JavaScript Application Cookbook

By Jerry Bradenbaugh
October 1999
Pages: 478
Series: Cookbooks
ISBN 10: 1-56592-577-7 | ISBN 13: 9781565925779
(4) (Average of 7 Customer Reviews)

Description

JavaScript Application Cookbook literally hands the Webmaster a set of ready-to-go, client-side JavaScript applications with thorough documentation to help them understand and extend the applications. By providing such a set of applications, JavaScript Application Cookbook allows Webmasters to immediately add extra functionality to their Web sites.
Full 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 reader 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 (http://www.serve.com/hotsyte/) 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.

Featured customer reviews

JavaScript Application Cookbook Review, June 06 2003

Rating:

Submitted by Tim O'Reilly [Respond | View]

Response to wortwart:

I agree that the book is mistitled -- as you can see from the other comments, it's a useful book for some people, but it's true that it's not at all what you'd expect based on the Perl Cookbook. But we realized the mistake, and we do have a book that is probably what you want -- the Javascript and DHTML Cookbook, which was just released. See http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/jvdhtmlckbk/index.html for details.

JavaScript Application Cookbook Review, June 06 2003

Rating:

Submitted by Wortwart [Respond | View]

I recommended this one to my colleagues (who are not very crafted in JavaScript) because I expected something like the outstanding Perl Cookbook. That means: I wanted handy pieces of code for the daily hack which cost your daily portion of nerves (you think it should be easy, you think you have done it several times and end up browsing the JavaScript reference). What I did not want are full recipes for 5-course-dishes that bury the original idea with pages full of HTML code. The most useless O'Reilly book I saw by now.

JavaScript Application Cookbook Review, June 18 2002

Rating:

Submitted by T. T. Giang [Respond | View]

Anyone interested in serious programming with Javascript should definitely consider “Javascript Application Cookbook” by Jerry Bradembaugh. First and foremost, this book is not for the lighthearted. One should be well versed with programming (Javascript, Java, C, C++) before considering taking on this book.

From the very first sample (Online Test), I knew this book would be teaching me a lot of new techniques. Having a web-based application running solely (actually, more like 99%) on Javascript is great. Bradenbaugh is very thorough in his writing, explaining, and guiding readers through various sections of each application. His presentations of the processes and variables used are so helpful when walking through the source code.

Right out of the book, there is no need to configure anything except to download the samples. Once you have it saved on your machine, it’s time to make things happen. The best thing about the author’s walk-through is that he tells you explicitly what is going on, and he offers ways to enhance each application. That’s a must when you are looking for ideas from someone with as much knowledge as he has.

I see combining several chapters worth of code into a bigger and better application. For example, using the file I/O techniques used in the Online Test application in conjunction with the Slideshow application, one could create a database of images used and allow users to load and save them. Better yet, why not offer something like a shopping cart for your users to select which image to include in a slideshow. The possibilities are endless from the use of this book. If time permits, incorporate other functions and create a true scripting-library. Use the include directive to bring in what is needed to make your application lean and user-friendly.

There are some sample chapters of the JavaScript Application Cookbook available online: http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/jscook/chapter/index.html

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JavaScript Application Cookbook Review, June 13 2001

Rating:

Submitted by Leonard v. K. [Respond | View]

Marvelous! what a style the writer used!

Even I'm from the Netherlands the book has been to read very easy!

I've bought the latest print and I'm use as well the zip.files from the

homesite!

I'm very glad with this cation for Javascript!

By the way: (all) the books from O'Reilly.com are very well!

Go on this way and stay ahead!

JavaScript Application Cookbook Review, July 27 2000

Rating:

Submitted by ben c [Respond | View]

The title is 'JavaScript Application Cookbook'. The author says he aimed to provide complete applications in JavaScript to demonstrate its power and in my opinion, he has done this extremely well.

If you don't quite have the time to try and build entire applications, or would like to use cross-browser JavaScript to its fullest extent, then this book is highly recommended - kudos to the author. If you're looking for a JScript reference, stick with JavaScript : The Definitive Reference by David Flanagan or the JavaScript Bible by Danny Goodman.

JavaScript Application Cookbook Review, July 27 2000

Rating:

Submitted by Geneva Roth [Respond | View]

When I received my copy of the JavaScript ookbook, 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 foundmost 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-sidesearch engine application, and have dog-eared a handful of practical JS functions in Chapter 6).

JavaScript Application Cookbook Review, July 21 2000

Rating:

Submitted by N.M.Seyed Ismail   [Respond | View]

This book is very nice to learn and use the JavaScript in Web applications. You can increase the explanations part,thus the newcomer also can refer this book.

JavaScript Application Cookbook Review, February 08 2000
Submitted by Reda   [Respond | View]

I have bought many of JavaScript book and I must say this is one of the better ones. It is simple and straight forward and shows how you use JavaScript to create more than a simple adding and subtracting program. I recommend this book to any one who wants to learn more about Javascript and Internet programming

JavaScript Application Cookbook Review, May 31 1999
Submitted by P. Hool Jr.   [Respond | View]

This book rocks! I recommend everyone run out and buy 2 copies, right away.

JavaScript Application Cookbook Review, May 02 1998
Submitted by Chris   [Respond | View]

The book immediately caught my attention in the bookstore to day simply by the word "cookbook." That is very interesting. Instead of teaching me how to program javascript and make me feel as if I wasted my time because I am unable to make anything good, this book, like a cookbook, gives directions to make great uses of javascript that can actually improve my web site. And, the hippo on the cover is cute! Great book, except the price is steep. I'd rather learning be inexpensive so everyone can enjoy it, not just the economically priveledged.

Media reviews "Anyone interested in serious programming with Javascript should definitely consider 'Javascript Application Cookbook' by Jerry Bradembaugh. From the very first sample (Online Test), I knew this book would be teaching me a lot of new techniques...The best thing about the author's walk-through is that he tells you explicitly what is going on, and he offers ways to enhance each application. That's a must when you are looking for ideas from someone with as much knowledge as he has."
--Hawaii Cold Fusion & Macromedia User Group, June 2002

"the book attains the usual high standards of O'Reilly books with clear, entertaining writing and a good presentation. I found the examples interesting and enlightening and the book is a treasure trove of ideas and techniques."
--Robert Judd, Front Range Unix Users Group, 11 March 2002

"Up to speed with your JavaScript and just want some sophisticated code? The JavaScript Cookbook may be just the ticket. Author Jerry Bradenbaugh simply dishes up several tasty and sophisticated scripts to pick up and run with. He delivers some top-notch scripting, including an online testing program, a client-side search engine, a JavaScript shopping basket, context-sensitive help, and much more. Sidebars offer tips, tricks, and suggestions to help you become a true JavaScript guru."
--amazon.co.uk

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