Ajax is short for Asynchronous JavaScript+CSS+DOM+XMLHttpRequest.Even if you werent intimidated before, that tidbit is probably enough to make you reach for the Excedrin. Just reach forAjax 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 moreConnecting to Google for a live searchUsing free Ajax frameworks so you dont have to start from scratch, including Ajax Gold (written specifically for this book), AJAXLib, and grabbing XML with libXmlRequestAll kinds of Ajax techniques, such as using Ajax for drag-and-drop operations, pop-up menus, downloading images behind the scenes, and moreUsing SACK (simple AJAX code kit), decoding XML with Sarissa, and creating visual effects with RicoHandling XML int Ajax ApplicationsWorking with cascading style sheets (CCS) in Ajax, including setting up the styles, displaying a menu, styling text, handling colors and backgrounds, and moreWorking 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: Its 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
