Asynchronous Javascript and XML (AJAX)

What is Ajax? Ajax is an acronym for Asynchronous JavaScript And XML. A form of JavaScript programming language, Ajax is used to create interactive web applications that transfer small amounts of data to promote web page(s)' responsiveness. Having the server in the background, Ajax allows users to make modifications without having to reload an entire Web page. Ajax, therefore, increases the interactivity, speed and user-friendliness of a Web page.

Integrating a mixture of XHTML, CSS (Cascading Style Sheets); DOM (Document Object Model); JavaScript; XMLHttpRequest or Iframe; and XML, Ajax is a combination of applied technologies that was introduced in 1997 for the Netscape Communicator browser. At that time, Ajax enabled asynchronous content load onto an existing web page without having to reload the entire web page.

Through the advancement of technology, Ajax applications have been used more oft on user machines in combination with browsers using document object model methods to modify web pages. Ajax is a multifaceted web tool that allows users to perform various tasks including editing category trees; expanding web forms; returning search queries; and updating and/or deleting records. Ajax can do all of this without the need of retrieving HTML with corresponding modifications.

Overall, Ajax only requires small requests be transmitted to the server. In doing so, Ajax receives short responses, which allow more interactive user interfaces. Because of its versatility, Ajax is currently an effective cross-platform application.

To produce effective results for search engines, it is important that Ajax is implemented in a WAI-compatible form. (WAI - Web Accessibility Initiative): preloading data, and proficient manipulation of XMLHttpRequest object.

It is also good to know that most current browsers do support Ajax and is an innovative approach to web applications.

Got Ajax? Seeking ways to enhance your web pages? Contact SEOAdept to learn more how we can help you!