Introduction to AJAX, jQuery, and Javascript in Drupal 6
Platinum and gold sponsors
mbutcher - Mon, 01/28/2008 - 3:57pm
Presenters:
Matt Butcher
Track:
community and core
Session Description:
SESSION OVERVIEW
This session provides a basic introduction to jQuery, AJAX, and Javascript in Drupal 6. In this session, we will look at passing AJAX/JSON data between the client and server. We will create a “random quotes” module to exemplify this. Our module will employ the menuing system to provide a JSON/AJAX gateway to data. jQuery, and Drupal Javascript (and a touch of theming) will provide the client side functionality.
We will be focusing on core APIs (though I know there are some great modules out there that assist in AJAX development).
TRACK
Community and Core
AGENDA
* Starting with a simple block and some content
* Create an AJAX/JSON service with hook_menu() and callbacks
* Checking for Javascript support (and degrading gracefully)
* Retrieving AJAX/JSON content using jQuery
* Displaying content using jQuery
GOALS
The purpose of this session is to introduce module developers (and code-savvy themers) to Drupal 6’s Javasript support. By the end, users should be familiar with jQuery, the basics of Drupal’s Javascript API, and the process of creating AJAX/JSON services in Drupal modules.
RESOURCES
Attendees will benefit most if they know at least basic PHP an basic Javascript. Since we will rush through the basics of module development, attendees should also have at least passing familiarity with module development and the hook system.
(I’d be happy to incorporate this into a panel if others are interested)
It sounds more like an intermediate to advanced class
This seems like more than just an “intro to jQuery” course. I’m going to go look for the other jQuery presentations and link to them from here so we can discuss the possibility of a beginner’s class and an intermediate to advanced class.
Here's the links list
Here are the links to the other jQuery presentation proposals:
Ocyrus on intermediate jQuery
Quicksketch on AHAH in D6
I wonder if these presenters, and possibly others in the woodworks, would like to craft a multiple-person session out of some of this info? I’d imagine the goal to be a singular beginner/intermediate jQuery session on D5, and an advanced AHAH session for the upcoming D6. Good idea? Bad idea?
Sharing is fine...
I don’t mind combining with another session.
Mine is definitely focused on D6. I use the new Menu API, the new jQuery, and the theme system is D6-specific.
The Javascript is short and very succinct. I’m not going to delve into the jQuery internals or dwell on arcane features of the API. Instead, I focus on doing the three most popular jQuery tasks: Find a place in the DOM, get some AJAX data, put it in that place.
But I do work the server side a little harder, so it might fit better with the AHAH session (which I was planning on attending anyway).
If you are suggesting that I split my presentation into two, and do some jQuery stuff in one session, and the more sophisticated stuff in another… that might work, though it would require some re-thinking of the presentation.
Oh, and if you would feel strongly that I should rename the session “Intermediate”, I’m fine with that. I had just been thinking of it in terms of an introduction to a specific task: Using Drupal, jQuery, and AJAX together.
Matt