AJAX (Asynchronous JavaScript and XML) is a new approach for developing Web applications. It essentially permits users to interact with a Webpage without forcing a slow & tedious reload of the entire page after every action.

This practical hands-on guide for first-time AJAX users will walk you through building multiple AJAX applications, with each application highlighting a different strength and use of AJAX.

Applications include a chess game, an app for refining searches on Amazon/Google/eBay without reloading an entire page and a blog system that uses drag-n-drop features.

Throughout the text, the author stresses usability, accessibility, and graceful degradation for older, less-capable web browsers.