FJAX: The Flash Based Ajax

Weeks ago, I found a nice alternative to Ajax called AHAX, it is an HTML version of Ajax and it provides almost the same functionality however, does not have the really cool features of JavaScript. It goes to use HTML so that it could render XML in the webpage. It is really simple and looked better compared to simple HTML but I think it defeats the purpose of being a great alternate to Ajax since it does not offer the exact RIA that we are looking for in Ajax.

Now another alternate to Ajax is steadily getting a buzz. I checked them out and it is pretty impressive when you take a look at their example. Although I have only seen the theoretical side of this programming technique, it looks very promising. FJAX stands for Flash JavaScript and XML and although it replaces the A for Asynchronous, it still offers the same behavior you would expect from an Ajax based website. This programming technique was developed by Steve and Jay McDonald – cousins who are also programmers. Their familiarity with Flash and the quest for another alternative has led them to the creation of this smart technique.

How does FJAX work?

The main reason why FJAX was built was to provide a better alternative in parsing XML. In a regular Ajax, you would see JavaScript or PHP are enabled to render the information effectively. Another reason why FJAX was also built was to prevent cross browser problems. Some functions are never available and will never work in some browsers so a developer has to provide another set of codes just to make sure users of different browsers should be able to read their Ajax-based website.

Instead of JavaScript, FJAX uses Flash so that it could transfer XML file from the server. Compared to JavaScript, Flash is lighter and could practically run in all types of browsers. Aside from parsing XML it also renders the recently acquired information to HTML. Using the help of JavaScript it could practically render itself faster. Best of all, it does not need so many codes so that it could be compatible to different browser. FLASH and XML are universal codes that could be read by any browser.

Personally, there are two things developers should consider. First, developers who wanted to venture out of Ajax and transfer to FJAX or start entirely with FJAX has to deal with a lot of languages. Aside from JavaScript, HTML and XML, they should also start learning Flash development. That is one too many languages that you have to learn before you could even start in Ajax development.

Second, those who are really familiar with Flash will find themselves in a very unfamiliar territory. We all know Flash always takes on the leading role in web development but in this case, Flash takes on a background role. Honestly, I was browsing through FJAX’s official website and I can’t seem to see the difference between FJAX and Ajax. No Flash based movies or anything similar to Flash could be seen.

If you’re already familiar with Flash and would like to expand your options, you can consider working on FJAX and develop a good working application or website.