Ajax Libraries for Ruby on Rails

Ajax allows developers to build seamless refreshes on their web applications. By refreshing data without reloading the page, the technique can provide for a seamless user experience.  With its focus on clear, logical presentation and smooth loading, Ruby on Rails provides an ideal framework for utilizing the technique on sites.

Using the View component, you can use Javascript to exchange data with your backend logic while the user experience remains steady. For many sites, refreshing the page with each data transfer poses challenges, therefore Ajax can improve user experience while giving designers more freedom in architecture. Ajax allows you to refresh images, forms and content without reloading the page.

Developers can deploy Ajax for Rails frameworks using a variety of methods, including fully integrated libraries as well as through Javascript. While standard Ajax tools are more lightweight, most developers opt for larger frameworks to utilize a variety of features in addition to refresh. Utilizing a set of libraries to implement Javscript can make it easier to develop a cross-browser solution to refresh pages. Rails is known for its elegance and compiles well with Javascript, making it easier to integrate Ajax within your sites.

There are a variety of libraries used to implement the technology within Rails: Prototype has  been customized for use with the language. Fully integrated as libraries within Rails, they can also be deployed as standalone libraries for use with other frameworks. This guide provides an overview of the most common Ajax libraries utilized for rapid deployment on Rails applications.

Prototype

A full Javascript framework that is integrated within Ruby on Rails, Prototype extends the traditional scope of Java to new directions. Featuring a full set of object oriented classes, the framework makes it easier to utilize Ajax within your application. Often developers are challenged by the prospect of creating unique deployments for Ajax depending on the browser configuration.

Within a standard Rails installation, there is a /javascripts directory which contains Prototype.js for most Rails installations. If you don’t have Prototype, it’s pretty straightforward to install within your Rails installation.  Integrating the library is as simple as inserting the following lines of code within your application:

Add <%= javascript_include_tag :defaults %> to bookmarks.rhtml

Add <%= link_to_remote 'Destroy', {:action => 'ajaxdestroy',
:id => list, :update => 'bookmarks'},:confirm => "Confirm?" %>
to /list.rhtml

Add def ajaxdestroy bookmark.find(@params[:id}).destroy
render :partial => “bookmarks” to /bookmarks_controller.rb

Utilizing this code you are essentially replacing a standard refresh to a new page (or link) which creates a new session seamlessly without the user experiencing a reload function. The library allows developers to create an abstract Ajax object which is independent of Http Request functions. Rather than relying upon standard refresh, the object utilizes a request and updater function which posts updated content directly to the user. Prototype is able to make two replacements of Html inputs with new Post values without a page refresh. Since this structure is independent of browser technology it can be deployed for your Rails app across a wide variety of sites.

External Links

• AJAX in Ruby on Rails Tutorials (video)
• Creating a Page Loading Animation Using Ruby on Rails and AJAX
• AJAX Error Handling with Ruby on Rails and JQuery