IBM has boosted the open source Eclipse integrated
development environment project by adding support for Open
Asynchronous Javascript + XML (Ajax).
Using Open Ajax, developers will be able to create webpages and
applications that allow the end-user to drag-and-drop information,
folders and documents, just as they are able to do on a
desktop.
So-called rich internet applications are a part of Vista, the
next release of Windows built using Microsoft's Visual Studio.net
programming tool.
However, until recently, open source developers have lacked a
fully integrated Ajax programming environment.
However, Ajax has now been coupled with the Eclipse integrated
development environment (IDE). Both open source technologies have
evolved to the degree that they are now ready to underpin the next
generation of web applications.
Mike Gilpin, Forrester Research vice-president and research
director, said, "Google Maps and Gmail and other uses for Ajax like
Yahoo's e-mail client and BEA's Adaptive Portlets, represent real
innovation.
"They show the potential and the degree of pent-up demand for
richer user experiences on the web," he said.
According to IBM, "Ajax can reduce the steps needed to complete
a transaction over the web, or create a competitive edge for
enterprise companies and web designers."
However, IBM also added that Ajax is still a "difficult"
technology to grasp.
At the start of February, IBM gave its backing to the open
source Open Ajax development project and optimised Eclipse to work
with a number of Ajax toolkits. This should allow developers to
create Ajax applications more easily.
Open Ajax is supported by Google, BEA, Red Hat, Borland, Novell,
Oracle and Yahoo, among others.
Ray Valdes, research director at analyst firm Gartner, described
the Open Ajax project as a modest start. "It is also a
well-conceived manoeuvre that meets a real need for leadership in
this space," he said.
"The announcement also bolsters Eclipse's standing as one of the
two main integrated development environments, along with
Microsoft's Visual Studio."
Valdes said that the project would be strengthened by the
support of other commercial Ajax tools providers including Tibco,
as well as non-Ajax technology such as Adobe's Macromedia Flex.
"Web developers should evaluate Ajax, initially in a tactical
way, coupled with investment in a design process centred on
usability," added Valdes.
What are the strengths of Ajax?
Ajax (Asynchronous JavaScript + XML) is an open source
technology that increasing numbers of developers are using to build
interactive webpages and applications.
The technology loads new data from the server in the background,
allowing pages to automatically refresh themselves without user
intervention, and giving quick responses to things like online
forms.
Webpages and applications can also let the user drag-and-drop
information, folders and documents, as they are able to do on a
desktop.