Entries Tagged 'javascript' ↓

More bookshelf fodder coming our way…

When I was at Web Directions South last year, I had the privilege to introduce Jeremy Keith’s session on Hijax. The presentation was one of the highlights of the conference for me, in spite of - or in case because of - the love/hate struggle I’ve had with JavaScript over the years.

The Hijax approach builds on the idea of progressive enhancement. It involves creating accessible web application functionality without JavaScript, and then adding a JavaScript layer that “hijacks” particular clicks and replaces the standards HTTP requests with XMLHttpRequest calls and generally Ajaxy stuff. That way, if JavaScript is not available to the user agent, the application works as intended anyway. But more capable user agents get an enhanced user experience. And everyone is happy.
After Jeremy’s presentation I innocently asked the question “Where can I find more resources? Are you writing a book on this?”. After protesting that the question wasn’t staged, Jeremy revealed that he was - and that book, Bulletproof Ajax, is now finished.

It’s not actually out yet, but you can pre-order, and if you’re keen like me, check out the companion web site with downloadable code samples. The name “Bulletproof” puts the title in the same New Riders series as Dan Cedarholm’s Bulletproof Web Design, another title I own and love.

So congratulations on getting it finished, Jeremy - can’t wait to get my hands on a copy.

Sadly, we just don’t have the population density in Perth. Or maybe it’s an excess of apathy. Who knows.

Russ was apologetic, but due to poor ticket sales they can’t bring the workshop to Perth as planned. The (very) few of us who were planning to attend are disappointed. Next time, I’ll have to plan to go over east instead.

Earlier today I was excited at the possibility of using the cash to go to an extra workshop at Web Directions instead. Now I’ve heard that Danzig is playing in Melbourne and Sydney at the beginning of September - so sadly, my inner geek may have to give in to my inner bogan in this case, and I may save the extra money for that trip instead.

Either way, I’ve heard that more westward-travelling workshops are planned for early next year, so here’s hoping we can rally some more interest for that.

I was going to mention this earlier, but have been so busy busy busy I haven’t had a chance. Russ Weakley and Cameron Adams are running a two day workshop on CSS and JavaScript AND THEY’RE BRINGING IT TO PERTH!

Excuse my excitement, but I’m so pleased that Perth is getting a look-in. I know we’re hard to cater for, being on the other side of the bloody country, so it’s great to see someone making an effort. I’ve got my ticket already.

Cameron Adams does a pretty good job of describing what the two days cover, as does Russ’s workshop mini-site, so I won’t bother repeating it all here again. I’m mostly going for the JavaScript day - my skills really suck in department - but I’m sure I’ll pick up some gems from Russ too, seeing as he does know everything there is to know about CSS.

To stephen, the commenter on Cameron Adams’ post who asks “why does Adelaide miss out?” - the answer is that Perth whinges a lot. We’re further away than you so we’ve had more practise, and also we have a vocal and annoying web industry through port80. If Adelaide wants to be as annoying as Perth, you guys should start your own port80 branch - Canberra have done it, as have Rochester, New York. Talk to us, we’d love to help you out.

And to anyone who points out that the workshop is expensive (some on the port80 forums have already done that), think about what it is you’re getting: two full days of hands-on training in what will pobably be a small group, from the top minds on their topics in the country. They had to write the course, pay for accommodation and travel expenses, venue hire and catering. Then compare it to any local courses that are similar - what’s that? There aren’t any? Ahhhhh….

If you’re reading this in another state, check your local dates too:

Sydney: 8 & 9 May
Melbourne: 11 & 12 May
Canberra: 15 & 16 May
Brisbane: 18 & 19 May
Perth: 29 & 30 May

As I keep pointing out, it’s not long before tax time, and things like this are great tax deductions.

A big thank you to Russ and Cameron for giving us this opportunity!