Should I learn Xml and Javascript before learning Ajax?

Question

A) Since Ajax is based on Javascript and Xml …should I learn Xml and Javascript before trying to learn Ajax?

B) Even if knowing Javascript and Xml is not a must … will I be able to understand and use Ajax more efficiently if I know Javascript and Xml?

Answer 1

Learn javascript, but in my opinion it is best to use json for data transfer and not xml. This does depend on the technology you are using server side to handle requests.

Update: Also, look into jQuery. There are a lot of examples out on the web, and it makes cross browser javascript significantly easier.

Answer 2

The "XML" part of AJAX isn't strictly XML--very often it's JSON or HTML.

You will not be able to really use AJAX without knowing at least some JavaScript. I'd start with some basic JavaScript, maybe write a rudimentary AJAX library for yourself. Once you've written a very basic AJAX library, ditch it and use jQuery (or MooTools or Prototype) instead.

Answer 3

XML is not a requirement. You can use XML, JSON, HTML or even plain text as the media. However, javascript knowledge is required to implement AJAX and use it correctly.

It is also good if you learn one of the javascript libraries (jQuery, dojo, Prototype etc) that will simplify a lot of things in doing AJAX.