Learn to use these powerful tools together and build Web sitesthat work

If you want to build Web pages that offer real value to yoursite's visitors, JavaScript and AJAX are top tools for the job.Even if you're new to Web programming, this book helps you createsites any designer will admire. With easy-to-understand steps andan emphasis on free tools, you'll be able to jump right intobuilding a site using the same techniques as the pros.

• Down to basics -- learn your way around JavaScript andchoose an editor and test browser

• Manage complexity -- use functions, arrays, and objects tocreate more sophisticated programs

• Page magic -- discover how to control what happens on yourpages, animate objects, and put pages in motion

• Get beautiful -- Use the jQuery User Interface library toadd sliders, tabbed interfaces, and custom dialogs to a site

• Come clean with AJAX -- build AJAX requests into yourprograms, use jQuery, and work with AJAX data

Open the book and find:

• How to choose a test browser

• How to discuss string concatenation with a straight face

• Tips for debugging your code

• How to add useful information to a dropdown list

• Why AJAX connections should be asynchronous

• The exciting possibilities of the jQuery library

• How to use the Aptana editor

• Online resources for JavaScript programmers