Choosing between Silverlight and AJAX

Ranjith PallathPartner Technical Consultant | Microsoft Corporation| rapallat@microsoft.com

AGENDA

AJAX and SilverlightRich Vs ReachPros and Cons of AJAXScenarios for using AJAXPros and Cons of SilverlightScenarios for using SilverlightSilverlight and AJAX

AJAX and SilverlightBoth are client technologies bur are not replacement for each other. Silverlight is mainly used for rich UI.Technology Specification / TechnologyASP. Net Ajax provides both pure client APIs and server tools like (Update Panel), With Silverlight you can have server integration by using the web services.ASP. Net Ajax works on JSON platform based on JavaScript and Xml. Silverlight is like a browser add-on that can understand XMAL code used by Silverlight.Use silverlight when you need rich UI and don't have heavy server dependency. Ajax can be used to make web applications perform better.

Rich Vs Reach

ASP.Net AJAX overview

Pros and Cons of AJAX

Works on top of existing ASP. Net pagesEasy implementationBetter response time for pagesMatured (Over 4 years)

JavaScript is very limitingUI Enhancement is limited to asynchronous postback and DHTMLDependent in browser capability

Advantages

Disadvantages

Scenarios for using AJAX

High dependency on ServerEradicate User experience challengesLittle emphasis on User InterfaceTight coupling with ASP. NetClient side logics implemented in JavaScript

Creating AJAX Application

DEMO

Overview of Silverlight

Silverlight overview

Pros and Cons of Silverlight

Rich User Interface (Media, Animation)Managed CodeMultiple Device, Browser, PlatformWPF Association

Plug-in architectureLearning curvePlatform support

Advantages

Disadvantages

Scenarios for using Silverlight

Importance on User InterfaceCreating Media Oriented Applications (Audio, Video, Animation)Client side logic in Managed LanguageFairly disconnected modelMultiple platform, multiple device, multiple browser supportVector Graphics

Creating Silverlight Application

DEMO

Silverlight and AJAX

Silverlight 1.0 was all JavaScript and AJAXHTML Bridge<asp:MediaElement> and <asp:Silverlight> server controls

Album Viewer Application

DEMO

References

Silverlight Resources http://silverlight.net/GetStarted/ http://silverlight.net/Learn/ http://silverlight.net/blogs/jesseliberty/ http://weblogs.asp.net/scottgu

AJAX Resources http://www.asp.net/ajax/

http://weblogs.asp.net/atlas-team/default.aspx

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