Asynchronous JavaScript and XML (AJAX) was popularized in 2005 as a way to combine HTML, CSS, and JavaScript and to update web pages without reloading the entire page. Requests are made in the background and the page updated dynamically with retrieved data. In this lesson, you will learn how to use AJAX to dynamically update a web page.

AJAX logo

Learning Objectives

  • Use Ajax to modify the content of a web page to display data retrieved from a web server without reloading the page
  • Compare and contrast GET and POST requests

How to Complete this Lesson

  1. Watch What is Ajax? – stop at 2:55 after the Twitter example (3 minutes)
  2. Read Getting Started from the Ajax developer guide (10–15 minutes)
  3. Watch Learn XML HTTP Requests in JavaScript | AJAX Tutorial (10 minutes)
  4. Read HTTP Request Methods (5 minutes)
    • Note: While this page contains an excellent summary of HTTP methods, you should take notes to increase the likelihood that you’ll remember the details, especially the differences between GET and POST requests
  5. Complete the AJAX practice activity (10–15 minutes)
  6. Take the quiz (10 minutes)
  7. Work on the web development programming exercise (PEX) (120 minutes)
    • Create the required web pages (introduction, service partners, and volunteer information) with the specified static content

Due

As a reminder, the following is due this lesson:

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