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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.

Biography

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.

Table of Contents

Introduction.

Part I: Getting Started.

Chapter 1: Ajax 101.

Chapter 2: It’s All About JavaScript.

Part II: Programming in Ajax.

Chapter 3: Getting to Know Ajax.

Chapter 4: Ajax in Depth.

Part III: Ajax Frameworks.

Chapter 5: Introducing Ajax Frameworks.

Chapter 6: More Powerful Ajax Frameworks.

Chapter 7: Server-Side Ajax Frameworks.

Part IV: In-Depth Ajax Power.

Chapter 8: Handling XML int Ajax Applications.

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

Chapter 10: Working with Ajax and PHP.

Part V: The Part of Tens.

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

Chapter 12: Ten Super-Useful Ajax Resources.

Index.

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