Re: RPG and AJAX was->RE: How do I create a webpagethat....

[David Gibbs <david@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Joe Pluta wrote:
> My point is that AJAX is a technology looking for a reason.  There
> just aren't many places where it's really necessary.  Yet it will be
> overused because right now it's bright and shiny.

Looking for a reason?  I don't think so.  There are plenty of instances
that ajax technology can be used to enhance the users experience.  I
think it can be applied in a large number of applications to great effect.

Overused?  Probably.

Misused?  Absolutely.

> There is a certain class of programmer who will push AJAX because
> it's cool, regardless of the utility of the technology in the
> business case.  It's the new hammer syndrome.

Sad but true.  The old adage of using "The right tool for the right job"
tends to get overlooked.  But this tends to happen with just about all
new technology, doesn't it?

> Unfortunately what AJAX does is move server logic to the client by
> pushing it into JavaScript.

I don't think that's necessarily true ... AFAICT, ajax justs let you put
more interactivity into applications that previously didn't have it.
The 'server work' _should_ still be on the server.  Ajax should just be
used to present the work the server just did.

> Of all our currently available tools, JavaScript is by far the
> hardest to debug.

Very true.

> Using it to turn a web browser into a thick client is a bad idea
> except in those instances where you specifically need thick client
> functionality.

I don't think ajax turns the browser into a think client ... a thicker
client (less thin), than it used to be, possibly.

At least this is my general read ... I haven't played around with ajax
much, so I'm far from an expert.

> Again, just in case I'm not being clear: AJAX is not a bad technology.  It
> has uses.  However, it should be a business decision as to whether to use
> AJAX, not a decision based on "coolness"

Oh man ... but using cool stuff is so FUN! <grin>.

david