AJAX
AJAX historically stands for Asynchronous JavaScript and XML. It describes a web development pattern in which JavaScript exchanges data with a server in the background without reloading the entire document. Today, the Fetch API and JSON are commonly used; XML is not required. Typical uses include search suggestions, filters, shopping carts, and loading additional content.
Asynchronous does not automatically mean faster or instant. A good implementation displays loading, success, and error states, prevents duplicate actions, and remains keyboard accessible. Server-side authorisation, CSRF protection, and safe output handling are still required. Important content should have stable URLs and remain accessible to search engines.
- Background requests without full page refreshes
- Often uses the Fetch API and JSON today
- XML is not required despite the name
- Expose loading and error states clearly
- Consider security and indexable URLs
Frequently asked questions
AJAX is a development pattern for asynchronous server requests from a web page without reloading the entire document.
AJAX can improve usability, but important content must still be crawlable, renderable, and accessible through distinct URLs.
