So I’m currently re-writing Jen’s Gradebook web application into Ajax and the results are stunning. I had no idea how much time went into reloading the web interface to reload as opposed to passing data to the database. I actually had to add a sleep() to my php backend code in order to ensure that I was getting the visual response I was looking for. Well.. back to work…
Some Great Ajax Links:
Ajax in Action Is a great intro and overview of the necessary worlds including an indepth look at design patterns and performance which I found pretty fascinating.
Jesse James Garrett at adaptive path - this is the article that started the buzz and gave this technology its really crappy name (I know I’m the onlly one who hates it, it is just so corny and difficult to work into a normal conversation)
 prototype.js provides a great starting framework and it will lead you to other projects. Check out rico and script.aculo.us and Behavior to get some wonderful pre-built functions.
 There are obviously a bunch more places to check out, but these should give you a great head start.Â