SUMMARY:   JavaScript is the mechanism for creating today’s “Web 2.0” pages that emphasize effective and responsive feedback and help to the user. It’s also the key technology for implementing AJAX-enabled web applications. This course begins by developing JavaScript as a general programming language, then develops the essential web-programming concepts of Event-Based Programming, the DOM, and Client/Server interactions in Web Applications. Each of these lead to specific JavaScript programming techniques commonly used in client-side application programming, strongly focusing on user input validation and feedback. All techniques are implemented using only standards-based programming that works across all popular browsers. Popular open-source libraries are introduced to enable very advanced DHTML techniques such as dynamic visual effects, drag-and-drop, and dynamic data loading using AJAX. In addition to experience implementing the programming techniques, the workshops introduce many of the most widely used tools and techniques for JavaScript programming and debugging, allowing each delegate to identify and work with tools suited to their own environment. PREREQUISITES:   All delegates must have a good understanding of basic HTML syntax and document structure − experience with creating static web-pages that include simple forms, tables and images without using a WYSIWYG-style page authoring tool. All delegates should also have basic programming experience using any popular programming language. DURATION:   4 days (or 3 days if the more advanced techniques are omitted). APPROACH:   Instructor-led but group-paced, the course alternates short demonstration-oriented lecture sessions with structured hands-on workshops. This is a programming-oriented course, and intense workshop participation will prove to be essential in achieving the course’s objectives. OBJECTIVES:   Thoroughly understand JavaScript syntax, and be aware of JavaScript’s strengths and weaknesses as a programming language. Recognize and implement good coding practices that appropriately combine JavaScript, HTML and CSS. Be able to use JavaScript and browser utility objects and methods to control the browser, and to simplify application code. Understand the standard ways of accessing the HTML DOM via JavaScript to modify content and provide an improved user experience. Be able to design and implement efficient client-side validation of forms, and use DHTML techniques to provide effective user feedback. Experience with using the Prototype and Scriptaculous libraries to easily implement advanced (“Web 2.0”) DHTML techniques. Understand when and how to apply AJAX techniques in a web application. Be able to use JavaScript’s OO features to define and instantiate objects that simplify client-side programming and data management. COURSE CONTENT:   What Is JavaScript? What you can and can’t do with JavaScript JavaScript’s role in a “Web Application” Cross-Browser and Security issues Getting Started With JavaScript Tools and Development Processes Sources For Getting Help Your First JavaScript Program JavaScript Language Basics Strings, Numbers, Booleans Literals and Operators Conditional Expressions Using JavaScript In A Browser JavaScript Language Control Structures Complex Statements For and While Loops Multi-Way Branching Functions Scope of Variables Beyond Simple Variables Arrays (Lists) Objects (Lookup Tables, Maps) Iterator Loops Built-In Browser and Utility Objects and Functions Integrating With HTML: Event Driven Programming You’re Not In Control Anymore Best Approaches To Event Handling What’s “this”? Accessing Form Elements Accessing HTML Elements Without Events Handling Forms Form and Input Elements Form Submission Client-Side Validation Change Event (Immediate Validation) Using Regular Expressions Adding Some Style The CSS Box Model CSS Selectors Controlling Size, Position, Visibility User Feedback For Form Validation Really Integrating With HTML: The DOM DOM/XML Terminology Dynamic HTML The “innerHTML” Property The “className” and “style” Properties Event Properties And Methods Frequently-Used DHTML Recipes Cookies and Data Sharing What’s A Cookie Good For? Accessing Cookies From JavaScript Alternatives To Cookies A Little Help From Your Friends Why Use Libraries? Prototype: Simplifying DOM Access Scriptaculous: Effects, Lists, Drag-And-Drop Using AJAX The “XMLHttpRequest” Object Prototype’s "Ajax" Object Where AJAX Adds Value Talking Data Rather Than Content Object-Oriented Programming Why Use OO JavaScript? Defining A “Class” Event Handlers In Objects Namespace Objects DW/07