where to start? 5

[schase]

I'm good with asp, html no problem. css I can bang around in (rather ungracefully).

I do not know XML, nor Javascript.

Question there is - where to start? pick up XML or JS first - then get into AJAX?

Stuart

 

[jshurst]

You don't really need to know xml to use ajax. Definitely start picking up javascript. I've been meaning to write a FAQ in the asp.net forum with a simple ClientCallBack example(the asp.net 2.0 way of doing ajax), so hopefully I'll get around to that next week.

Plus with xml there isn't that much to know. You define your own tags, then you have elements, attributes, inner text, etc. However when you start getting into xslt then you've got some learning to do (which is what I need to start learning).

Javascript is really cool and I think you'll like it when you get into it (I haven't been in it that long).

 

[schase]

thanks,

I've got a JS book I bought a number of years ago just never got around to opening it.

Stuart

 

[1DMF]

Also it is worth noting, you do not have to use XML with AJAX, you can pass back HTML or TEXT and use inner.HTML to update a <div> with the content.

A bit crude and non-standards I know, but it works a treat ;-)

"In complete darkness we are all the same, only our knowledge and wisdom separates us, don't let your eyes deceive you.

 

[jshurst]

Good info. That's the thing about ajax, you can only pass back strings...

 

[rhyno2k]

schase,


There are lots of tutorials online, as you may know, but I actually recommend two books to get started. Since it helps to have a fundamental grasp of Javascript, check out "JavaScript in Easy Steps" (McGrath). I found this on B&N's discount shelf for $9.95. Also, "Ajax for Dummies" will help with learning the basic structure of how AJAX works.


--RHYNO

 

[tsdragon]

Even handier to be able to pass back in some cases is "JavaScript Object Notation" (aka JSON). You can find out about that at

http://www.json.org

It is basically a way of returning structured javascript data to your javascript routine. You pass javascript code back to your routine which then eval's the returned code to execute it, and you have variables containing data you can use. I have a vbscript function that I use to convert an ADO recordset into a javascript structure that can be used in your javascript code. I'll post it if anyone is interested.


Tracy Dryden

Meddle not in the affairs of dragons,
For you are crunchy, and good with mustard.

 

[schase]

Thanks everyone.

I'm glad I suggested this forum to Dave.

Tracy - yes please.

Stuart

 

[k5tm]

Where to start? I found Professional AJAX by Zakas, McPeak and Fawcett very nicely structured. It also features downloadable code, and covers many techniques including JSON (which I intend to produce from XML using XSLT).

Tom Morrison

http://www.liant.com

 

[Tobie29]

Thanks for the suggestions!

Tom, I just purchased that book last week. I do like the way it is set up too.