Ajax Technology Center
Many web application developers are using Ajax to build dynamic web applications. Adobe provides a set of technologies, solutions, and libraries to increase the range of Ajax-based applications. This topic center guides you to Adobe resources for developers who want to use Ajax to build both desktop- and browser-based rich Internet applications (RIAs), and for designers who want to create richer user experiences.
- Develop desktop-based RIAs
- Develop browser-based RIAs
- Design richer user experiences
- Leverage third-party resources
Develop desktop-based RIAs
Adobe AIR is a new cross–operating system runtime that enables you to extend the reach and functionality of Ajax, HTML, Flash, and Flex applications. With Adobe AIR, you can build and deploy your Ajax apps to the desktop using the tools, technologies, and development models you employ today when developing for the browser.
Adobe AIR supports a flexible programming model and provides a set of APIs that leverage desktop functionality and resources, including local file access and storage, drag-and-drop support, rich clipboard support, access to multiple servers and other desktop applications, database access, background processing, system notifications, and more.
To learn how to build Adobe
AIR applications, check out these resources:
In Labs: Develop on Adobe AIR with HTML and JavaScript
Download the latest Adobe AIR build, SDK, and documentation; read the FAQ and technical articles; and view the Adobe AIR showcase gallery, sample applications, and developer videos.
Introducing Adobe Integrated Runtime (AIR) beta
Find out what's new in the beta build for Adobe AIR and explore what you can do with full support for HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, including Ajax frameworks.
Adobe Integrated Runtime for JavaScript
Developers Pocket Guide
(PDF, 4.2 MB)
Download a free copy of the Adobe AIR book (written by Mike Chambers, Daniel Dura, and Kevin Hoyt, and published by O'Reilly Media Inc.).
Develop browser-based RIAs
Adobe offers technologies that enable web developers working with JavaScript to build RIAs in the browser—without having to invest a lot of time up front to learn new technologies. These technologies enable rich media support, data services and synchronization, and server technologies for rapid development and deployment of RIAs. Refer to the following resources to complement and extend your Ajax-style applications:
In Labs: Ajax Data Services
Use this JavaScript library to access the messaging and data management capabilities of LiveCycle Data Services, so you can use Ajax clients that share data in the same messaging application or distributed data application.
In Labs: Flex Ajax Bridge
Leverage this code library to enhance Ajax-based applications with the richness of Adobe Flash technology.
In Labs: Flash Ajax Video Component
Use this open source Flash component to provide video playback within an Ajax application while maintaining full creative control over the look and feel of the video player.
Flex and Ajax
Learn how to use Adobe Flex and Ajax technologies to build complex solutions with these technical articles and tutorials.
ColdFusion and Rich Internet Applications
Find out how to take advantage of Ajax functionality in user interfaces with new features in ColdFusion.
Design richer user experiences
Adobe also provides solutions to help web designers and developers to leverage Ajax in a way that fits in with their current technologies and workflows. Spry is a new Ajax framework that provides a lightweight yet powerful model for adding data, interactivity, and rich user interface widgets to HTML pages. Spry works with all HTML editors, including Adobe Dreamweaver and Aptana, and uses the same technologies that you already know to build web pages. With Adobe AIR, Spry can be used to deliver these rich Ajax experiences to the desktop.
Explore the following resources to familiarize yourself with the Spry framework:
Spry framework for Ajax Developer Center
Get started with the tutorials, documentation, and demos to get started with the Spry framework.
In Labs: Spry framework for Ajax
Get more information on the ongoing development of the Spry framework and download the latest version on Adobe Labs.
Leverage third-party resources
Aflax
Aflax is a development methodology that combines Ajax and Flash to enable developers to use JavaScript to leverage all of the features of Adobe Flash Player.
Aptana
The Aptana IDE is a free Eclipse-based, JavaScript-focused development environment for building Ajax applications. It also supports Adobe AIR application development and the Spry framework.
Ext
Ext is a client-side JavaScript framework for building web applications that includes Ajax and UI components.
jQuery
jQuery is a JavaScript library that simplifies how you go over HTML documents, handle events, perform animations, and add Ajax interactions to your web pages.
WebORB
WebORB is a server technology designed to simplify integration between rich clients and server-side applications created with .NET, Java, or XML Web Services. Supported client-side technologies include Ajax, Flash Remoting, and Flex.
Flash JavaScript Integration Kit
The open-source Flash JavaScript Integration Kit makes it easy for developers to use Adobe Flash and Ajax together by enabling JavaScript to invoke ActionScript (the scripting language used in Adobe Flash) functions and vice versa.
Submit your feedback about the Developer Center.
