Dijit Framework

Dojo is a very powerful framework for developing Web 2.0 and Ajax based websites. Through proper usage of the toolkit, developers should be able to build an Ajax based website with little to no use of JavaScript. But let’s face it – if you want to build a highly efficient Ajax based application using this framework, you should have at least a small amount of JavaScript coding.

The advantage of Dojo in building an Ajax application is the ability to build a robust application, with a wide variety of functions to choose from. If you combine your knowledge of this framework with your knowledge of JavaScript, you have an application that’s highly customized with all the components in place.

However, Dojo could be a little bit overwhelming for developers especially for those who are starting with it. So many things to learn and consider at the same time while building the application could easily confuse those who are trying to build Dojo as fast as possible.

If you’re not sure with Dojo, start with Dijit. This is not exactly a framework but a widget creating tool that could be injected to a Dojo application. On the other hand, this widget could also be used in developing a small application. Dijit is composed of small functions that could be integrated which will result in building a small Ajax application.

There are two ways in developing an application using Dijit. The first method in building an application using Dijit is declaratively. If you’re not sure with your JavaScript yet, no problem – developing Dijit is very easy since it has a GUI that will guide you in building an Ajax application. These functions could be placed inside an HTML command, making it easier to launch.

The second method in building an application using Dijit is programmatically. If you already have knowledge in JavaScript, you can use Dijit as a platform in developing an Ajax application. The difference in building an application with this method is the ability to launch the application without the help of HTML. JavaScript could be used as an engine in building an application.

But these methods are not exclusive as an application that uses declarative and programmatic could be combined. In fact, most of the applications developed using Dijit are launched using the combination of declarative and programmatic functions of the toolkit.

Aside from functions, users could also change the themes that come with Dijit. This small development tool comes with an impressive array of themes so that your application will look as you desired. If you really don’t like what Dijit offers, you can also build themes on your own so that you customize the look of your application.

Dojo maybe a little bit overwhelming for some developers. Start with Dijit and slowly increase your knowledge with this widget which could also be used in building an application using Dojo. An Ajax based application doesn’t have to be from a very complicated framework, the smaller version of Dojo should be more than enough if you want a small yet highly efficient application.