Working with 4 Types of JavaScript Files

Coding JavaScript is implemented with specific JavaScript files. Through these files, functions are implemented with their corresponding variables. The combination of these files will eventually yield an Ajax or JavaScript based application. The number of JavaScript files in a single application is not limited and could be very minimal especially for widgets. As long as the JavaScript files have the necessary functions and variables, the application will work without any trouble.

Not all JavaScript files are the same. There are currently four types of JavaScript files that most Ajax and JavaScript applications have and each have behaviors that should be noted while developing an application.

Framework Files

One of the most convenient practices in developing an Ajax based application is to use frameworks. This tool will allow developers to create an Ajax based application without intensive knowledge of JavaScript.

Interacting with framework files is relatively easy with a few restrictions. Frameworks are generally a "stage" where every function used should be acceptable to the framework. This might look like a problem but frameworks are now a lot more powerful than their first usage for Ajax. Almost any script could be part of framework.

Tools Complementing Frameworks

Most frameworks come with components that allow developers to add special functions in the application. Tools such as user-authentication or additional navigation tools can come as files that could be integrated in the application. They are usually easy to implement especially when they are used within the framework.

These files can also work even with manual coding. However, certain configuration has to be done on developer's end. These are usually on connecting the right data in order to properly implement the function. This might require additional time for coding but these files are highly recommended as they help improve browser compatibility and stability in coding.

Application Scripts

Files that will implement functions in the application are probably the "engine" of the application. Without them, the application will not work. Application scripts can come from various sources - libraries, frameworks or they can be manually coded by developers.

Application files are relatively easy to implement. However, manual coding is a little bit challenging for many developers because of browser incompatibility. Additional coding may be required just to help the specific browser in understanding the specific function. But the use of various JavaScript libraries and the application files from various frameworks can answer the browser compatibility.

Page Scripts

Page scripts are usually the least common form of scripts in the Ajax based application. They can be integrated with the application as a way of connecting to other sites for data. They can be part of an API, widget or simply another script that provides the needed data to be displayed in the application.

While there is no real challenge in coding when using page scripts, developers have to make sure their source of information is secured. Third party sources of information can be a source of various attacks which will not only open the application to vulnerabilities but might stop the functionalities of the application.