How is Ajax different from JavaScript Libraries and Run Time Environments?


The focus of this article will be on what AJAX is, how it works in a nutshell, what makes it such a convenient yet powerful tool and how it is different from JavaScript libraries and JavaScript RunTime Environment.

AJAX Introduction and History

Ajax, short for Asynchronous JavaScript and XML, is a technique for creating dynamic and interactive web applications. It was first introduced in the early 2000s and has since become a staple of modern web development.

The key feature of Ajax is its ability to update parts of a web page without requiring a full page reload. This is achieved by using JavaScript to send and receive data from a server asynchronously, which means that the page can continue to function while the data is being loaded. This allows for a smoother and more responsive user experience.

Ajax was first popularized by Google, who used it in their Gmail and Google Maps applications. Other companies quickly followed suit and began using Ajax in their own web applications. Today, Ajax is used in a wide variety of web applications, from social media platforms to e-commerce sites.

In addition to its use in web applications, Ajax has also been used in other areas such as mobile and desktop applications, and it has been used to create real-time applications such as chat apps and online games.

Overall, Ajax has had a significant impact on the way web applications are built and has played a key role in the evolution of the web.

How AJAX Works?

The following is a brief overview of how AJAX works −

  • A user interacts with a web page, such as clicking a button or submitting a form.

  • The JavaScript on the web page sends a request to the server using the XMLHttpRequest object. This request can be for new data, or to update or delete existing data.

  • The server processes the request and sends back a response, typically in the form of XML or JSON data.

  • The JavaScript on the web page receives the response and uses it to update the page dynamically, without requiring a full page reload. This can include updating specific elements on the page, or displaying new data.

  • The user sees the updated page without having to refresh the entire page, making the experience more seamless and interactive.

  • AJAX is often used in combination with other technologies such as jQuery, ReactJS and JSON to make it even easier to implement and use in web development.

AJAX VS. JavaScript Libraries

AJAX and JavaScript libraries are both tools used for web development, but they have different functions and uses.

AJAX is a technique used for creating dynamic, interactive web applications by allowing a web page to communicate with a server without having to refresh the entire page. This enables faster and smoother interactions, such as updating content, submitting forms, and retrieving data.

JavaScript libraries, on the other hand, are pre-written collections of JavaScript code that can be easily integrated into a web project. They are designed to simplify and speed up the development process by providing pre-built functionality and abstracting away complex code. Examples of popular JavaScript libraries include jQuery, React, and AngularJS.

In summary, AJAX is a technique used for creating dynamic web applications, while JavaScript libraries are collections of pre-written code used to simplify the development process.

AJAX VS. Run Time Environments

AJAX, as we discussed before, is a technique used primarily in web development to create dynamic, interactive web pages without the need for a full page refresh while allowing for the exchange of data with a server in the background and allowing for faster and more responsive web pages.

Run time environments, on the other hand, refer to the software and hardware that are used to execute a program. These environments include the operating system, the virtual machine, and the programming language runtime. They provide the necessary resources and services for a program to run and execute properly.

In summary, AJAX is a technique used in web development for creating dynamic web pages, while run time environments provide the necessary resources and services for a program to run and execute properly. They are not directly related to each other, but they both play a crucial role in the functioning of web applications.

Updated on: 06-Feb-2023

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