The Top 5 Ajax Resources
Posted by admin | Posted in Programming | Posted on 31-10-2008
Whether you are an Ajax newbie or a seasoned professional, if you are not using the following five Ajax resources, you need to bookmark them today and start using them on a regular basis:
jQuery: jQuery is regarded by many as the most popular JavaScript framework for Ajax. With the slogan “Write Less Do More,” jQuery bills itself as a new kind of JavaScript library. The main goals of jQuery are to simplify HTML document traversing, animating, event handling and Ajax interactions. With these goals, jQuery strives to allow you to complete rapid web development. From Google to CBS to WordPress, there are a countless number of household brands that use jQuery to power their online properties.
MiniAjax.com: This website is a well-designed showcase of DHTML and AJAX scripts that you can download. As you will quickly notice once you visit the site, the featured scripts all have the same important characteristics: they are attractive, simple and useful. Although I haven’t had an opportunity to use all of the scripts listed on this website, some of my favorites that I have been able to use are ClickHeat, Ajax Poller and iTip.
jQuery Cheat Sheet: If you follow my advice and use jQuery (the first link on this list), you will want to have a cheat sheet that you can use for reference. Color Charge has created an easy to use cheat sheet, which is actually available in two versions. In addition to the printable version of their cheat sheet, Color Charge has also created a cheat sheet for the iPhone and iPod Touch (this version of the cheat sheet can be accessed even when you don’t have an Internet connection).
Hot Scripts: Hot Scripts is a collection of Ajax scripts and applications. Currently, Hot Scripts has 119 different Ajax scripts and applications that you can download (some are free, while others are commercial). The reason that I like this website is because of the way it is organized. Each script and application can be rated on a scale of 1-5, along with the ability for members to leave detailed reviews. You can also sort the list by title, hits, member ratings or member reviews.
AjaxDaddy: The characteristic that makes AjaxDaddy unique is that all of the scripts listed on its site can be taken for a test run via an instant demo. When you click on one of the scripts that is listed on the homepage, you will be taken to the listing page for that script. In addition to the source of the script, you will see a live demo. You can experiment with the live demo by changing the script source (which can easily be reset by refreshing the page). AjaxDaddy also allows visitors to leave comments on each of the scripts listed on the site, so you can read the thoughts of others or leave your own for others to read.
