Web 2.0 (ugh)

[Hendry Betts]

AJAX

Asynchronous Javascript And XML that is what the acronym means. But what does it mean to web developers and how does it impact design?

Well, I can give you my opinion on the matter, but I would rather hear what the Geeks in the Peanut gallery have to say.

[Hendry Betts]

I hate to reply to myself... but that seems to be the only way I am going to generate traffic. Anyway, I just got back from TAE (The Ajax Experience) where I was immersed in the "Power of Ajax". I think that Ajax really doesn't mean much to hard-core javascript programmers (JavaScript Ninjas and RockStars). Because it is what we have always done since the DHTML days.

But, because there are some serious hard core programmers out there working to make the market better by producing libraries like prototype, Dojo, scriptaculous, jQuery, extJS, YUI, Google, and others, I think it changes the world for designers. The libraries can simplify the developoment process so that designers don't have to be RockStars or Ninjas to get the uber-cool effects that customers are now demanding. Also, the use of the XHR (XML HTTP Request) makes page refreshes a thing of the past.

However, like so many things, bad implementation leads to poor performance and crap sites are always crap sites no matter how cool the technology used to implement crap is. In other words, if you leave cow flop in a Porche, the Porche will stink.

[CSS Tinderbox]

i'll admit that i'm not the most JS savvy person kicking around a computer all day, but i'm not taken into the AJAX buzz because it seemed like it was more or less a re-branding of what was already being done.

Maybe people love acronyms so much that the hip and trendy developers wanted to get in on the action.

In the end, for me, if it simplifies the whole process without being cumbersome, then it's good to go. i like the ideas of libraries because if given the chance, like the site i work with, the JS will get out of control if thrown together bit by bit like legos, by different people and at different times. Our scripts are jacked up and ugly now and it's time to take the weed whacker in there to clear it all up.