Ajax For Dummies

Ajax is short for “Asynchronous JavaScript+CSS+DOM+XMLHttpRequest.”

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.

This guide takes you on a tour of how Ajax is used today, complete with examples of Ajax applications in action, such as an Ajax-enabled Yahoo! search or an Ajax-based chat application. Then it gives you basics on using JavaScript. After that you dive in and get info on:

• Writing some Ajax, interactive mouseovers using Ajax, passing data to the server with GET or POST, and more
• Connecting to Google for a live search
• Using free Ajax frameworks so you don’t have to start from scratch, including Ajax Gold (written specifically for this book), AJAXLib, and grabbing XML with libXmlRequest
• All kinds of Ajax techniques, such as using Ajax for drag-and-drop operations, pop-up menus, downloading images behind the scenes, and more
• Using SACK (simple AJAX code kit), decoding XML with Sarissa, and creating visual effects with Rico
• Handling XML int Ajax Applications
• Working with cascading style sheets (CCS) in Ajax, including setting up the styles, displaying a menu, styling text, handling colors and backgrounds, and more
• Working with Ajax and PHP

Complete with a companion Web site, free Ajax frameworks, and sample code you can use, Ajax for Dummies is your friendly guide to creating truly user-friendly Web sites!

Note: CD-ROM/DVD and other supplementary materials are not included as part of eBook file.

Introduction 1

Part I: Getting Started 7

Chapter 1: Ajax 101 9

Chapter 2: It’s All About JavaScript 21

Part II: Programming in Ajax 73

Chapter 3: Getting to Know Ajax 75

Chapter 4: Ajax in Depth 113

Part III: Ajax Frameworks 151

Chapter 5: Introducing Ajax Frameworks 153

Chapter 6: More Powerful Ajax Frameworks 181

Chapter 7: Server-Side Ajax Frameworks 213

Part IV: In-Depth Ajax Power 235

Chapter 8: Handling XML int Ajax Applications 237

Chapter 9: Working with Cascading Style Sheets in Ajax Applications 269

Chapter 10: Working with Ajax and PHP 297

Part V: The Part of Tens 323

Chapter 11: Ten Ajax Design Issues You Should Know About 325

Chapter 12: Ten Super-Useful Ajax Resources 331

Index 337

"...done a great job of explaining the various technologies behind Ajax...." (Practical Web Design, June 2006)

"...surprisingly good book..." (Computer Shoppers, June 2006)

Steve Holzner is the award-winning author of nearly 100 computer books. His books have sold more than 2 million copies and have been translated into 18 languages around the world. He specializes in online topics, especially Ajax, and he has long done commercial Ajax programming. Create Web applications that act like desktop ones

Brush up on JavaScript, use free Ajax frameworks, and make your sites rock

What if shoppers at your online store could fill their carts without waiting for multiple page refreshes? What if searches produced instant results on the same page? With this book you won't have to wonder "what if" — you can use Ajax to make it happen! Get the scoop on all the technologies and start cranking out great applications.

Discover how to

• Use CSS with Ajax
• Connect to Ajax communities
• Handle browsers that don?t do JavaScript
• Tie Ajax into Google
• Work with XML DOM
• Connect Ajax to PHP and JSP