AJAX Resources

AJAX Rating Stars

I’ve completed the second component to my prototype-based AJAX widgets library: AJAX Rating Stars. This component features form-field binding, javascript callback support, and sending values via AJAX requests.

To download this widget, and for complete API documentation, please visit my blog.

Add comment August 28th, 2006

Aptana Web IDE

Recently, a co-worker of mine introduced me to the new Eclipse-based “Web IDE” Aptana. While it’s definitely still in beta (I’ve noticed many interface quirks), this open source project is quite possibly the best JavaScript IDE that I have used yet. Take a look at these cool features:
Code completion for JavaScript (Uses/parses phpDocumentor-style comments), HTML and CSS. It even includes DOM compatibility notes and cross-browser quirkiness checking.

Outliner that gives a snapshot view of your JavaScript, HTML, and CSS code structure

Error and warning notification for your code

Built-in simple HTTP server enables easy on-the-fly code checking

Built-in support for popular AJAX libraries, such as Prototype and Scriptaculous, speeds up environment set up

In all, the feature set is very impressive. The fact that it’s Eclipse based, and is available as a plugin as well as a stand-alone app, makes it even more attractive (I say this as I’m looking at my windows start menu — filled with 7 different editors for various technologies). As I said, it does have some random strange behavior like unexpected keyboard executions and some weirdness with autocompletion, but it is still in beta. I look forward to seeing a major release of this.

2 comments August 28th, 2006

AJAX Help Balloons / Tooltips

I’ve created some ajax-enabled help balloons / tooltips, and posted them on my blog.

These balloons are based on the prototype.js javascript framework and use the Scriptaculous RIA Effects Library. They feature attractive PNG images for smooth transparencies and drop shadows, a very easy API and the ability to populate the balloon content via JavaScript, XML or HTML (via XmlHttpRequest).
Visit my blog @ BeauScott.com for more information.

Add comment August 26th, 2006