The Definitive Guide to HTML5

C H A P T E R  32

Using Ajax – Part I

Ajax is a key tool in modern web application development. It allows you to send and retrieve data from a server asynchronously and process the data using JavaScript. Ajax is an acronym for Asynchronous JavaScript and XML. The name arose when XML was the data transfer format of choice although, as I’ll explain later, this is no longer the case.

Ajax is another one of those contentious technologies. It is so useful in creating rich web applications that designers and developers have created a lore around its use and regularly engage in vicious sniping contests about the right way to do Ajax. This is largely rubbish and not needed. Ajax is surprisingly simple when you get down to the details, and you’ll be ...