JeremyHelms

What is AJAX?

June 26, 2006 at 11:48 pm

I get asked quite a bit about the technologies and methods I use in development; some are easier to explain than others. Recently, AJAX has been on the tip of everyones tongue. The idea or "technology" [as some think] behind AJAX is not all that new — granted it's fresh, but it's not new...

The term "AJAX" was coined by Jesse James Garret (now titled a "software influencer" by Software Development Times) of Adaptive Path in 2005. In short, AJAX is not a technology, but rather several technologies and methods of implementation of these technologies incorporated into a single concept. AJAX isn't a programming language either. So what is it you ask?

Jesse James Garrett said

Ajax isn't something you can download. Its an approach — a way of thinking about the architecture of web applications using certain technologies.

For a much easier understanding of the AJAX concept, take a look at http://www.snook.ca/archives/javascript/what_is_ajax/. I think you'll see that Snook's explanation of AJAX is about as easy to understand as it gets. If you don't get it after reading that, stick with what you know. ;)

Something noteworthy on this topic is that AJAX has played a significant role in the "Web 2.0" movement. Using AJAX as an approach to building rich user experiences has produced many of the most notorious web applications in the history of the Internet to date. Just think, if what we see (and use) today on the web is a result of simply combining existing technologies into one concept, what is the web of tomorrow going to be like?

About the author

I am Jeremy Helms, 28 year old graphic designer, web designer, site architect, programmer, copywriter and ambitious entrepreneur. I was born and live in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. This site is my personal periodical for design, code, business and other topics. When I'm not glued to the computer, I enjoy music, movies, late-night television and sometimes a good night out on the town with friends.

I began professional work in the IT industry 13 years ago in September, 1995. I started my first business in 1998, incorporated my second business in 2001, my third in 2002 and my fourth and most recent in 2006. I am a sponge — I am constantly exploring and learning — about business, design, programming, history, society, and whatever pops up on blogs across the web.

• I have been happily married for 5 years; together for a total of 10 years
• I am a father of two boys; Junior (born 02-06-07 @ 6:17PM — 8lbs 13oz.) and Jedi (born 05-06-08 @ 12:39PM — 8lbs 4oz.)
• I am a free and accepted Master Mason, belonging to Florida Alpha Lodge No. 172
• I have two prize Labrador Retrievers (Buck & Brody)
• I graduated from Choctawhatchee Senior High School
• Some of my favorite movies include Snatch, L4yer Cake, Blade Runner, The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy, THX 1138, Lock, Stock And Two Smoking Barrels, the Star Wars hexology and Ronin