As a developer that tries to maximize the time efficiency of my projects, I highly recommend scripting the behavior layer of your Web sites with the aid of a Javascript framework.

Currently, there a quite a few Javascript frameworks available to
developers that really simplify the process of adding dynamic
functionality to your Web pages. Each has its pros and cons, with the
most effective ones making it a breeze to return efficiently wrapped
sets of DOM elements with semantically favored selectors. Aside from
returning the elements that you plan to add into your pages’ behavior
layer, some frameworks provide alliances with effect libraries or offer
tons of plugins to create eye-popping animations and transitions to
really spice-up your Web site’s user experience.

Two of the most well-received frameworks are John Resig's jQuery and the Prototype/Script.aculo.us combination. I highly recommend utilizing these Javascript frameworks as it will
save a developer time and sanity. No matter which you choose, you’ll be
scripting like a pro in no time at all.

For more information on the pros and cons of each, please navigate to the original discussion on Javascript framework at ITKnowledge Exchange's Taming the Wild Wild Web: Choosing a Javascript Framework That's Right for You.

Jeffrey Olchovy is a Web developer, designer and marketing strategist.