Synopses & Reviews
This book discusses what Ajax is and what it means to Web developers, as well as the technologies behind Ajax applications. The early chapters of this book begin with a discussion of the pros and cons of Ajax techniques, and they provide a quick refresher of JavaScript techniques. Working through this book, you’ ll discover how Ajax applications cross between client-side and server-side development techniques, examine some common Ajax patterns, and see how Ajax links in to existing technologies such as XSLT, web services, and the DOM. The final chapter provides an in-depth case study in creating Ajax applications.
This book teaches you how to create applications according to Ajax principles. This book takes no views on web browser is superior, and it offers examples that work across all major browsers. Because of the complexities involved, however, Ajax is not something a complete novice can expect to pick up. The reader is expected to be familiar with the following client-side technologies: HTML (and/or) XHTML, JavaScript, and Cascading style sheets (CSS). The reader will also need to be familiar with at least one of the two following server-side technologies: PHP or ASP.NET. The reader is not expected to know any of the following because full introductions to each technology will be given (although familiarity with one or many of them may be useful): Document Object Model (DOM), XML, XPath, Extensible Stylesheet Language Transformations (XSLT), and Web services (REST and SOAP).
Some of the topics covered include: A JavaScript refresher and JavaScript reference Ajax and server-side technologies including the XMLHttpRequest object and how it can call ASP.NET, PHP, andJava applications The different techniques that can be considered Ajax techniques, regardless of whether they make use of the XMLHttpRequest object, hidden frames, hidden inline frames, dynamic image loading, and dynamic script loading. Working with XML and the XMLHttpRequest object Debugging and Error Handling Web Services, APIs, and Mashups including embedded maps, photographs, weather forecasts, or music playlists in applications via either web services or APIs XSLT and XPath Common Ajax patterns such as page preloading and form validation Working with external data including how to use external feeds such as RSS and Atom and how you can create applications to consume data sources that push data at regular intervals. JSON, JavaScript's alternative format for transmitting data, JavaScript Object Notation (JSON), which returns a set of array and object literals. How to install and use some of the most common Ajax frameworks and libraries, such as Prototype, Scriptaculous, Dojo, and more.
Synopsis
This book helps programmers to understand the core technologies behind the term AJAX, and to start building sites using AJAX techniques.
While many people have heard of AJAX, few understand how to write applications using these techniques. Furthermore, AJAX blurs the traditional boundaries between front end developers and server side developers making the book and techniques useful to a wide audience. Some of the topics covered include: Ajax Techniques: Hidden Frames, Hidden iFrames, and XMLHTTP Ajax Examples Ajax Patterns: Form validation, refresh, drag and drop lists, error handling XML, XPath, and XSLT Working with External Data Web Services JSON Ajax Frameworks
Synopsis
* Provides examples of Ajax patterns and reviews working with external data
Synopsis
Using proven examples and explaining concepts step by step, this book shows you how building Ajax-enabled sites and applications allows more interactive user interfaces than ever before. You’ll learn about the differences in capabilities between client-side and server-side development techniques, as well as how Ajax crosses this boundary. You’ll also discover how Ajax techniques can be summed up by patterns (which are development models that you’ll use repeatedly). With a mastery of these techniques, you’ll be able to breathe new life into your Web sites.
Synopsis
As one of the prime enablers of innovations such as wikis, blogs, and third-party APIs, Ajax is redefining the way Web applications are created. This book familiarizes you with the core technologies behind Ajax, and shows you how to start building Web sites using Ajax techniques. It explains concepts step-by-step, using proven examples, so that you can immediately begin applying the information.
You'll see how building Ajax-enabled sites and applications allows more interactive user interfaces than ever before. You'll learn about the differences in capabilities between client-side and server-side development techniques, as well as how Ajax crosses this boundary. You'll discover how Ajax techniques can be summed up by patterns (which are development models that you'll use repeatedly). With a mastery of these techniques, you'll be able to breathe new life into your Web sites and applications.
What you will learn from this book
- Ajax pros and cons so you know the best way to use it
The fundamental JavaScript and DOM techniques underlying Ajax
Methods for using the XMLHttpRequest object (the primary Ajax enabler) to call ASP.NET, PHP, and Java applications
How to store and transmit XML data that many Ajax applications use
How to debug JavaScript in your Ajax applications manually and how to write error handlers
Ways to combine applications through Web services or APIs to create mashups
Who this book is for
This book is for Web developers who want to start building sites using Ajax techniques and are familiar with (X)HTML, JavaScript, and basic CSS.The reader will also need to be familiar with either PHP or ASP.NET for the server-side examples, although an extensive knowledge of either is not expected.
About the Author
Chris Ullman is a freelance Web developer and technical author who has spent many years working with ASP/ASP.NET. Coming from a computer science background, he started initially as a UNIX/Linux guru, who gravitated toward Microsoft technologies during the summer of ASP (1997). He cut his teeth on Wrox Press ASP guides, and since then he has written and contributed to more than 25 books, mostnotably as lead author for Wrox’s bestselling
Beginning ASP/ASP.NET 1.x series. He has contributed chapters to books on PHP, ColdFusion, JavaScript, Web Services, C#, XML, and other Internet-related technologies. After he left Wrox as a full-time employee in August 2001, he branched out into VB.NET/C# programming and ASP.NET development, and he started his own business, CUASP Consulting Ltd, in April 2003. He maintains a variety of Web sites from http://www.cuasp.co.co.uk (his “work” site) to http://www.atomicwise.com (a selection of his writings on music and art). He now divides his time between his family and composing electronic sounds for his music project, Open E.
Lucinda Dykes is a freelance Web developer, teacher, and technical author who has been writing code and developing Web sites since 1994. She started her career in a high-tech area of medicine but left medicine to pursue her interests in technology and the Web. She has been involved in client-side development with JavaScript for many years through her company, Zero G Web, and teaches JavaScript courses online for an international group of students at eclasses.org. She has also authored numerous technical books about XML, XHTML, and Web application development with Dreamweaver.
Table of Contents
Introduction.
Chapter 1: Introducing Ajax.
Chapter 2: JavaScript Refresher.
Chapter 3: Ajax and Server-Side Technologies.
Chapter 4: Ajax Techniques.
Chapter 5: Working with XML.
Chapter 6: Debugging and Error Handling.
Chapter 7: Web Services, APIs, and Mashups.
Chapter 8: XSLT and XPath.
Chapter 9: Patterns.
Chapter 10: Working with External Data.
Chapter 11: JSON.
Chapter 12: In-Depth Example: Sortable List.
Appendix A: Exercise Solutions.
Appendix B: Ajax Resources: Frameworks and Libraries.
Appendix C: JavaScript Resources.
Appendix D: JavaScript Language Reference.
Index.