Implementing AJAX Components in the JWL Framework

Introduction

In 2005, IBM© introduced JWL (JavaScript-based Widget Library); it enhances JSP and HTML pages with rich set of inputs, output, and navigation components. If you are not familiar with JWL and would like to learn more about it, you can reference the following articles under the IBM Developer Works web site to give you an idea of what JWL can offer:

1. Developing an application with the JWL DataGrid using Rational Application Developer: http://www.ibm.com/developerworks/rational/library/06/0117_gallagher/
2. The JWL Tree component: http://www.ibm.com/developerworks/rational/library/05/1220_coffey/

With the release of RAD 6.0 (Rational Application Developer), IBM has introduced a much improved support systemfor JWL AJAX components. In this article, you will find out about these components and go through three how-to exercises. You will also find sample source code that you can import into your workspace.

Definitions

An AJAX tag must be defined as a child tag of any of the JWL panel tags. The AJAX tag defines an alternate content for the panel. An AJAX tag makes a server request when the panel containing the AJAX tag is invoked. The server processes the request and returns control to the panel.