Why Use a Dollar Sign ($) Prefix for JavaScript Variables?

Rationale Behind the Dollar Sign ($) Prefix for JavaScript Variables

In JavaScript, variables often begin with a dollar sign ($.), prompting the question of why this practice is employed. While distinct from jQuery's syntax ($('p.foo')), prefixed variables like $name and $order have specific purposes.

jQuery Object-Variable Distinction

A common usage of $ in JavaScript is to differentiate jQuery objects stored in variables from other variables. jQuery objects, which represent DOM elements, have a unique set of properties and methods distinct from regular variables.

For instance:

var $email = $("#email"); // jQuery object for the DOM object
var email_field = $("#email").get(0); // DOM object itself

This distinction enhances readability in jQuery code, making it easy to identify jQuery objects, which possess a different property set.

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