var self=this;useful when you have nested functions, and thiscan become ambiguous (if you do not know this, the javascript keyword). selfcan be used for change this, which now returns to thisfrom an internal function.
var jquery_element= $(html_element);it simply provides an easy way to reference a jQuery element without having to constantly recreate it (also provides performance benefits, such as explained here ).
self.jquery_element = jquery_element, , , , .