What is the standard practice in AJAX for determining a specific state during page loading?

Question

What is the standard practice in AJAX for determining a specific state during page loading?

Since I started diving into the world of serious ajax operations, one question has been on my mind. Let me illustrate with an example.

Imagine fetching a standard HTML page for a customer from the server. The URL could look like this:

/myapp/customer/54

Once the page is loaded, you want to enable ajax functionality that interacts with this particular customer. To achieve this, you need to include the id "54" in each request sent back to the server.

What would be the most effective/common way to accomplish this? Personally, I often resort to storing this information in hidden form fields. While easily accessible, it sometimes feels precarious. What if the document structure changes and the script stops functioning? Or what if that id is replicated for styling reasons months down the line, consequently breaking the page by having two identical ids?

Another approach could involve extracting the value "54" directly from the URL. Would opting for this method be more reliable? It might work seamlessly for simple scenarios but may become cumbersome for intricate cases where multiple ids or lists of ids need to be passed.

I am simply seeking guidance on a best practice - a solid solution that is both robust and elegant, receiving resounding approval.

javascript ajax parameters session-state state

Answer 1

Answer №1

To efficiently handle Ajax submissions, consider approaching the process with a mindset free from relying solely on Ajax.

Imagine having a form that utilizes Ajax for submitting data. How can you determine the URL to send this form to?

The solution lies in the src attribute. Direct your script to send the form itself as it already contains all the necessary data.

Now envision a scenario where a link is used to load new data. How can you obtain the URL and parameters for this action?

The key lies within the href attribute. Enable the script to extract the URL directly from the link.

In essence, always retrieve the URL/data from the element being acted upon, akin to how browsers operate.

Given that your server-side code possesses the IDs during page loading, creating these URLs there is straightforward. The client-side code merely needs to interpret the attributes.

This approach offers multiple advantages:

Simplifies storage of URLs and data by embedding them directly into HTML attributes.
Facilitates functioning without JavaScript if needed, since URLs and data are in locations interpretable by browsers even without JS.

For more intricate tasks beyond links/forms

If dealing with complex interactions, consider storing relevant IDs or data in attributes. Utilize HTML5's data-* attributes for this purpose, regardless of using HTML5:

<div data-article-id="5">...</div>

In cases involving comprehensive applications on a page, contemplate embedding IDs in JS code. While generating markup in PHP, include a snippet assigning the ID to a variable or invoking a function based on your preferences.

Answer 2

To efficiently handle Ajax submissions, consider approaching the process with a mindset free from relying solely on Ajax.

Imagine having a form that utilizes Ajax for submitting data. How can you determine the URL to send this form to?

The solution lies in the src attribute. Direct your script to send the form itself as it already contains all the necessary data.

Now envision a scenario where a link is used to load new data. How can you obtain the URL and parameters for this action?

The key lies within the href attribute. Enable the script to extract the URL directly from the link.

In essence, always retrieve the URL/data from the element being acted upon, akin to how browsers operate.

Given that your server-side code possesses the IDs during page loading, creating these URLs there is straightforward. The client-side code merely needs to interpret the attributes.

This approach offers multiple advantages:

Simplifies storage of URLs and data by embedding them directly into HTML attributes.
Facilitates functioning without JavaScript if needed, since URLs and data are in locations interpretable by browsers even without JS.

For more intricate tasks beyond links/forms

If dealing with complex interactions, consider storing relevant IDs or data in attributes. Utilize HTML5's data-* attributes for this purpose, regardless of using HTML5:

<div data-article-id="5">...</div>

In cases involving comprehensive applications on a page, contemplate embedding IDs in JS code. While generating markup in PHP, include a snippet assigning the ID to a variable or invoking a function based on your preferences.

Answer 3

Answer №2

Your form should ideally function without the need for javascript. This can be achieved by including a hidden form input that already contains the necessary id value. If this is not in place, it is advisable to include it.

The setup may seem "fragile" as any small alteration could impact the entire system. However, relying on user manipulation of URLs or query strings is not always secure. While these methods are fine for certain situations, they may pose risks when it comes to maintaining data integrity and security.

In my experience, building AJAX functionality on top of existing operational code has proven successful without major hiccups.

Not everything revolves around forms. Consider a scenario where clicking on a "title" makes it editable. After the edit, pressing enter reverts it back to its original state on the page. In such cases, passing an ID becomes crucial. Similarly, if there is a need to rearrange elements and update their positions, the traditional form approach may fall short due to its absence.

Despite these challenges, achieving these functionalities without javascript is indeed possible. While using a form remains a feasible solution in many cases, considering alternative methods is essential. Most elements on a webpage come with unique identifiers, either from database entries or other sources like filenames, making use of these attributes vital in web development.* Alternatively, utilizing the data- attribute as suggested by Jani Hartikainen.

For example, in my template system supporting drag-and-drop actions, each block and drop zone carries distinctive ids. By distinguishing them with prefixes within the HTML structure (e.g., "template-area_35", "content-block_264"), I ensure efficient organization and referencing. Though my current implementation relies heavily on javascript, redesigning a fallback option sans javascript is well within reach, opening up more opportunities for versatility.

