Pragmatic Ajax: A Web 2.0 Primer

Pragmatic Ajax: A Web 2.0 Primer eBook

Ajax turns static web pages into interactive applications. Now you can deploy rich-client applications to clients without sacrificing the easy deployment of web applications. But to many folks, Ajax seems difficult. That’s why we produced this book. As a Pragmatic guide, it strips away the mystery and shows you the easy way to make Ajax work for you.

Writing dynamic applications isn’t that hard. Folks are awed by Google Maps, but it isn’t rocket science (apart from the satellite pictures). As a special bonus, see how to implement your own Google Maps-like application using DHTML.

We cover the the basics of DHTML, JavaScript, and the infamous XmlHttpRequest call. You’ll see how to add Ajax to existing programs, and design new applications to exploit the power of Web 2.0. Learn the three layers of Ajax framework, and when (and how) to use each. See how to create rich clients, use visual effects, add client-side validation, and handle forms. Write applications that degrade gracefully if clients don’t support JavaScript. And see how to integrate your Ajaxified clients into Java, .NET, and Ruby on Rails server frameworks.

Authors: Justin Gehtland, Ben Galbraith, Dion Almaer

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Ajax For Dummies eBook

Ajax is short for "Asynchronous JavaScript" Even if you weren't intimidated before, that tidbit is probably enough to make you reach for the Excedrin. Just reach for Ajax For Dummies instead. With screen shots, actual code and explanations, and live Web sites where you can see Ajax applications doing their thing, it will have you using Ajax to create Web applications that look an act like desktop applications in no time. With Ajax, you can speed up and clean up your Web applications. Shoppers at your online store can fill their carts without waiting for multiple page refreshes. Searchers on your sites can get instant results on the same page.

Major Web players are already using Ajax to create a new generation of Web applications, including Google (Ajax is behind Google Maps, Google Suggest, and Google Groups), Amazon, and Yahoo. Topics covered include creating JavaScript effects, styling with CSS, using the XMLHttpRequest object to fetch data, working with Ajax design patterns, harnessing Ajax toolkits, and server-side scripting with PHP and JSP.

Author: Steve, Ph.D. Holzner

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