subject: Web Development With Ajax And Xml [print this page] Web surfers nowadays expect more than just text and images from websites, they want rich interactivity and customization in their web experience, what does this mean to developers? embracing new technologies capable of delivering beyond expectations of web users. This is possible by using a combination of new web technologies such as the AJAX and XML.
AJAX
What is AJAX anyway? for the uninitiated, AJAX is neither a new language, solution, package tool or what may you. AJAX is a reincarnation of a number of already existent standards to fit the rapidly changing needs of modern web users. AJAX is essentially a combo of.
JavaScript : for facilitation of programming and decision making.
HTML : say layout mapping and interface
PHP/ASP : say server side scripting/processing.
XML : say structured communication.
In DHTML perspective, AJAX could be viewed as an HTML front-end, several user end logic implemented in JavaScript flavor that talk with the server using structured XML prompts and responses, this is turn process data using server side scripting language such as PHP. Whats important is that the user is oblivious of the fact that the page employs AJAX technology, this means seamless implementation.
If you're still in the dark - AJAX means Asynchronous JavaScript and XML. The power in the use of AJAX lies in the name - Asynchronous, this means it doesn't rely on sequential loading pattern typical to other web forms. Rather communication and updates happen in ad-hoc style.
Why use AJAX?
In order to use AJAX technology, any pro web developer needs nothing more than what they already have, that is the following:
Web Browser with JavaScript Support
Web Server with Server Side Scripting
Both ASP and PHP cope pretty well in server side scripting, and good enough majority of modern browsers support XML abstractions in JavaScript. Internet Explorer employs activeX controls and most other browsers have in-build JavaScript objects. As a developer you'll be required to create code that select between two abstractions because they are not compatible.
This foible aside, IE implementations and other new age browsers such as Chrome and Firefox, PHP ans ASP are almost equivalent.
AJAX Prerequisites
Working knowledge of JavaScript, HTML, forms, XML and at-least one web server scripting language such as ASP or PHP. XML skills can be acquired as part of the AJAX learning experience, but know how of other mentioned technologies is required. The developer must especially have a solid understanding of JavaScript for HTML form validation and interception, and the ability to develop applications that link between the server side scripting and the web browser.
What can AJAX do?
The intention of AJAX creation was to enable developers design highly interactive web pages. For instance Google advices using AJAX to automatically suggest possible search terms. AJAX conscious pages will use the data supplied by the user or culled from third party source such RSS to communicate with it's own server hence provide an enhanced and interactive experience to the user.
