Ajax

Just because your boss or your marketing department or you think that Ajax is cool and you really want to build an Ajax application doesn't mean that you should. If you understand what Ajax is good for, you'll be better off when you do get the call and can create an application that uses Ajax well, and not just for the sake of using Ajax.

Web applications can be a challenging endeavor where you try to get your customers to wait for data to load or pages to render. But with Ajax (sometimes called Asynchronous JavaScript and XML) you can create multi-purpose Web applications that feel like desktop applications. No more waiting for pages to load, and the hourglass is gone.

Definition of the term Ajax as it relates to Web design and development

If you use AJAX to write applications, you should be aware of a security hole that was found.

The JavaScript Guide at About defines AJAX.

This short article explains how AJAX can be used to improve your Web pages without needing to reload the page. From the About Guide to JavaScript.

by Jesse James Garrett
This is the original article that coined the term "AJAX". It is a great overview of what AJAX is and how it's used in various examples.

The Wikipedia provides a very clear and comprehensive definition of AJAX. This is a good overview site, but you won't learn to write AJAX from this page.

A comprehensive review of Ajax and how to use it, from Web Reference.

A article that explains the impact and application of Asyncronous JavaScript and XML (AJAX). A discussion of the technology and use of AJAX on web pages. An explanation of the acronym AJAX.