Datasheet
❑ ASP.NET AJAX Futures Community Technology Preview (CTP) — The ASP.NET 2.0 AJAX
framework contains a set of functionality that is experimental in nature. This functionality will
eventually become integrated with the RTM/Core code. During the initial release, the Futures
CTP functionality will be a separate download from the RTM/Core bits. This will not receive
specific support from Microsoft beyond community-based support. The CTP bits require that
the RTM/Core bits already be installed for the CTP bits to be installed. The CTP is also referred
to as Value-Added Bits.
❑ Microsoft AJAX Library — The Microsoft AJAX Library is a set of JavaScript client libraries that
make up the standard download to a web browser and provide much of the support for AJAX in
the client. These libraries will work with a non-IIS server and are available as a separate down-
load. This library is included in the ASP.NET 2.0 AJAX Extensions 1.0 download as well as being
available as a separate download.
❑ ASP.NET AJAX Control Toolkit — The AJAX Control Toolkit is a separate download that pro-
vides a set of client-side GUI widgets that integrate with the ASP.NET 2.0 AJAX framework. The
toolkit is licensed separately from the framework and includes the source code for developers
who would like to review the source.
Futures
It has already been announced that ASP.NET 2.0 AJAX will be integrated into the .NET framework and
Visual Studio in the Orcas versions of these products. Future versions will undoubtedly have more inte-
gration between ASP.NET 2.0 AJAX, ASP.NET, and Visual Studio.
Summary
AJAX provides developers a foundation to build web-based applications with an improved user experi-
ence. In this introductory chapter, you have looked at the following:
❑ Development from a historical perspective
❑ Web development methodologies
❑ Some of the features that ASP.NET AJAX provides, such as improved user responsiveness and
decreased load on the web server
❑ Multiple technologies that can improve the user experience
❑ The general components in the ASP.NET 2.0 AJAX packaging
❑ The problems ASP.NET AJAX solves, and who is using it
The next chapter looks at creating an ASP.NET AJAX application.
10
Chapter 1: Introduction to ASP.NET AJAX
12830c01.qxd:WroxPro 6/4/07 1:48 PM Page 10