Looking at a webpage that dynamically updates items via AJAX calls, how can a userscript detect these changes as they occur?
Let's take the example of a social media newsfeed like Facebook. Initially, there are 12 items displayed within <li> tags inside a <ul>. As you scroll down, more <li> elements representing new data load into the existing <ul>.
The question arises: How can a userscript be programmed to recognize when these changes occur?
One possible approach is to continuously monitor the <ul>, keeping track of the number of items and checking for any increase in real-time. However, this method could become resource-intensive if executed too frequently.
Another strategy might involve identifying the specific scroll position that triggers the loading of new content, thus monitoring changes based on that criterion. This approach is less taxing but limited in its scope.
Is there perhaps a third solution? A method that could instantly notify me of any modifications, regardless of their nature. My interest extends beyond just newsfeeds; I want to understand how userscripts can effectively respond to dynamic changes triggered by AJAX calls across different webpages.