JavaScript and AJAX For Dummies

If you're starting out with JavaScript for the first time, as most dummies book readers probably are, do NOT buy this one. I don't understand how the editors of the company could allow such a complex, incoherent book to be described as one for dummies [beginners]. The only people whom I think would benefit are those who are already somewhat proficient in JavaScript. In sum, the author is an expert on his subject matter but doesn't have a clue when it comes to communicating. This happens all too often in the world of software, where programmers who become authors, have no idea how to communicate with non-programmers [beginners], the target audience of this book. The author commits a classic error when writing about topics he knows inside out. He assumes the reader understands and/or is familiar with a wide array of JavaScript/Programming related concepts that are of course 2nd nature to him. So instead of starting out with the absolute basics of JavaScript, explaining them, and progressing accordingly in an organized manner from simple to more difficult, he quickly jumps into somewhat complex programming concepts and procedures. I found this scattered approach a little baffling. To compound the classic error described above, he states that each element of the scripts he uses as examples, will be explained in detail, but that didn't always happen. There was another problem that confused me. Maybe the concept was clear to others, but it certainly wasn't for me. On page 36 he said using //Learn to use these powerful tools together and build Web sites that work

If you want to build Web pages that offer real value to your site's visitors, JavaScript and AJAX are top tools for the job. Even if you're new to Web programming, this book helps you create sites any designer will admire. With easy-to-understand steps and an emphasis on free tools, you'll be able to jump right into building a site using the same techniques as the pros.

• Down to basics — learn your way around JavaScript and choose an editor and test browser
• Manage complexity — use functions, arrays, and objects to create more sophisticated programs
• Page magic — discover how to control what happens on your pages, animate objects, and put pages in motion
• Get beautiful — Use the jQuery User Interface library to add sliders, tabbed interfaces, and custom dialogs to a site
• Come clean with AJAX — build AJAX requests into your programs, use jQuery, and work with AJAX data

Open the book and find:

• How to choose a test browser
• How to discuss string concatenation with a straight face
• Tips for debugging your code
• How to add useful information to a dropdown list
• Why AJAX connections should be asynchronous
• The exciting possibilities of the jQuery library
• How to use the Aptana editor
• Online resources for JavaScript programmers

"Learn to master basic JavaScript as a Web design and aplication development tool ; write your own programs ; use JavaScript with AJAX, XML, and JSON; design an interface, animate images, program menus, and manage cookies"--Cover