XForms
Current choices in the Ajax world are simultaneously limited and overwhelming. The focus of most Ajax
toolkits is on how to accomplish the communication between client and server, not on how to digest the
messages returned (for example). Therefore, the choices have limitations. The choices are overwhelming,
because there are literally over 100 toolkits to choose from.
XForms are the next-generation for HTML forms, offering a lot more features and are still easy to use.
XForms allow authors to specify required fields, validation rules, visual cues, and more. XForms submit
XML data to the server. Because there are so many features built-in, use of XForms will reduce the amount
of JavaScript code needing to be written on the client.
XForms leverage other XML standards, making them a natural fit for developers already using XML.
XPath is used for node location and for its library of functions, such as calculations. XML Schema is used to
define the data types and value constraints for validation. CSS is used to provide style information for form
elements. Because SVG is also a W3C Recommendation, integration with SVG is assured.
Interestingly, with the popularity of Ajax, XForms could make it dramatically simpler to build rich client
applications. However, browsers do not understand XForms yet.
XForms are not competing with Ajax, but instead should be viewed as another choice for building Ajax
applications.
Current choices in the Ajax world are simultaneously limited and overwhelming. The focus of most Ajax
toolkits is on how to accomplish the communication between client and server, not on how to digest the
messages returned (for example). Therefore, the choices have limitations. The choices are overwhelming,
because there are literally over 100 toolkits to choose from.
XForms are the next-generation for HTML forms, offering a lot more features and are still easy to use.
XForms allow authors to specify required fields, validation rules, visual cues, and more. XForms submit
XML data to the server. Because there are so many features built-in, use of XForms will reduce the amount
of JavaScript code needing to be written on the client.
XForms leverage other XML standards, making them a natural fit for developers already using XML.
XPath is used for node location and for its library of functions, such as calculations. XML Schema is used to
define the data types and value constraints for validation. CSS is used to provide style information for form
elements. Because SVG is also a W3C Recommendation, integration with SVG is assured.
Interestingly, with the popularity of Ajax, XForms could make it dramatically simpler to build rich client
applications. However, browsers do not understand XForms yet.
XForms are not competing with Ajax, but instead should be viewed as another choice for building Ajax
applications.
XForms
Table of Contents
Copyright (c) 2008. Intertech, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This information is to be used exclusively as an
online learning aid. Any attempts to copy, reproduce, or use for training is strictly prohibited.
online learning aid. Any attempts to copy, reproduce, or use for training is strictly prohibited.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Courseware
Training Resources
Tutorials
Services