25.06.07
Jamie
Choose your JavaScript toolkit
For some time now JavaScript enhanced and Ajax driven web applications have been attracting a huge amount of interest. With so many of these applications popping up, it is very difficult to keep up with latest industry developments. Although Dusted’s applications aren’t heavily reliant on JavaScript or Ajax functionality, we do use them both to enhance the user experience. Our methods generally rely on Script.aculo.us and Moo.fx libraries.
Some recent projects have encouraged me to research various other frameworks/toolkits/libraries (ftl’s) to see what is available to make our lives a little easier and development a lot faster. Although there are many, here are the most popular (IMO): Dojo, Moochiket, Moo.fx, Prototype / Script.aculo.us, jQuery, YUI and Ext.
After reading Kaleb Walton’s post and many blogs/comments on the subject it seems clear to me that the project specification determines the toolkit you end up using. It is also interesting to see that Ext and jQuery have documentation on using multiple ftl’s. Most of the discussion is based around which one has the best widgets, clearest documentation and is the easiest (and quickest) to implement. I haven’t yet had a chance to use them extensively but it seems that Ext and jQuery are the strongest candidates. Personally, I like the look of jQuery and what it can do. It is a little easier to follow at first glance which I feel will encourage Interactive Designers like our Matt to jump in and try it out before heading over to check under Ext’s bonnet!!
