Several programming languages are available to develop content on various platforms, and most people usually confuse AJAX as a programming language. In reality, AJAX is a technique implemented to update the webpages asynchronously from the webservers by exchanging information.
AJAX stands for Asynchronous JavaScript and XML, and from the abbreviation, we can see that it makes use of JavaScript and XML. The purpose of the AJAX came into existence when web pages had to reload to update the content. As it is capable of updating the content without reloading the entire page, people started adapting and using it.
How is AJAX capable of updating web pages without reloading?
AJAX uses XML and JavaScript, and all the operation occurs between the Browser and the Server. With the help of AJAX, the browser creates an “XMLHttpRequest” object that is generated and is sent to the server. On the server end, the server processes the “XMLHttpRequest” and creates a response. The response, along with the data, is sent data back to the browser.
The response received at the browser is processed using JavaScript, and once it is successfully processed, the web page updates the page content without reloading it several times.
How did AJAX aid website developers?
The AJAX has created a significant impact on the web development platform. Back then, most of the browsers and their web pages were very slow, and to update the content on the web pages; the users had to reload the entire page. The constant reloading of web pages was a time-consuming process, and sometimes data loss has also occurred.
As a result, the web developers had to manage the websites and work on fixing the issues constantly. With the development of AJAX, website developers have started implementing it. The implementation of AJAX has created a medium between the browser and the servers and aided the web devs from the browser and server issues.
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Is AJAX turning into Legacy Language?
With the time being, most programming languages or softwares hit the end and turn into legacy languages or software. The biggest reason behind a software or language turning into legacy is lack of development or going out of the race with better ones replacing them.
There are also other chances of turning into a legacy language due to platform incompatibility or hardware support issues. Talking about AJAX, most of the users are currently using it, and as it has a wide range of platform support and is compatible with most modern hardware, it is yet on the safe side.
Though it is on the safe side, there are stakes that it would gradually lose its position and might be replaced with upcoming modern technologies. The main reason behind this is the new interactive websites and current web standards. The biggest problem for AJAX is the updated JavaScript frameworks and new API standards, which are usually easier to implement and work on.
Is learning and using AJAX still worth it?
Learning a new technology is never a wrong idea, and as AJAX is still being used, it is worth learning. Most legacy languages are still being used to date, and even if they are not in use, they are used in competitive programming.
To this day, most beginners refer to most legacy softwares as they lay a foundation for modern languages. In addition, the software developed by Legacy language is still being used to this day. Coming to AJAX, it serves a great purpose in web development, and most websites still make use of it. AJAX might last longer in the markets before turning into a legacy language, and as the demand is also very high, it is suggested to start working on it.
To conclude, AJAX is still in great demand, and if you’re working on website development, it provides excellent support. Regarding the scope of turning into Legacy language, the stakes are very low, and there might be replacements soon. Still, AJAX is probably the best and most reliable way of implementing and developing a web page that can asynchronously update content without refreshing. If you find it difficult or unreliable, you can also rely on the new JavaScript functions and standard APIs.
