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You may not see it or realize it, but chances are you have encountered a website that utilizes a new, but-not-so new technology called AJAX. AJAX stands for Asynchronous JavaScript and XML, and refers to an ingenious method of using a combination of functionality that has existed for quite some time. More and more web designers are beginning to see the potential and power of integrating AJAX with their websites and, when done correctly, it enhances the overall experience for any type of user.

AJAX effectively handles the transfer of small amounts of data to the server to create a seamless environment of interactivity, all but removing the requirement of reloading the page when a user wants to make a change to the page. This is a big step in the Web application development world, because unsightly "page reloads" have plagued Web applcations since the beginning of time. Previously, whenever a user was browsing a dynamic webpage, they had to endure the slow reloading of the page to view an updated set of data. By using AJAX, you can ultimately eliminate the reloading, allowing the user to experience rich interactivity with the website’s data in real-time.

Interactivity is one of the most significant positive effects of AJAX. By allowing the user to work directly with data on the server, an AJAX-driven website can provide advanced functionality, such as manipulating data, running search queries, or viewing item information, all in real-time. AJAX applications are also very portable. By using documented features found in major browsers used on most platforms, with a little extra work, AJAX applications are effectively cross-platform compatible.

AJAX is not without its flaws, though. Most users have become accustomed to their browser's back button being able to undo changes that have been made to a page. However, because AJAX allows a web application to continually remain active on a single page, the back button may take the user back to an unexpected page, clearing the current state of the dynamic page they were on. This issue is an annoying side effect of some AJAX applications, but can be solved using solid programming tactics and a number of clever solutions. Getting all of this done properly increases the amount of development time that goes into the Web application, as it requires more programming and much more planning to make sure the user cannot break their own experience on the web page.

A similar downside is the difficulty of maintaining the altered state of an AJAX-driven page after a user has performed some kind of interaction with it. A user may want to come back to the page at a later time without losing their progress, and they may even want to bookmark the page. Comparable to the back button issue, however, this can be overcome with a serious approach to AJAX programming. AJAX also brings up concerns about performance. Just like reloading a page, AJAX can result in an inelegantly large amount of response time, which can confuse the user. During these times, the web application should make it clear that activity is going on in the background, otherwise the user may become confused about the progress of the actions they initiated.

Overall, AJAX can have a very positive influence on any web application when used well and when guided by solid programming practices. AJAX isn't about creating the biggest "wow" factor; Like anything, it can and will be overdone. A smart use of AJAX will increase a user's productivity on a site, which motivates the user to keep returning to the site. This can lead to increased traffic and potentially increased sales. Many sites have already proven, however, that poorly designed implementations of AJAX only impress the user the first time at best, offering no reason for them to come back and reuse the application.