Powerful AJAX Development Solutions

Web Defined specializes in AJAX based web site applications and interface development. Putting the power of AJAX to use within your web site and web application allows your business to offer the most powerful and flexible technology on the web. AJAX based web site applications allow for the creation of web site interface designs that maximize ease of use standards for users. They are fun and exciting to use as well.

Current AJAX Javascript Libraries In Use:

• jQuery
• Prototype
• YUI Library
• Ext JS (currently exploring)

 

What is AJAX?

AJAX is a coding standard that allows for a consistent and constant connection to the web server and to its database. Non-AJAX web site applications, or any web page using server-side code such as php/mysql or asp, only have the opportunity to act on data when the web page is initially accessed or called by the user. Since AJAX creates a constant connection to the server, data can be accessed and manipulated by the server at any time while a particular web page is open and without requiring the browser to refresh.

That constant server connection allows web developers to create web site applications that act as if they were operating on the desktop rather than on the web. Just think of a basic ecommerce shopping cart web site design. When checking out, the user is shuffled from web page to web page to complete the operation including checking coupon codes, validating email addresses, finalizing totals and taxes, etc. An Ajax ecommerce web site shopping cart check out system would validate and offer totals and taxes immediately after the data were entered without requiring the user be sent to a different web page. Just think how much easier and faster that process would be for the user.

Another great example of the use of AJAX would be for a web based interface. In the past, web site applications were designed entirely around forms and no significant (GUI type) desktop-like enhancements could be added. With AJAX, web site applications can be created with interfaces that allow for drag-drop operations, consistent floating mini windows, as well as a great variety of other options that have not been available in the past. In other words, web site applications can now act entirely as if they were running from the desktop rather than the web.

 

What is Javascript, and What is it Used For?

JavaScript is a scripting language – programming code, created by Netscape, that can be embedded into the HTML of a web page to add functionality. It is a client-side language meaning it runs on the internet user’s machine. JavaScript should not be confused with the Java programming language. Javascript runs in all of the most popular browsers.

Javascript is very different then PHP, ASP, etc. which are used to create server-side applications that run on the web server and simply post results to the user’s browser. There are so many uses for Javascript, due to its versatility and speed that the options are truly unlimited. The only applications that one should not use Javascript for involve security, such as login forms, or powerful verification duties. Security would be sacrificed because by downloading the web page, a user could instantly see all variables and thus security would be compromised. For such applications, we would strongly urge using a server-side script such as PHP or ASP.