how to detect if a request is ajax or normal on server side

Question

im using jquery to make ajax requests. is it possible to detect if the request is an ajax request or a normal request on the server side? does jquery add any input variables or headers to make this possible?

thanks

Answer 1

jQuery seconds an additional header on the request when it's ajax header called X-Requested-With with a value of XMLHttpRequest. Check for this header on the request.

Alternatively, set any header you want using .ajaxSetup like this:

$.ajaxSetup({
  headers: {"X-My-Header":"Bob"}
});

Answer 2

If you are using asp.net mvc your controller will have a property IsAjaxRequest simply check for this property

if (IsAjaxRequest) 
{
   // do your stuff and render ajax view
}