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New to AJAX - Is it worth the time?

 
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Hi everyone,

I'm new to AJAX (although well versed in JavaScript and XML, so I don't think it should be too difficult), but I'm wondering if it is really a technology for the future that I should invest my time in learning well. I'm somewhat concerned that users may not have JavaScript enabled, and due to increasing security precautions (especially on Windows XP and Vista), it may not catch on too well. I know it has caught on in the short-term, but what are your thoughts as AJAX being a cross-browser, long-term technology?

Thanks,
Jeff
 
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Hi,

I've just started to use it. It's pretty cool. I can manipulate my pages without clunky page reloads. I use it for real-time form validations and to increase the speed of some of my apps: that is, only load data when the user asks for it rather than loading it all. Will AJAX really take off? Who can tell. It depends on whether coming technologies provide support for it. But, for right now, I like it.
 
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I think Ajax is here to stay -- at least until the whole HTTP/browser/web paradigm gets the heave ho (which I don't see happening anytime soon). There's a whole class of interactive web applications that just aren't possible without the ability to make backend requests to the server without the need for a full-page refresh.

So my answer to your question is yes. If you are serious about web development, Ajax is going to be a necessary tool in your bag of tricks.
[ April 09, 2007: Message edited by: Bear Bibeault ]
 
Jeff Storey
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Hi. Thanks for all of the quick replies. I was leaning toward the thought that it was worth my time to learn AJAX. Maybe it's just my programmer paranoia taking over that was giving me some second thoughts.

Thanks again,
Jeff
 
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You dont need to know xml if you want to work with plain text only, in ajax.

It should be worth the time, because, esp. you know javascript, you will be able to jump in in no time.

Thanks to books like Ajax for dummies(if your backend is php), and ajax in practice (if java backend).

The issues you mentioned, e.g. browser standards - were here even before ajax came out anyway, thanks microsoft, so its not new.
 
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