You still need to manipulate the DOM when using jQuery, the difference is that you are using an API that is actually reliable. I still need to do this: $('

You still need to manipulate the DOM when using jQuery, the difference is that you are using an API that is actually reliable. I still need to do this: $('<div></div>').appendTo(document.body).dialog(dialogOptions); Also when you are writing custom widgets you gotta understand the DOM, not even jQuery can hide everything away.