Ajax Without the Works

When we talk about Ajax, we often encounter XMLHttpRequest, Flash, Java, iframe and frame functions. Without them, Ajax will practically be nothing. They provide the function and process data. But there is actually a trick on how to build an Ajax based program without using these functions. You don’t even need to fool the system and the trick is relatively simple. Unfortunately, there are no libraries or Ajax based frameworks that provide these functions so you may have to build it yourself.

An Ajax based program without these important functions will have three important factors. In every webpage, there is always the data, the image file and program that connects and processes them with the server or in the webpage itself if you’re building an online application. In a regular Ajax based program the data is on XML, pictures and other mediums are located iframe, frame, flash or Java and they are processed within the program by JavaScript and server to client communication is done using XMLHttpRequest. But since we won’t be using them while maintaining an Ajax based feel, we have to change them with other functions.

Instead of using frame we can use image so that it communicate with other functions and the server. To enable its communication with other programs and server, you have to wrap it with parameters and build it as an .src property. These are used to process for pictures, videos and other media types.

For data functions, we can use style sheet instead of XML or JSON. You could even make it simpler when you use CSS on that function. Think of it just like the RSS feed wherein it seamlessly accepts data and updates them on the server. When you cross .src and CSS together, you should be able to get a pretty decent webpage by now.

Of course to string them all together you still need some JavaScript functions to make it work. This ensures that you still have that JavaScript feel in your webpage and the server could effectively communicate with the client.

The most challenging about Ajax without the regular codes is working without the actual XMLHttpRequest. To active seamless communication without refreshing the whole webpage, we go back to the image file. When they are built with proper parameters and ended with .src, that would trigger specific communication with the server. Of course, .js which strings everything together will also communicate with the server. This 1-2 punch from the client is a good way to ensure that each program works well. JavaScript will communicate to the server everything that’s out of the webpage and they will be received by the image that was built with .src.

Unfortunately, there is a downside in this program is that it could only work when the cookies are enabled. It may just be a simple concern but wait till you launch this website. Almost everyone doesn’t want another website to access their computer. There are some changes that you could do but it’s just not worth it because you’ll spend so much time to properly configure them.