Does AJAX truly operate asynchronously?

When triggering an ajax call, the usual practice in client-side code is to create an "xmlhttp" variable and constantly check for status changes until the response is fully loaded. This creates a connection or thread between the client and server, with responses being delivered via this established link. The key difference here is that the page does not need to be refreshed. This leads to a fundamental question: Is ajax truly asynchronous?

In contrast, with JMS (Java Message Service), the request is sent without any ongoing connection between the Client and Server. Instead, the response is transmitted through a separate thread initiated by the server. This setup raises doubts about what true asynchronicity means. Can someone provide clarification on this complex issue?

Answer №1

AJAX is often described as asynchronous because it allows for requests to be made without blocking the user interface of a page. To put it simply: imagine sending a text message and waiting for a response - if you wait idle until that response comes, it's like a synchronous request where nothing else gets done until you receive that reply. However, if you send the message and continue with other tasks (like going to bed with your spouse), then it's an asynchronous request where you can carry on until the phone rings with the message (similar to an AJAX onload event).

In this scenario, the UI thread of a web page can be likened to your spouse.

Answer №2

When it comes to interpreting "asynchronous," think of it more as "non-blocking." This allows you to send numerous requests simultaneously without hindering other processes on a webpage, processing responses as they become available. The absence of delays or interruptions between making a request and receiving a response is what characterizes asynchronous behavior in programming. It's important to note that this is tied to the internal HTTP session managed by the web browser, with a time out setting determining the maximum permissible delay between requests and responses.

Answer №3

My interpretation is that asynchronous refers to events not occurring in the same order as measured by time. The key question then becomes what exactly is asynchronous? Is it related to request-response, JavaScript execution, or method invocation?

When considering AJAX, it becomes clear that it operates asynchronously, specifically in terms of JavaScript execution. The use of "XMLHTTP" actually involves synchronous HTTP request-response within the JavaScript environment.

In contrast, JMS functions as an asynchronous request-response system, which should not be confused with JavaScript execution.

Does this explanation resonate? Can we interpret it in this way?

Given these points, I believe it makes more sense to view AJAX as Asynchronous JavaScript Execution rather than just associating it with Asynchronous JavaScript and Xml.

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