacksPromises
JSON handlingManual sometimesEasy
File sizeHeavy (jQuery ~90KB)Zero
Modern usageLowVery high

5. Syntax Simplicity

Fetch is cleaner because it uses promises and async/await.
jQuery uses callbacks which can get messy in large apps.

6. Error Handling

jQuery provides success and error callbacks.
Fetch requires checking response.ok manually.

7. Performance

Fetch is faster because it doesn’t load the jQuery library.
jQuery is heavier and unnecessary in modern projects.

8. Which Should You Use in 2025?

Use Fetch if:

  • You are building modern apps

  • You don’t want extra libraries

  • You prefer promises or async/await

Use jQuery if:

  • You maintain a very old project

  • You need IE9/IE10 support

  • The project already uses jQuery

Conclusion

Fetch is modern, lightweight, and the recommended choice for 2025. jQuery AJAX is still useful in legacy systems but is no longer required for modern web apps.

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