ASP.NET AJAX (formerly called Atlas) is a new free framework from Microsoft designed to let developers add Asynchronous JavaScript and XML (AJAX) features to ASP.NET applications easily, simplifying the process of building interactive and highly-personalized web applications that work across all popular browsers.

ASP.NET AJAX in Action is a fast-paced, example-rich tutorial designed for ASP.NET web developers and written by ASP.NET AJAX experts Alessandro “Garbin” Gallo, David Barkol, and Rama Krishna Vavilala. The book introduces AJAX applications and ASP.NET AJAX technology. Beginners will appreciate the clear explanations of key ideas and terminology, while intermediate and advanced ASP.NET developers will find a no-nonsense learning source and a well-organized reference.

ASP.NET AJAX in Action offers a rich and extensive set of code samples accompanied by accurate and rigorous explanations of the development concepts. You will discover how to take advantage of:

• Microsoft's AJAX Library
• Partial rendering with UpdatePanels
• Advanced client and server techniques
• The AJAX Control Toolkit

Using Microsoft's ASP.NET AJAX framework, AJAX development can be easier and more intuitive than ever before. The book contains:

• Numerous code examples
• Deep coverage of the ASP.NET AJAX Extensions
• A discussion of the ASP.NET AJAX Futures CTP
• Information on using partial page rendering in conjunction with UpdatePanels
• Advanced client and server techniques

The sample chapter presented here, Chapter 4, delves into the server-side portion of the framework, called the AJAX server extensions, and discusses the ScriptManager control, how to access resources, and how UpdatePanels work.

Download the PDF of Chapter 4: "Exploring the AJAX Server Extensions."

Reproduced from ASP.NET AJAX in Action by permission of Manning Publications, ISBN 1933988142, copyright 2007. All rights reserved.