Unit 5: Scripting with Server Access
Thus far in this course, we have taken a brief look at scripting from the client side. We will now discuss scripting from the server side, which is more secure and offers increased functionality. Asynchronous JavaScript and XML (AJAX) allow the server to access scripting code within Dynamic HTML through the use of an XMLHTTPRequest object. In this unit, we will study AJAX and learn how it is implemented. This is a particularly important consideration for mobile apps, since AJAX will enable data to be refreshed on a browser or application screen without requiring that the entire screen be refreshed. In essence, the data is reloaded from the server based on user interaction.
Completing this unit should take you approximately 3 hours.
5.1: Overview
5.2: AJAX Mechanics
5.2.1: XMLHttpRequest Object
5.2.2: responseXML
5.2.3: Examples
Follow the link to the chapter on XML Examples. Read the article and then complete the "Try It Yourself" activity. Use the "Next" button to navigate to and read the remaining chapters, completing the other activities where available.
5.3: XMLHttpRequest Implementations by Browser
5.4: JavaScript Frameworks
5.5: Design Patterns