Ajax Disadvantages

Introduction

Ajax is the acronym for Asynchronous JavaScript and XML. It incorporates a suite of technologies aimed at improving user experience with web pages. It also allows programs written in different programming languages on different browsers to communicate with each other. Translation, communication and function between web applications happens remotely and, ideally, instantaneously. Another primary aim of Ajax is to reduce user delay when interacting with web pages. Ajax frameworks and technological components allow web applications to function on an as-need basis without requiring the re-loading of the entire web page.

Therefore, updates and functions don’t’ require human interaction nor does the user have to wait while requests are being processed. Ajax, ultimately, aims to produce Rich Internet Applications (RIAs). It allows web content to be re-loaded incrementally without changing web content. This single page interface increases user interactivity.

When Ajax became consolidated as a technique in 2005, it did so around much media hype. This article will describe Ajax methodologies that created that hype and outline some Ajax disadvantages.

Background and Components

Jesse James Garret defined in a 2005 article entitled “Ajax: A New Approach to Web Applications.” Its programming style incorporated a variety of open web standards. Open web standards are useful because they encourage application competitiveness and interoperability. This is good news for the user because it means that the most customized solution will be found for users’ needs.

Ajax functions through the collaboration of various technologies. A familiarity with the basic building blocks of Ajax will help in any discussion of its disadvantages. Ajax uses a combination of XHTML (Extensible Hypertext Markup Language), CSS (Cascading Style Sheets), JavaScript, and XML. XHTML provides a standardized markup language for web pages. It allows for designers to customize tags for the communication of data and the execution of requests between applications. In the case of Ajax, this occurs remotely through a web browser.

CSS enables web page styling and formatting. JavaScript is supported by both Microsoft and Netscape browser making it useful across many platforms and operating systems. It provides a standardized scripting language that is particularly useful for web programming development because it is easier and faster to write. XML formats transferred data between the client and server making it easily readable between the two. These files are dynamically generated through server-side scripting.

Disadvantages

When Ajax emerged as a methodology, it did so around considerable media hype. Ajax was positioned to revolutionize web development in the same way the “dot.com” boom did in the early 90’s. However, Ajax is often seen as just the re-using of existing technologies that programmers were using anyway. Also, some of the interfaces, while providing the convenience of a single page, were confusing and difficult to navigate. Another glitch in Ajax occurs because of limitations in browser integration. Ajax creates dynamic web pages, tailored to user specifications.

However, because the data and format in these pages needs to be so specific, the web page cannot connect with the browser history engine. This results in inconveniences and delays in searching. For example, because of this lack in browser integration, clicking on “back” to return to a previous page or search might not be allowed on a user’s browser. Dynamic web page updates, which are part and parcel of Ajax technology, also make bookmarking difficult. Because web pages are automatically updated, when a user returns to a page it might not contain the desired information. Another concern when using Ajax is respond time lag.

There might be a lag, for example, when the web page interface loads because of pre-loaded data and having to handle request objects properly. Visually, this could mean that different segments of the page interface are loaded at different times, creating confusion. When using Ajax, websites must also to take care to link their information to a public URL because some search engines aren’t equipped for Ajax. This stems from another Ajax disadvantage. Ajax reliance on JavaScript, which isn’t used by some search engines, means that web sites constructed through Ajax will require testing on several browsers for compatibility. This is because JavaScript can be installed differently on different browsers. Its ability for customization can also make it incompatible with other browsers.

Search for Solutions

However, in keeping with Ajax’s spirit of innovation, many solutions to these problems have been implemented. For example, using invisible IFRAMES allows the retrieval of history data. URL fragment identifiers let users bookmark and return to a particular state of an application. It also supports back-button functions. Microsoft’s development of Ajax Extensions includes an Update Progress function that lets the user know a page is being updated. This reduces user confusion in lag time. Ajax products continue to reconfigure themselves and re-combine with newer technologies to improve web user experiences.