What is AJAX?

AJAX is short for Asynchronous Javascript And XML. The most popular thing about AJAX (often rendered "Ajax") is its ability to create near seamless, no-waiting applications. One of the best things about Web 2.0 technologies is the ability to use AJAX to cut the waiting time to zero when it comes to loading features, maps or other content. AJAX combines XHTML and CSS, uses something known as "asynchronous data retrieval" and Javascript to eliminate the wait. A great example of Ajax at work is Google Maps. When you drag sections of the map to look at them, they load in real time. There is no hourglass or "please wait" icon while the graphics load. That's thanks to Ajax.

AJAX is not new. It's a new way of using existing Web design technologies and is compatible with most Web browsers. To start learning Ajax to help you get freelance Web developer jobs, you'll need to have a knowledge of HTML, XHTML and Javascript. Ajax lets your Javascript communicate with the server using the XMLHttpRequest object. If that sounds like a foreign language to you right now, you need to put some study time in with the basics before you can start using Ajax to earn money as a freelance Web designer. But once you have the knowledge and skills to move forward, let Artisan help you find the perfect company for you.

Tags: Industry Trends, web, web design

This entry was posted on Tuesday, June 23rd, 2009 at 1:35 pm and is filed under Design Resources. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.