Prototype Lightview

One of the most challenging tasks for any developer is on effectively handling multi-media online. While multi-media is part of the data that needs to be effectively handled, the sheer size of a single data could slow down the application.

This is especially true for Ajax and JavaScript based applications. Although the programming language can work well in handling information, the ability to handle image, sounds, videos and other multi-media content can be challenging. Developers have to make sure that they are streaming the online content without slowing down the system while maintaining the quality of the images.

Effectively handling the images for Ajax and JavaScript is one of the main features of Prototype Lightview. As the name suggests, the framework was based on Prototype but was improved to focus on media streaming. Through this library, developers will be able to build a floating multi-media player within the application.

Features:

• Presentation of Images through Slideshow - Users will be able to stream images within the browser. The images are loaded as a slideshow presentation which could be easily customized depending on the developer's preferences.

• Integration with various media format - Aside from being a simple image streamer, the library can also accommodate various file formats for sounds and videos. Developers simply have to indicate the file extension so that the library will automatically detect the required codecs for the file. Users will no longer be required with additional application just to view or listen to the uploaded files.

• Flash Support - Flash will always be tricky when it comes to integration with Ajax and JavaScript. But Prototype Lightview tries to bridge the gap by allowing Flash-based files inside the lightview box. Like most of the files, Flash-based files will be read depending on how the flash file was created.

• No CSS Required for customization - The background and borders of the floating streaming is fully customized. But that doesn't mean developers have to tweak the CSS content of the library. Developers can simply make some changes on the quality of the viewer. No additional file is required for borders.

The iFrame Challenge

The downside for this type of library is that it will use iFrame when launching files within the browser. This eases the loading time as well as ensures compatibility. However, there are anti-virus applications that do not allow streaming through iFrame since the anti-virus thinks it’s a 3rd party malware. When the user sees a possible intrusion, they might permanently walk away from the site.

Dealing with this problem is actually a matter of avoiding certain codes. Avoid enclosing the images and other media formats in HTML. This is especially true for Flash based files since it will be seen as another application that tries to get information from the browser without the user's knowledge.

Prototype Lightview is a very simple but useful library for many online applications. Its ability to stream multiple file formats is very impressive as it effectively launches the files without dragging the browser.