[kris33]

Hello. I want to learn some AJAX. I know that AJAX basically is Javascript, but are knowing Javascript really necessary for coding AJAX?

There are so many "so-called" Javascript- and AJAX libraries out there, like Prototype, JQuery and many more. What are those really?

Something that makes it possible to "write" Javascript in a shorter and more efficient way without actually writing javascript-code? Or have I misunderstood completely?

Well, my main question is: How do I get started with AJAX in the easiest and most efficient way possible?

I do not need anything superadvanced, I am just going to use it for simple things.

It would also be positive is the code is fast and efficient, and don't use too many resources.

[wheedwacker]

If you want to learn AJAX an easy, (cheating) way, you could use mootools and just learn how to work that. if you really want to actually learn it, you should learn javascript and then it will help you a lot for learning ajax.

[Larixk]

If you just want to use Ajax use one of those prewritten libraries. But if you actually want to know Ajax, first start learning JavaScript, then combine it with a server-side scripting language of your choice.

Using libraries without any Javascript knowledge is kind of dangerous, though. If things fall apart (and they tend to) you won't be able to fix it.

Also make sure your site runs fine without any fancy Javascript first. Ajax should be used as an enhancement, giving a smoother user experience. Your functionality shouldn't depend on it as there are still people/companies that have it disabled.

For a nice medium-level introduction to Ajax read Bulletproof Ajax by Jeremy Keith

[kris33]

Thanks for the replyes! I guess I will just use a framework. Learning Javascript takes too much time, more time than I have right now.

Well, What is the best(easy and effictive) javascript framework?

Is Script.acol.us any good? What about JQuery?

[kris33]

Bump

[rfresh]

Yes, JS is part of Ajax - unless you're using a framework which 'hides' the details from you, you will need to know JS and some server-side scripting language.

I learned Ajax using JS and PHP - no framework - but I understand that Ruby on Rails has one of the best Ajax frameworks around. I suggest you check into that development platform.

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[erik.silkensen]

If you want a really easy, beginner-friendly introduction to Ajax I recommend the book Head Rush Ajax.

I've had really good experiences with a couple of the other Head First books and imagine this one follows suit.

[pgo]

I've got Bulletproof Ajax currently making its way across America to my doorstep from Amazon.com.

[Cborrow]

http://www.sitepoint.com/books/ajax1/ is a good one, simple book good for getting the basics of AJAX. It shows examples and goes through the process of creating an AJAX class that you can use.

[5P4C3]

Originally Posted by kris33

I know that AJAX basically is Javascript.

Baiscly? there is nothing special about Ajax. and if you actually want to be able to create something thats cool you need to learn JavaScript.

[intrinzic]

You need to learn javascript that's for sure. Go to w3cschools.com to learn javascript easily, they teach the basics there and its easy to understand because you can try it with their demo.

[hobolooter]

Javascript is hardly the only thing you need to learn to utilize Ajax. There are several other factors, including when/where to use it, how to implement, graceful degradation, which server-side language to use, presentation (using CSS/HTML to display loaders, etc), and putting it all together in a speedy/efficient application.

Head rushing into something that you have little background on, could potentially lead to headaches and a very inefficient application. People ruined Flash, by seeing very appealing movies and thinking that they could publish similar work without any knowledge of programming or design.

This is mainly a rant, but I can't recommend enough that you learn how Javascript works, how server-side languages work, etc.

Good luck though!

[pgo]

Good points all, hobolooter.

Also, I didn't read this thread originally.

JQuery and Mootools are not Ajax. They're just JavaScript libraries. The could potentially be used for Ajax applications, but Ajax also requires server-side programming and usually database integration as well.

Adding that Bulletproof Ajax is an excellent book, too.