Browser Based Content Modification

Even though the improvement of JavaScript and Ajax based applications have been significant for the past few years, the problem of browser incompatibility still exists. Developers may toil very hard in order to create an application but they are often geared towards a group of browsers.

Not every browser will interpret the function which means that the application will only work on specific group of websites. Developers have to create a separate function in order to properly implement an application online.

But the problem does not end up with simple JavaScript coding. There are JavaScript functions that are browser based and cannot be compromised. This is often referred to as "browser based content" wherein the information that should be displayed is based on the browser.

Modding the Server

Because the problem is based on the browser, the best way to force the browser with specific information is to change the server. Although JavaScript and Ajax is a client side programming language, it will still require server support. If the data in the server can be changed, the information can be forcibly loaded in the Ajax based application without any regard to browser.

To be specific, configuring browser based content can be done in httpd. The use of httpd is often used in streaming information to the website. In the case of JavaScript, httpd is used to stream information and functions. Even though the role of httpd is relatively small in JavaScript and Ajax, the function still has a very important role.

Developers can access and implement httpd configuration in this folder etc/httpd/conf. Take note that this folder is based on Apache server. Other server configuration might have a different destination but will more likely use the same httpd.

Challenges on Httpd

The challenging part in configuring the httpd is that its effects can't be easily controlled. Since most data passes through httpd, a simple reconfiguration can make significant changes in the application. It is important for developers to make some changes that will not have drastic effects on the application or at least the changes in the server would be part of the general changes in the online application.

The great thing about httpd is that can accept almost any command for developers. Of course, developers have to be aware that not every command can be acceptable but at least forcing changes can be done in httpd.

Libraries as the Easy Way Out

Using httpd is considered as the long way to deal with browser based content. But it can help in full customization in terms of specific actions for browsers. It's challenging to mod a web server but there are very distinct rewards that can't be achieved in other options.

The easy way out for developers is to simply use a function from various libraries. Browser incompatibility can be easily addressed by functions from major libraries. The only drawback in using libraries is lesser configuration which will not help in customizing the user's experience. Httpd is still a better option to create a fully customized Ajax and JavaScript based application.