AJAX-Tips
Undoubtedly, XMLHttpRequest is the most important function in Ajax. With this function, developers could easily transfer XML files from the client to server. XMLHttpRequest can single-handedly transform your application from a simple website to an Ajax based website. Its asynchronous function makes Ajax one of the coolest website and application technique today.
Unfortunately, some developers have used it rather more than they should. Of course when a good thing is overused, it becomes really bad. The case of XMLHttpRequest is no different. When the function is overused it tends to overlap over some of the important things a website should have.
Here are some things that might have been overlooked because of XMLHttpRequest. Remember that the function could still exist if you bring these simple web techniques back.
A Website is a Website – Not an Application
Today’s thrust is more about building web applications rather than simple website. Applications will work on simple functions but when you translate everything online, you get lots of connection problems. When building a website, try to build a good site with minimal application. That way, the website still looks good with its Ajax functionality while keeping its function just like a simple website.
Too Much Information from Interface
Autosuggest is a good thing. In an Ajax based application, you can suggest lots of things to the users as they type in their preferences. Although it might look like a good thing, it is actually a bad thing when it comes to productivity. You have to go with a lot of things before you can actually reach the intended information. To make it clearer, here is an example:
When you type in “a” in the search button, the long list of words related to “a” as a letter would be there.
Although that would not take a lot of time the phrase you are looking for, it is better to delay suggestions a little bit. We are already struggling to know which one is true online and a faulty suggestion box will only get things worst.
Retain Regular Functions
Ajax has the ability to auto-save information making it easy for us to retrieve information in case something happens such as power failure. Some would often do it and make it as a necessity by not adding simple such as saving the information you just entered manually.
On the other hand, auto save will also eliminate the users chance to undo some parts of their work. In short, your function should give users more control of the online features rather than doing it the other way around.
Overdoing XMLHttpRequest is just showing off. The user will just be frustrated of your interface and will probably shy away from your website. If you really want to show what you can do with an XMLHttpRequest tell other developers about it. XMLHttpRequest fosters unlimited functionality – but that does not mean we have to show them all to our users. Just limit them to what could be useful and limit the bragging rights to your fellow developers.
