Microsoft invented the XMLHttpRequest object for Internet Explorer, but it's now supported in Safari, Opera and Mozilla browsers, although the underlying implementation is different. Still, the interfaces are similar enough that—with a little effort—you can use the XMLHttpRequest object to exchange data with servers, no matter which browser is running.
by Nigel McFarlane
August 16, 2005
he World Wide Web has traditionally used a book or slideshow metaphor as the basis for navigation between hyperlinks. Clicking on a link is like flicking from one page to another in a book or magazine, or like operating a slideshow projector—click a button or link, and a new page or slide appears. But those metaphors don't work well for all applications. This article describes a modern way to proceed when you want to expose information without changing pages. The XMLHttpRequest object—now widely available—is the answer.
The Web wasn't originally intended for application delivery, but that's what many HTML-based Web sites provide. Such applications attempt to present a user interface that is less like a book and more like a control console. Examples of real-world consoles are sound engineer's decks and air traffic control systems. Users expect to be able to operate the console controls without each operation replacing the entire console with a fresh copy. In other words, they want the console to stay where it is while they work.
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he World Wide Web has traditionally used a book or slideshow metaphor as the basis for navigation between hyperlinks. Clicking on a link is like flicking from one page to another in a book or magazine, or like operating a slideshow projector—click a button or link, and a new page or slide appears. But those metaphors don't work well for all applications. This article describes a modern way to proceed when you want to expose information without changing pages. The XMLHttpRequest object—now widely available—is the answer.
