JSON, or Java Script Object Notation, JSON can be defined as a data interchanging format that is lightweight and is easily readable as well. Besides, it is also easy for machines to generate as well as parse JSON. It is based on JavaScript object notation. Therefore, does not need JavaScript to read or write as it comes up in a text format, which is independent of the language. JSON comes up with the following fundamental elements: 1) Objects: – These start as well as end with braces ({}) 2) Object Members: – They consist of values along with strings, which are separated from each other by a colon (:). Members, however, are separated by commas. 3) Arrays: They start as well as end with braces. Each of them contains a certain value, which are separated from each other by commas. 4) Values: Values can be strings, numbers, objects, an array, or literals like true, false, or null. 5) Strings: They are surrounded by double quotes and also come up with Unicode characters as well as common backslash escapes. So, to put things simply, JSON can be defined as a way in which information can be stored in a streamlined and organized manner so that they can be accessed effortlessly if and when required. In short, Java Script Object Notation facilitates collection of human-readable data that can be accessed in a logical manner. The salient features of JSON: Clean Data: The last few years have seen a meteoric rise of Object Oriented Programming in terms of popularity, and a lot of words have already been written describing the benefit of these object oriented programming languages (OOPS). When it comes to using JSON objects, it clearly means that you are able to maintain a strict and standardized structure of the data you are using. The application that receives JSON data knows all the technical nitty-gritty of expectations and way of receiving and utilizing the data. This is very much different from HTML in terms of ways of using. Having an established structure in place will also help the developers in providing various sound and comprehensive cross browser solutions. These solutions are really effective when it comes to various tablets or mobile devices. Efficiency: In case you are using AJAX for populating any HTML list, you can have an idea about the structure of the HTML structure. While JSON objects are used, it is possible to construct as well as clone the HTML list on the client side. In that case, the only thing that needs to done is changing the information from the server side to the client side. With the development of fast internet connectivity, this optimization makes a huge difference in the usability as well as performance of the web applications. Scalability: In case the code on the server side is yielding output any standard data format, it becomes much easier to expand or change the application. Re-usability is an extremely important factor, and with all the code on the service code yielding single data structure, it indicates that whatever code is written, it is possible to plug it anywhere it is required. For example, if the server side code comes up with an HTML list instead of Java Script Object Notation objects. That means, if anyone is looking forward to display the data in an HTML table, it is imperative to re-write the code on the server side as well as on the client side. On the other hand, if the data comes up in the form of structured JSON, all that is needed to be done is changing the way the data will get printed on the screen. Moreover, JSON is mainly used by a number of languages when there is any need to change the server side language whatever the reason may be. It will be a rather easy transition, mainly because of the standardized structure of JSON, which remains the same across various languages. This would help you leverage the benefits of JavaScript development. We provide JavaScript application development services. If you would like to hire JavaScript programmers from us, we would be glad to assist you at Mindfire Solutions.
JavaScript is an aesthetic language used for web development. There are many special effects in this language that make user experience an improved and memorable one. So one thing should always be kept in central focus by the web developers- improvement of user experience. JavaScript offers many useful and clever ways in which a site may be improved from the perspective of user interface. Here are a few smart Javascript techniques which can help you improve UI performance.
1) insert AdjacentHTML instead of innerHTML- The extremely popular innerHTML has been transformed into a brand new avatar in the form of the optimized and fine grained version called insert AdjacentHTML. Since the position is specified, the element used upon is not re-parsed by this API; in fact extra serialization step is avoided which makes it much faster than the other manipulation. In approaches where the markup has to be appended continuously to a module or page this is very effective. Compared to innerHTML, insert AdjacentHTML is 100% faster.
2) requestAnimationFrame instead of setInterval- As compared to the conventional intervals and times, a more efficient as well as optimized approach is the use of requestAnimationFrame API while building animation based on JavaScript. The timer calculations are offloaded by this API to determine the timing of the upcoming UI/DOM style changes in the browser. It takes away from the responsibility of the developer to decide when the screen needs a repainting. Replacement with requestAnimationFrame will lead to smoother animations as well as saving of battery life in mobile devices if the content is viewed over there.
3) if-else instead of try-catch- Unforeseen runtime related errors and exceptions can be handled efficiently through the mechanism of try-catch. But a performance penalty is imposed by the blocks in JavaScript which is especially the case when used in recursive functions or iterations. On replacing try-catch with if-else conditions, each and every error handling will be taken care of; the resultant code will be much better as well as more efficient.
4. Improving startup performance- Try distinguishing between 'right after startup' and 'startup' and try to move to using 'right after startup' as much as possible. Design the UI in manner that as soon as the data changes it automatically updates. This result in saving of a lot of time and you will not have to wait for a long time so that everything may be ready. Some things are there which cannot be done right after startup; in short you will be able to perceive the startup time. To reduce the loading time you can combine CSS or Cascading Style Sheets. This will be especially perfect if many UI controls are in use. The loading time of almost 50 files can be reduced to near about 25% with the correct code combination. You can also try code minification; the benefits will be code-dependent- like 10-25%. To guarantee great startup one must-have is Lazy loading. To load a code of 10 MB, almost 10 seconds will be needed. But to showcase an initial view 100K is needed, if not more which means a loading time of 1 second. With lazy loading the 9 seconds may be deferred and scattered.
5) JQuery Autotab- It is often remarked that this feature is a must-have for all forms on internet. This may be a small thing but it provides a much better experience to the user when he or she is filling out forms and items, especially if there is the need to fill up things such as social security numbers, etc. If the form has jQuery then autotabs are added by the jQuery Autotab function.
There are so many options in JavaScript that can improve user experiences drastically like sliding top panel, social history, context highlighting web forms, magic zoom, password strength meter, etc. But while using them, in order to make them actually very effective, thoughtful implementation and restraint must be practiced. A perfect balance has to be struck. Use techniques that will actually be applicable as well as relevant; not just for the sake of using it. This would help you leverage the benefits of Javascript application development.
We provide Javascript ajax development services. If you would like to talk to one of our expert Javascript programmers, please get in touch with us at Mindfire Solutions.
