Create Interactive Web Apps Using AJAX

Once a company has contracted a web-development company to design their website, they should have the ability to manage portions of the website from their end. When a site is designed using AJAX (Asynchronous JavaScript and XML) web applications can be developed and altered from both the web developer's end and clients end. Setting up this system helps with both sending data to and from a background server without interfering with the design or the behavior of the website.

What is AJAX?
AJAX consists of interrelated grouped web-development methods. It uses a combination of HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) and CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) to make up and style information. It's a type of, "Rich Internet Application" that holds a lot of promise for web usability, and with this system one can write their own applications. AJAX uses DOM (Document Object Model) that is accessed with Javascript to display, and allow users to interact with the information presented to them. XML (Extensible Markup Language)  is used for the interchange of data and XSLT (Extensible Style Sheet Language Transformations) is used for its manipulation. To bring all the technologies together Javascript is incorporated with HTML or XHTML (Extensible Hypertext Markup Language), and CSS helps with the presentation of information. XMLHTTP Request (A combination of Extensible Markup Language and Hypertext Transfer Protocol)  is object for asynchronous communication.

How AJAX can be used:
Due to its user-friendly and low complexity qualities, many companies use AJAX for certain functions within there websites. For instance, Kayak.com has an AJAX enabled flight search that makes it easier for users to find flights not only on their site but on other sites as well. This limits the time spent searching multiple sites for better deals. OldNavy.com and eBay.com use the product merge rollover feature through AJAX. This unique feature enlarges products or pops up a better description of a product when the user rolls its mouse over the image. This proves to be easier for users not having to click products or having been sent to another page to view items. Google uses AJAX features on quite a bit of their websites, including Google Reader, Gmail, and Google Maps, just to name a few.

Point A-B capabilities using interactive maps through AJAX

Other factors can be considered when using AJAX features for company sites. Ultimately, making items on the web-page easier for users should be top priority when developing an interactive site. Through AJAX services a company can make customer-cart checkout forms and purchases easier. This helps with the visitor never having to leave the page during check out process, there's no re-loading or refreshing, which adds a breeze in what could be considered a complicated and time consuming process. Dynamic shipping calculations easily update customers shipping methods and prices, providing overall better usability. Companies can also add interactive maps to be easily found and navigable through point A-B driving directions as well as provide text-box suggestions to more accurately find wanted information through their search box. AJAX is not limited to the few features mentioned, there's a wide variety of factors that can go into a developed company web-page.

Oldnavy.com uses product image rollover features through AJAX

The benefits AJAX provides:
Using AJAX improves browser based web-application responsiveness and can be considered a lower cost method with less of a hassle regarding complicity. It enables greater usability, and requires extremely low maintenance of web-development. Developers can update portions of the website with having to refresh an entire screen. This is convenient for not only the company using the AJAX system but also for individuals that visit the site as they can still view information like maps, photographs, etc. without having to refresh their browser screen and for the most part, not being aware that the site is being edited while they are visiting.Companies benefit from the AJAX system by providing a more user-friendly site for its customers. This ultimately helps the company site gain more traffic, better consumer interaction, and a more navigable site that provides both adequate and helpful information.

Comments

• By on Monday, October 17, 2011
   

  Love this writing nice info thanks!