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Getting Started with AJAX and the XMLHttpRequest Object

Nov 3, 2006

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Understanding AJAX: Using JavaScript to Create Rich Internet Applications

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2.7 Summary

At the heart of AJAX is the communication channel with your server. The best way to accomplish AJAX communication is by using XMLHttpRequest. XMLHttpRequest provides the ability to make synchronous and asynchronous requests while providing an easy-to-use programming model. XMLHttpRequest's biggest disadvantage is that it doesn't work on IE6 when ActiveX is disabled, which can cause problems for security-conscious users. For cases in which XMLHttpRequest can't be used, you do have a number of different options. The best of these options is the use of hidden IFrames. IFrames require server pages to be specially tailored to respond to their requests. This shortcoming makes for a much less flexible implementation but one that is still capable of getting the job done for many AJAX applications.

When you need to support old browsers, you can use either IFrames or cookie-based solutions. Cookie-based solutions can even be used on version 3 browsers, if needed. Note, however, that the limited dynamic ability of a browser from that period makes building any large-scale AJAX applications a very difficult task. When targeting modern browsers, compatibility isn't a huge concern, and you can choose the AJAX communication layer with the best features: XMLHttpRequest.

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