candy

Apr 29 2006

Head Rush Ajax

Web 2 is upon us. And if there is anything new about this iteration of web technology, it’s AJAX. Web applications finally enjoy the robust interaction of desktop applications thanks to a little JavaScript and database integration. Sure AJAX has inspired quite a bit of eye candy, but there’s no doubt that real time interaction will be a requirement of ‘modern’ websites in a matter of years.

Enter Head Rush Ajax. This book is innovative not only in subject matter, but also in teaching style. AJAX is hot and this book will teach you to code it. Now, I’m using the word ‘teach’ here (twice) on purpose. The Head Rush series uses an engaging mix of exercises, cut-to-the-chase instruction and hands-on work to embed AJAX in your head.

While you can browse, it really is not possible to read this book without learning something. The writing style is really unique. I’m sure there are plenty of ways to learn Ajax, but this has to be the fastest and easiest. Other tech books will seem repetitive and slow-moving after Head Rush.

I have to admit I was a little apprehensive when I picked up this book. I haven’t dedicated time to pure coding in a while, and my knowledge of JavaScript has never been good. But none of that mattered. While die-hard coders might be find it a bit uninteresting, this book is not for die-hards. A web-based tutorials on JavaScript, or experience with PHP will be plenty to get right in to this book, and AJAX.

Head Rush’s systematic approach teaches you the concepts and gets you coding right off. The book is based on realistic examples that are immediately applicable. And, AJAX is fun. The first 50 pages will fly by, and you will be coding real AJAX long before you can get bored.

The key to the book’s success is its reach-out-and-get you style. There are quizzes, exercises and homework that reinforce the content – none of which is overwhelming, or very hard. The authors have fine-tuned these learning techniques to make for a quick and enjoyable road to competence.

A laid-back learning style and interesting content make for a great book. In attempting to streamline the material,the authors leave out a few important concepts at first- to be picked up later. This may annoy the get-going-now types, but in the long run, the book is great about covering all the bases – from browser compatibility to good code structure.

If you want to learn Ajax and want to get in the driver’s seat quickly, this is the book for you. Its fun.

Check out a sample chapter here.

Buy it at Amazon here.

By admin • Reviews • Comments Off • Tags: ajax, candy, database integration, desktop, die hards, eye candy, head rush, iteration, no doubt, purpose, realistic examples, robust interaction, rush, series, style, tech books, technology, time, time interaction