Unobtrusive JavaScript for Better Ajax Applications

An Ajax based application is being developed to provide users an easier way to navigate through the webpage or the application. The requirements in successfully running an Ajax based application is to properly code JavaScript as this ensures that the client side is able to handle different commands especially in execution of online functions. To achieve this feat, developers have to practice unobtrusive JavaScript.

Developers can enjoy simple looking JavaScript websites without having to crowd the website with too much information with this practice. By observing unobtrusive JavaScript they can also simplify coding which would be a great advantage for any developers especially in speeding up the development of an application or websites.

Common Behaviors of Unobtrusive JavaScript

The following are certain behaviors of unobtrusive JavaScript which helps easing the development of an Ajax based applications:

• In-line event handlers should be non-existent – this would reduce coding to a significant level. Developers have to do away with this type of command and be forced to develop an application with simpler commands. These commands might only consist of data extraction or just data transfer but with the help of JavaScript, these commands could be interactive.

• .js files are extracted externally – since even a simpler website will require a function other than data extraction, a new technique has to be used to ensure better interaction from users. That technique is in using external sources. When a developer tries to extract .js files from the server, it could cause a lag in its performance not to mention the additional lines added in building the application. By using a different source, the load is taken off from the server.

• Progressive enhancement – by simply adding JavaScript to important functions, developers are building two types of website – an HTML and an Ajax version. Ultimately, unobtrusive JavaScript should be very effective in a way that the website could work even without JavaScript. That means JavaScript is a remarkable add-on which ultimately provides options for users.

• Reusable forms and links – a very challenging feature in JavaScript is the use of forms and links. Developers usually end up writing the form and contacting the link again with another command. Through unobtrusive JavaScript, they should be able to create a tag that will be used to identify previous commands and links.

• Elements in JavaScript could be added at will – in progressive enhancement, developers can add functions on top of HTML with JavaScript for easier execution and varying versions. Unobtrusive JavaScript has the same capacity with progressive enhancement with minor tweaks – there are functions in JavaScript that can’t be easily ported to HTML or other versions. To address this problem, unobtrusive JavaScript will dynamically add the function based on the need of the user.

Unobtrusive JavaScript is not an easy technique to master. Security problems due to multiple sources and regular coding techniques are challenged. But these problems could be easily handled as long as the developer applies these techniques and constantly monitors the performance of their applications. The difficulty is worth it as unobtrusive JavaScript improves user experience of the Ajax based website.