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JavaScript @ Web Programming
Programming Shed : Programmer Store & Resources |
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JavaScript Index - JavaScript Book :
JavaScript Application Cookbook
by Jerry Bradenbaugh Paperback: 462 pages Dimensions (in inches): 0.96 x 9.19 x 7.05 Publisher: O'Reilly & Associates ISBN: 1565925777; 1st edition (October 1999) Seasoned Java coders will find the JavaScript Application Cookbook compiled just for them. Written in the same vein as the old-style programmer "toolbox" titles, this book sheds the usual tutorial presentation and simply introduces a series of JavaScript applications you can use on your own sites. The cookbook begins with recipes such as a client-side search engine application that facilitates complex database searching to maximize local processing. (An interactive multiple-choice testing application follows, along with code for an interface to multiple search engines on the Net). Other applications include a JavaScript shopping cart, context-sensitive help, cipher implementation, drag-and-drop-capable e-mail, and a cookie-based user-management system. Author Jerry Bradenbaugh clearly has a passion for JavaScript, and he illustrates the capabilities of this modest scripting language. The code for the book's applications is available from the publisher's Web site, and each chapter begins with a step-by-step walk-through of the finished application. You'll learn how code works and get ideas for possible extensions you might want to create. If you're programming in JavaScript already and want to grow your arsenal of tools and techniques, the JavaScript Application Cookbook is an immediate code fix. --Stephen W. Plain Book Description: There is a serious information gap for Webmasters learning client-side JavaScript skills and trying to solve common Web-related problems. Knowing the syntax is one thing, being able to build a useful application is another. And while there are dozens of "how- to" JavaScript books available, few literally hand the Webmaster a set of ready-to-go, client-side JavaScript applications with thorough documentation that enable the ready to fully understand and extend those applications. By providing such a set of applications, JavaScript Application Cookbook allows Webmasters to immediately add extra functionality to their Web sites. This book targets readers with two different skill sets. The primary target is JavaScript-knowledgeable Webmasters and designers who can immediately begin constructing their own versions of the applications. The secondary target is those with little or no JavaScript experience. The included applications are ready for immediate use and require little customization. This book explores both the code and the techniques that are centered around core JavaScript functionality, a functionality that will not become incompatible or obsolete. The source file design of most applications and libraries will help modularize reader Web sites and facilitate easier site management and coding practices. Chapters are organized by application. Among the included applications are: • A client-side search engine that will show coders how to build their own search engine and get excellent results, all with a client-side tool • A drag-and-drop greeting application that lets users custom build and send DHTML email greetings • A GUI image rollover tool that generates cross-browser image rollover code for all versions of JavaScript • A robust client-side shopping cart application that lets shoppers browse and shop, while the application keeps a tab of the shopper's selections and a running bill, including tax and shipping - An online test application that auto-administers, grades, and displays answers to online exams or surveys. An additional value to this book is an online resource that discusses the applications and points to other resources. With its focus on providing practical real-world solutions for Webmasters, JavaScript Application Cookbook is destined to become a staple for every JavaScript developer, regardless of experience. Book Info: Explores both the code and the techniques that are centered around core JavaScript functionality, a functionality that will not become incompatible or obsolete. Customer Reviews Pretty Damn Good, December 15, 1999 Reviewer: Geneva Roth from Orlando, FL When I received my copy of the JavaScript Cookbook, I got exactly what I was looking for - a JAVASCRIPT resource. This is a solid piece of work that not only includes practical web ready applications & code, but also provides clear and concise explanations each step of the way. I found most of these explanations to hold considerable value beyond just the scope of the particular recipe; I had no problem using them to broaden my understanding in the bigger picture of JavaScript. I found Bradenbaugh's book quite helpful and would highly recommend it to anyone interested in expanding their bag of JS tricks with immediate applicability. (I am currently using the client-side search engine application, and have dog-eared a handful of practical JS functions in Chapter 6). However, to all those reviewers below looking to learn Perl, you might want to first read this book's title before you pick it up. Not what I was expecting either, December 6, 1999 Reviewer: chris nott from Vancouver, Canada I, too, would have preferred a 'Perl Cookbook' or 'Numerical Recipes' style book. Granted, this would have put it out of reach of beginners, but it would have filled a hole in the current selection of advanced Javascript texts. The book covers a number of sample applications with snippets of general explaination sprinkled throughout. Most of the commentary is specific to the applications, though. And it concentrates on how the code works not why particular choices were made in the coding. The general explainations are kinda basic - how nested loops work, how to use eval(), avoiding multiple document.write() calls using variables. And they avoid important issues related to those topics - that the eval() function requires a lot of overhead so using array notation to access members of collections should be used whenever possible and single document.write() calls aren't only pretty but can prevent applications from crashing in particular circumstances. Chapter 6 covers javascript source files (external .js files). I would have liked to see more coverage because they allow code to be cached and reused and they allow greater maintainability of existing applications. The presented libraries themselves leave a bit to be desired. cookies.js is a standard but others such as frames.js and arrays.js are a bit skimpy - I've seen better on the web at places like WebMonkey.com. The dhtml.js library is almost useless - show() and hide() functions only. And using the images.js library would result in the same bloated pages created by using the builtin image functions in authoring environments like Dreamweaver or GoLive. At least they could have provided a scalable, portable, easily customizable and maintainable image rollover function. Another concern is that there is no mention of the Mozilla project (the long-awaited Netscape 5) or even of Document Object Model support in IE5. The one DHTML application sticks to 4.x functionality. If you find the leap between a beginner book like 'Visual QuickStart: JavaScript 1.2 for the World Wide Web' and a robust reference like 'JavaScript: The Definitive Guide' too much, this book might be helpful but the few lessons in it will be quickly learned and you will soon be looking for more. promotes bad coding practices, May 29, 2002 Reviewer: Alan Raetz from Chico, CA United States Not a cookbook, not well-organized, not very helpful. He recommends syntax that is harder to read and understand because it saves a few bytes of memory--he may have experience with javascript, but is he an experienced programmer? He's overly-concerned with speed of execution, and not concerned enough regarding readability and maintainability. PEFECTION!!!, April 4, 2001 Reviewer: sanchinka from Indianapolis, IN United States I bought this book about 3 weeks ago to help with my newest assignment at work. WOW! IT works wonders with all good browsers (sorry, Netscape isn't in this section). The information presented in this book is concise and logical. The examples are superior to anything else I've ever seen. |
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