Practical JavaScript for the Usable Web
by Glasshaus

by Jason Salas Thursday, October 03, 2002


Two books that I've had the pleasure of reading recently dealing with the always-popular topic of JavaScript are are Glasshaus' "Practical JavaScript for the Usable Web" and New Riders' "Inside JavaScript". "Practical JavaScript for the Usable Web" - by Glasshaus http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0735712859/qid=1032155435/sr=1 -1/ref=sr_1_1/002-6462886-2647253?v=glance&s=books "Inside JavaScript" - by New Riders http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1904151051/qid=1032155786/sr=1 -2/ref=sr_1_2/002-6462886-2647253?v=glance&s=books Both books look at JavaScript from the perspective of the intuitive Web developer, meaning that both major browsers (Netscape and IE) and full recognized, along with the accompanying idiosyncrasies that writing cross-platform JavaScript brings. They show how to write code that deliver rich effects on pages, and enhance the user experience. The New Riders book is a great compendium for describing what JavaScript is and what features are possible to the developer, the Glasshaus book is great for showing what's being done with JavaScript - and how to do it. "Inside JavaScript" offers a healthy (although not absolutely comprehensive) listing of JavaScript object model, defining the major objects and corresponding properties, methods, and events that a programmers can use to create dynamic Web pages. Its author, Dr. Steve Holzner, preaches a disciplined, structured, and practical approach to writing JavaScript-based features, and provides a rundown of the major considerations and rules one must follow in designing high-impact utilities. "Practical JavaScript for the Usable Web" is a title which showcases how JavaScript can be used in today's Web, putting effects and features such as content-driven DHTML menus, DOM manipulation, powerful client-side data validation, incorporating XML, and other apps common to data-intensive sites. It's a great book that breaks down what's being used commonly by today's sites into simple, easy-to-understand English, and systematically describes its design. The New Rider's text also features a chapter of including JavaScript within the context of .NET applications, a question that I frequently run into from .NET developers. The two books complement each other very well, and I would hope (hint, hint!) that these would be two titles that Amazon would offer as a package deal. If you can swing the money (and both are extremely affordable, being $34.99 for "Inside JavaScript", $27.99 for "Practical JavaScript for the Usable Web"), I'd highly suggest getting both. They're very helpful and a great addition to one's library.

Our sponsors
KUAM.COM - Guam's online source for news, entertainment, and information

This is Guam's first site produced 100% with the .NET Framework,
developed and maintained by Guam's top Active Server Page developers.

Microsoft ASP.NET

Copyright © 2001-2002 by the ASP.NET User Group of Guam. All rights reserved.
Terms of Use | Privacy Statement