When doing any DOM manipulation or lookup, you SHOULD cache the necessary DOM element

[BenjaminRCooper]

This is a performance benefit, as you no longer have to reach into the DOM for the necessary element, every time you would like to perform any manipulation.

Bad Example

function myFunc() {
    $('.ele').hide();
    $('.ele').height(30);
    $('.ele').fadeIn();
}

Good Example

function myFunc() {
    var $ele = $('.ele');
    $ele.hide();
    $ele.height(30);
    $ele.fadeIn();
}

[jonspark]

+10

Also +1 for the $ prefix to jQuery object vars

[BenjaminRCooper]

I will create a seperate standard for this one, as it is an approach I use quite often.

Ben

[timgale]

+1

[iamrossgrant]

Best way to do it +1

[ampersarnie]

+1

[markgoodyear]

+1

[BenjaminRCooper]

Implemented