HTTP Monitoring Tools

Developing an online application does not end when the application is launched. For Ajax and JavaScript, there is still a matter of controlling data coming and going to the server and back. As an asynchronous programming language, data transfers are very intensive not to mention the number of functions required to process those functions.

HTTP monitoring is a form of tool developers could use in their JavaScript and Ajax based application. Basically their function is to actively monitor the transaction between the user and online application. Although there are many HTTP monitoring tools that could be used in other programming languages and website development, only a handful could deal with the demands of JavaScript.

• Fiddler

Fiddler is a small but highly useful web debugging tool for most programming languages. Its ability to “fiddle” the connections between the user and the website is based on the ability of the application to monitor various HTTP (including HTTPS) connections at the same time.

Through this tool, the functions that use the most resources could be tracked. Modification of those connections can be controlled on the application. The application by itself is very light since it only reacts when an event is triggered but expansion through additional tools is possible through .Net Framework.

• Live HTTP Headers

If you’re looking for additional data as metrics from the application, this tool from Mozilla should be able to provide more than enough for developers. As the name suggests, the application monitor the headers used in the application. This is useful for debugging the application especially on the headers actively used.

The advantage of the application is based on the fact that it can be integrated with the browser. By adding the tool as part of the browser, developers could use Live HTTP Headers to gather data such as source of web server or its cookies.

• TamperData

Because of the reputation of Mozilla to be really interested in JavaScript and Ajax, you’ll see a lot of tools geared for the advancement of the said programming language. But unlike Live HTTP Headers, TamperData is a 3rd party application that only comes as a form of Firefox add-on tools.

It comes with basic functions related to HTTP monitoring such as tracking transactions of the website as well as changing the speed of these transactions. Its unique feature is the security protocol implemented to monitor and prevent attacks on the application. A note: do not use this tool with a web accelerator since it could cause TemperData to stop working.

Applicability of HTTP Monitoring

Although HTTP Monitoring can be used for any size of JavaScript and Ajax based applications, its applicability is especially geared for small online applications or Ajax based widgets. These forms of online applications have limited functions that could affect its entire processing. With the use of HTTP monitors, developers will be able to identify the specific function that could cause processing problems in the application. With this tool, developers of lightweight application can redistribute the processing speed to achieve user friendliness and improved interaction.