If you use jQuery in development, you've almost definitely used $(document).ready(). $(document).ready() is a wonderful function that lets you run Javascript code as the page is ready to handle it. But one potentially frustrating aspect of it is that functions are executed in the same order they're passed in, and jQuery doesn't let you choose which functions run first.

Usually, this is fine, but every once in a while, you really want your function to run before another function. For example, if your page is running jCarousel or Google Maps, or any other library that changes the markup of your page, you might want to do some processing before they get a chance. With the traditional $(document).ready(), you'd be out of luck.

Check out the video of the youngest DrupalCampLA volunteer, on the schedule page of the DrupalCampLA website:

http://2009.drupalcampla.com/schedule

The difference between a “normal user” and a “power user” in computer speak is that power users learn to accomplish the same tasks normal users do on a computer, but in a much more efficient manner. For example, learning the short-cut keys on the keyboard for copy and paste (⌘C, ⌘V) can substantially improve your efficiency, as opposed to using your mouse to complete the same task. Essentially, the more you can free yourself from using the mouse on your computer, the quicker you become at completing the same tasks, making you much more efficient. How we can be much more efficient with Drupal? Are there ways we can use shortcuts to complete some of the mundane point and click tasks we do everyday with Drupal? The answer to both those questions is Drush, the DRUpal SHell.

I gave a short 5 minute lightning talk at the recent LA Drupal meetup.  I presented on using Drupal.behaviors rather than using $(document).ready().  It was quite a bit of information to fit in five minutes, but I believe I made it with a couple seconds to spare.  I've posted the slides here for anyone interested in looking them over.