What if two elements end up sharing the same id for styling purposes down the line, causing conflicts?

In an unlikely event like this, where IDs clash and disrupt CSS functionality, accountability lies with the individuals responsible for managing the code. As per standard practices, IDs should maintain their uniqueness throughout the document to prevent such issues from occurring.

Answer 4

Your form should ideally function without the need for javascript. This can be achieved by including a hidden form input that already contains the necessary id value. If this is not in place, it is advisable to include it.

The setup may seem "fragile" as any small alteration could impact the entire system. However, relying on user manipulation of URLs or query strings is not always secure. While these methods are fine for certain situations, they may pose risks when it comes to maintaining data integrity and security.

In my experience, building AJAX functionality on top of existing operational code has proven successful without major hiccups.

Not everything revolves around forms. Consider a scenario where clicking on a "title" makes it editable. After the edit, pressing enter reverts it back to its original state on the page. In such cases, passing an ID becomes crucial. Similarly, if there is a need to rearrange elements and update their positions, the traditional form approach may fall short due to its absence.

Despite these challenges, achieving these functionalities without javascript is indeed possible. While using a form remains a feasible solution in many cases, considering alternative methods is essential. Most elements on a webpage come with unique identifiers, either from database entries or other sources like filenames, making use of these attributes vital in web development.* Alternatively, utilizing the data- attribute as suggested by Jani Hartikainen.

For example, in my template system supporting drag-and-drop actions, each block and drop zone carries distinctive ids. By distinguishing them with prefixes within the HTML structure (e.g., "template-area_35", "content-block_264"), I ensure efficient organization and referencing. Though my current implementation relies heavily on javascript, redesigning a fallback option sans javascript is well within reach, opening up more opportunities for versatility.

What if two elements end up sharing the same id for styling purposes down the line, causing conflicts?

In an unlikely event like this, where IDs clash and disrupt CSS functionality, accountability lies with the individuals responsible for managing the code. As per standard practices, IDs should maintain their uniqueness throughout the document to prevent such issues from occurring.

Answer 5

Answer №3

In my opinion, it would be beneficial to include the customer ID as a request parameter (e.g. ?customerId=54) because even if certain browsers do not support AJAX or are unable to handle it effectively, having the ID in the URL allows for easy reference.

Answer 6

In my opinion, it would be beneficial to include the customer ID as a request parameter (e.g. ?customerId=54) because even if certain browsers do not support AJAX or are unable to handle it effectively, having the ID in the URL allows for easy reference.

Answer 7

Answer №4

It appears that your application is familiar with the entity "Customer," so it would be beneficial to reflect this in your JavaScript (or PHP, although since you're utilizing Ajax, JavaScript would be preferable).

Instead of manually making each Ajax call, consider encapsulating them into functions that are more domain-aware:

Previous approach:

var customer_id = fetch_from_url();  // or something similar
ajax("dosomething", { "customer": customer_id }, function () {
    alert("did something!");
});
ajax("dosomethingelse", { "customer": customer_id }, function () {
    alert("did something else!");
});

New approach:

var create_customer = function (customer_id) {

    return {
        "dosomething" : function () {
            ajax("dosomething", { "customer": customer_id }, function () {
                alert("did something!");
            });
        },
        "dosomethingelse": function () {
            ajax("dosomethingelse", { "customer": customer_id }, function () {
                alert("did something else!");
            });
        }
    };
}

var customer_id = fetch_from_url();  
var customer = create_customer(customer_id);
// now you have a reference to the customer, you are no longer working with ids
// but with actual entities (or classes or objects)
customer.dosomething();
customer.dosomethingelse();

In conclusion, while it is necessary to send the customer id for each request, it is recommended to encapsulate it in proper JavaScript objects.

Answer 8

It appears that your application is familiar with the entity "Customer," so it would be beneficial to reflect this in your JavaScript (or PHP, although since you're utilizing Ajax, JavaScript would be preferable).

Instead of manually making each Ajax call, consider encapsulating them into functions that are more domain-aware:

Previous approach:

var customer_id = fetch_from_url();  // or something similar
ajax("dosomething", { "customer": customer_id }, function () {
    alert("did something!");
});
ajax("dosomethingelse", { "customer": customer_id }, function () {
    alert("did something else!");
});

New approach:

var create_customer = function (customer_id) {

    return {
        "dosomething" : function () {
            ajax("dosomething", { "customer": customer_id }, function () {
                alert("did something!");
            });
        },
        "dosomethingelse": function () {
            ajax("dosomethingelse", { "customer": customer_id }, function () {
                alert("did something else!");
            });
        }
    };
}

var customer_id = fetch_from_url();  
var customer = create_customer(customer_id);
// now you have a reference to the customer, you are no longer working with ids
// but with actual entities (or classes or objects)
customer.dosomething();
customer.dosomethingelse();

In conclusion, while it is necessary to send the customer id for each request, it is recommended to encapsulate it in proper JavaScript objects.

What is the standard practice in AJAX for determining a specific state during page loading?

Answer №1

Answer №2

Answer №3

Answer №4

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