Tooling Around With Ajax

Web 2.0 operations like social networking sites have amplified the popularity of through-the-browser applications relying on Ajax. There are lots of toolkits out there for making life easier for Ajax developers. Security, however, remains a concern.

Social networks are peppering the Internet with Facebook-like interactive features. Ajax (Asynchronous JavaScript and XML) is fast becoming the defacto programming tool for Web developers. But by itself, Ajax is a daunting challenge that requires demanding coding skills.

Ajax toolkits offer Web developers a shortcut method to build in the convenient and useful features that visitors of Web 2.0 sites have come to expect. However, the toolkit concept is nothing new to programming. What's newer is the proliferation of Java-based toolkits to feed the social network phenomenon.

Social media and Web 2.0 allow Web pages to display pop-up windows and other interactive objects without having to refresh the screen. It's now the expected behavior. Without the Ajax toolkits, it would take developers much more time to code and fix errors.

"Ajax and Asynchronous JavaScript are very complex. Ajax toolkits allow me as a developer to do cool things with a couple of quick commands," Evan Keller, director of Internet technology for Luckie & Company, told TechNewsWorld.

One major problem with Ajax being used on social networks is the ubiquitousness of the code. Tooling of Ajax has only started to see productivity New HP LaserJet P4014n Printer Starting at $699 after $100 instant savings. gains. JavaScript is used by hundreds of millions of Web sites today.

"Ajax is incredible in using the rich user experience better than page-to-page navigation. Ajax caught on over other programming methods because it is so effective in creating the interactive response on the Web," Kevin Hakman, director of product marketing for software developer Aptana, told TechNewsWorld.

The impact of Ajax on the Web can be likened to the innovation FedEx created with its overnight letter service. People started to discover the power of JavaScript, he said.

"It can move around the Web. That's why social networking sites are using it," said Hakman.

A portion of the article By Jack M. Germain