title: jQuery what is the difference between $('<p>') and $('p')
body: <p>Can someone explain to me the difference between <code>$('&lt;p&gt;')</code> and <code>$('p')</code> in jQuery.</p>
  
  <p>for example, if i write:</p>
  
  <pre><code>$('body').append($('&lt;p&gt;').html('hello my friend'));
  </code></pre>
  
  <p>then the text 'hello my friend' appears.</p>
  
  <p>however, when i write:</p>
  
  <pre><code>$('body').append($('p').html('hello my friend'));
  </code></pre>
  
  <p>then nothing happens.</p>