AJAX Frameworks Compared
The next generation of web projects will all use asynchronous data processing. AJAX is the new catch phrase among developers because it makes your website cooler. For example, check out any Google application and you’ll find loads of advanced AJAX going on. The benfits are astounding: users can get a more fluid user interface experience and web sites can more closely align their processes with the flow of typical non-web-based programs. The disparity between installed applications and what’s available via a web page is becoming less of an issue and the possibility of an all-online application experience is more realistic with AJAX.
But who wants to work from the ground up? I know I don’t! It’s miserable coding all the Javascript to make it work. In my experience, here are some AJAX frameworks that make coding rich web sites easier.
Prototype
Prototype is perhaps the best way to get your hands dirty with AJAX. It simplifies the coding experience to no end, but it favors developers more than amateurs. Still, if you are learning HTML and Javascript, this is great place to go long before you contemplate creating your own AJAX environment. Skill level required: Medium.
Backbase
Backbase is definitely the most robust AJAX framework I’ve seen. That being said, you have to be a developer to get full benefit out of this one. It’s not for the faint of heart and certainly necessitates a working knowledge of Javascript to get far with it. Yes, it does have its own syntax structure that simplifies it, but to get it working to your liking and all, you’ll want to first be fluent in web programming. Additionally, it’s proprietary and will cost you thousands of dollars for full implementation and support. Skill level required: High.
Adobe Spry
Adobe Spry is my new best friend and my favorite to recommend to you. It was designed to take away all the heavy coding and is perfect for anyone, be they amateur or expert. The main focus of Spry is to allow for some advanced AJAX functionality with hardly any Javascript and mostly HTML/CSS. So if you feel comfortable working in HTML/CSS, you’ll find Spry your best option for AJAX development. Also, it’s free :) Skill level required: Low.
Script.aculo.us
Script.aculo.us is a fabulous framework for AJAX effects. It’s built on the Prototype framework and is open sourced. If you’ve already played with Prototype and find it to your liking, then you’ll find this bundle a breeze. That said, you may want to check its features against Spry, given that both are open source projects. I have come away using both for different functions and believe there’s nothing you can’t do with both. Skill level required: Medium.
AJAX is a must!
Now, go to and build some sweet web 2.0 sites! AJAX is becoming more and more a standard for web development, and now is the time to get ahead of the curve. I hope this review points you in the right direction for useful AJAX development, and, if you come in contact with any better, drop me a line.
