Chapter 24. Best Practices

At this point, you know how to create an object-oriented Ajax engine, create Ajax-enabled components, and tie together all the code to create database-enabled XHRs. With this knowledge fresh in your mind, it is a good time to get an understanding of some basic best practices as to when, how, and why to use Ajax based on the examples we have covered throughout the book. Although Ajax can create great effects and amazing interactions that don't refresh the browser, this does not mean that it should be used in every situation. I strongly believe that the technology should always be chosen after a solution has been engineered. If this rule is followed, the technology chosen will most often be the best solution to the problem.

This chapter will recap the key concepts covered throughout the book and explain best practices for each. Let's get started by talking about the Ajax engine.