Extremely Comprehensive for Beginner Through Intermediate
This book covers lots of ground coming in at 600 pages of real content. I almost gave this book 3 stars until I re-read it. It may seem verbose for the more experienced programmer, but I think would be a perfect read for the novice Javascript programmer. It really is packed full of great implementation ideas and good practices, such as the use of software patterns (MVC, singleton, adapter) and extensive code refactoring. There are tons of screen shots, images, diagrams, code examples and snippets, and external references. Although the AJAX protocol is server-side neutral, the author implements the backends in Java, C#, PHP, and VB.NET.
The biggest drawback is security coverage. Security issues in the AJAX world have really unfolded since this book was first published. This title does dedicate about 30 pages (chapter 7) to security. The author touches on the basics, like securely parsing XMLHttpRequest response data. However, I would highly recommend Ajax Security for a more in-depth study. "AJAX Security" is almost the size of this book, but entirely dedicated to security and about 2 years newer.
The book concludes with five big example applications. The fourth example implements a live search. It employs XSLT for XML parsing and presentation, which really piqued my interest. For me, the live search example is the highlight of the book.
Good intro to Ajax principles and architecture
Looking for the latest DHTML tricks and Javascript libraries? You came to the wrong place: this was published in 2005.
But I really liked this book. All you need is competence with HTML, CSS and Javascript, and Ajax in Action will help you understand what makes Ajax different from the traditional client-server architecture of web apps. It also introduces some design patterns and other basic considerations, e.g. cross browser issues. The second half of the book has several examples that illustrate what Ajax can buy you.
If you're already doing Ajax, there's not likely to be much here of any practical value, and a lot of the basic issues have been finessed away with the more common Javascript libraries. But if you're looking for a higher-level overview of the principles of Ajax and the issues involved in delivering the Ajax experience across browsers, this is still very relevant.
Reading Ajax in Action is not going to make you an expert. But this (or something like Head Rush Ajax) is a very good introduction.
I agree, incorrectly named
I've bought the portuguese version of this book (AJAX em Ação), and I agree that it was incorrectly named.
I have a good experience with AJAX, and I was looking for an "AJAX bible", with hacks and something like this... but, like other people here, I am disappointed.
The book is excellent as a guide for project patterns that can be applied not just to AJAX, but to any web project. But the title, "AJAX in Action", suggest another type of content.
Very useful for Web developers
i am very interested in AJAX learn and this book is essential for any person that work in the web, how web developer, web desginer and others. you can learn the structure and the metodology about AJAX and JavaScript too. It is great and interesting
Well written, but unfortunately way out of date
It's amazing how much the JavaScript world has changed.
This book has a relaxing style, and it was enjoyable to read. However, it no longer represents what I think of as "modern" JavaScript. For instance, it doesn't cover closures until appendix B, and even then it tells the reader to avoid them. These days, having studied Dojo, jQuery, and Douglas Crockford's videos, it's clear that closures are at the heart of how modern JavaScript is written.
The copyright for this book is 2006, yet the index doesn't even mention Firebug, YUI, dojo, or jQuery which are now staples of the JavaScript community. Although, dojo is at least mentioned in the list of Ajax frameworks and libraries.
This book is an interesting piece of the history of JavaScript, but for those wanting to learn modern JavaScript, I recommend watching Douglas Crockford's videos instead.
