Jquery counting elements by class - what is the best way to implement this?

Checking before chaining

Don't lunge headfirst into the pool without testing the waters. Always validate the presence of elements before pulling the trigger with chaining:

if ($('.your-class').length > 0) {
    // Process... but only for the chosen ones
}
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Advanced counting: superheroes for your rescue

Don the cape of .filter() to swoop into specific subsets of your elements:

// Can you see me?
var visibleCount = $('.your-class').filter(':visible').length;
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Count, animate, repeat

Add a dash of .animate() to your count to put the 'fun' in 'function':

$('.your-class').each(function(index) {
    // Because showing up fashionably late never hurts
    $(this).delay(200 * index).animate({opacity: 1}, 500);
});
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No more 'John Doe'

Name your form inputs based on element count like they're your secret agent squad:

// Code names, anyone?
$('input.your-class').each(function(index) {
    $(this).attr('name', 'inputCodeName' + (index + 1));
});
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Count that saves your day

Counting is your ammo against resource-intensive tasks. How? By protecting you from firing them unnecessarily:

var count = $('.expensive-process').length;
if (count > 0) {
    // Wake up expensive function, only when needed
    startExpensiveProcess(); 
}
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Promising counts

Play with promises while counting async loaded elements:

$.when($('.async-loaded-class').length).done(function(count) {
    console.log('Count complete, promise fulfilled', count);
});
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Post-count operations

jQuery chaining after count allows seamless transition into adding classes or performing operations:

// Post-count party
$('.your-class').addClass('highlight').slideDown(); 
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Organization is the key

Break down responsibilities using functions for easier debugging and maintenance:

function tallyTime() {
    // Show me the unicorns!
    $('#unicorn-counter').text($('.unicorn').length);
}
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Showcase the magic

Creating a jsFiddle or CodePen example is equivalent to putting on a live magic show of your coding skills:

// Share your magic with the world

Fail-safe measures

Cross-verify your method's output using .alert() or console logs:

alert('Total unicorns: ' + $('.unicorn').length);
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