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What is Ajax?

Ajax, short for Asynchronous JavaScript and XML, is a group of techniques used by web developers to create asynchronous web applications.

How does Ajax work? Ajax uses a browser built-in XMLHttpRequest object to request data, then displays the data using JavaScript and HTML DOM. With Ajax, user actions within an application prompt only small packets of data to be exchanged with a server. This means that only parts of the page are reloaded to complete the action, rather than the entire page.¹

So, what is Ajax used for? The short answer: pristine client-side development. Because of its asynchronous page-loading capabilities, Ajax plays an important role in front-end development. It can improve the user experience of a website or application, making pages more responsive and information available faster. Ajax can also be used when creating login forms and enabling a browser to autocomplete user information.²

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What is covered in an Ajax tutorial?

Since Ajax is not a programming language, budding web developers looking to learn Ajax basics will likely not enroll in an Ajax course. Instead, they’ll seek courses that introduce the feature but focus more broadly on JavaScript and front-end development.

An introductory web development course can include:

An overview of common web development software
An overview of how browsers exchange information
Hands-on work with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
Practice on how to make an Ajax request in JavaScript

Learners who already have some web development experience may choose to enroll in an intermediate or advanced JavaScript course. These courses can explore jQuery, a library of JavaScript shortcuts that includes Ajax capabilities.

When weighing educational options, consider which course or program best meets your needs. edX offers a variety of learning options.

Jobs that use Ajax

Ajax JavaScript skills can prepare you for a number of different jobs. JavaScript developers, software engineers, UI professionals, and front-end web developers can all use Ajax to improve client and customer experience through a company’s website and applications. Those searching for entry-level JavaScript jobs and advanced front-end web developers alike can benefit from having Ajax experience on their resume.

However, it’s important to remember that every job is different and the requirements for each position may vary. While degree completion might not be required for some entry-level positions, learners seeking jobs in the field may benefit from earning or may be required to have bachelor’s degrees and/or master’s degrees. The curriculum for a bachelor's degree in computer science can include coursework on JavaScript, HTML, and CSS — components that make up Ajax.

If you didn’t study computer science at a collegiate level, there are still several online coding boot camps that can teach you how to become a JavaScript developer in weeks. You can learn Ajax, its components, and how to use it to design and improve client-facing web applications. Explore all of the courses and boot camps offered through edX that can help improve your JavaScript skills.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ajax used for?

Ajax allows web pages to be updated asynchronously by exchanging data with a web server behind the scenes. This means it’s possible to refresh parts of a web page without reloading the whole page — so users experience faster speeds and more control when using your application.

What are popular uses of Ajax?

Ajax has many different functions — all of which directly affect the user experience of a website or application. For example, you can use Ajax to make small updates to information on a screen rather than reloading the entire page. It can be used most commonly for login forms, form submissions, live-chat applications, and similar instances.

Is Ajax a programming language?

Ajax is not a programming language. Instead, it’s a collection of techniques that enable pages to asynchronously update. Ajax uses a browser built-in XMLHttpRequest object to request data from a web server and then a combination of JavaScript and HTML DOM to display or use the data. However, an important component of Ajax is the programming language JavaScript. Those looking to learn Ajax should first familiarize themselves with JavaScript.

Is Ajax a front-end or back-end tool?

Ajax is used by professionals with JavaScript developer jobs who focus on front-end development. Ajax allows client-facing web applications to access and quickly display back-end data.

Is Ajax difficult to learn?

Implementing Ajax isn't hard, but the tool itself can be somewhat complex. Ajax relies on the interplay of a few different technologies and requires some knowledge of each. These technologies include HTML, CSS, and the programming language JavaScript. You can start learning these technologies by enrolling in courses that provide a general introduction to web development.

How does Ajax differ from JSON?

Ajax is a set of various technologies used to launch asynchronous HTTP requests to a server. JSON is a format that can be used by Ajax for data exchange — essentially, it’s a data interchange format that can be used in Ajax to transmit data.

What Is Ajax?. (2021). IBM. Retrieved December 9, 2022.
PHP - AJAX Introduction. W3Schools. Retrieved February 2, 2023.