How do I use AJAX?

The Calender Extension looked cool, so I downloaded AJAX, the framework, named ASP.NET 2.0 AJAX Extensions 1.0 (why not just Ajax Extensions?). This installed without any problems. Then I downloaded ASP.NET AJAX Control Toolkit (what's wron with Ajax Toolkit?)...

I'm running Visual Web Developer 2005 Express Edition (I just LOVE long names). One video I saw (athttp://ajax.asp.net/default.aspx) said that I had to add a reference to the DLL:s to be able to Ajaxify my website if I didn't have the full version of Visual Studio. I think I did that correct (Website/Add Reference... and then find the folder holding some DLL:s, I took all the DLL:s I could find, to be on the safe side!).

Now everything should be done to get started. No, I had to change to full permision for intranet, since my code is stored on the network (in Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 Configuration (I've now almost run out of keys on my keyboard...)/My Computer/Adjust Zone Security/Make changes to this computer and on the Local Intranet tab change the level to Full Trust).

I still get error messages, all starting with "unable to...". Does anyone know if there is a guide/tutorial for VWD 2005 Express Edition, from downloading whatever needs to be downloaded, to using it, to ajaxify (a word used in the video I referred to above) exisiting websites, putting files where they should be put and make necessary changes to existing projects?

Thanks!

Found a good start herehttp://www.asp.net/learn/videos/view.aspx?tabid=63&id=81. This video shows that the web.config file has to be modyfied, and how it could be done. It does, however, not explain the puropse of the new elements in the file, after all, it's only a video.

After doing these changes, I got a new error: "Element 'SciptManager' is not a known element...". I managed to fix this by doing nothing! I might have restarted the application, I don't remember. That doesn't make me satisfied, though. I keep getting errors that disapear by themselves after a while. I think I still need that follow-me-tutorial...

how difficult is it to retrofit a webapp with the ajax toolkit

Hi folks, haven't posted in any of the ajax forums before in fact I haven't used the toolkit or the ajax framework extensions for asp.net at all. All my ajax to this data has been regular javascript functions. Anyhow for the current web app I'm building I really want to pull out all the stops for the client so was consdering using some toolkit controls namely collapsible panel, calendar and autocomplete. However my app is about 50% complete and i want to finizle the core functionality of it before getting down with ajax so I'm wondering how easy or difficult is it to retrofit a webapp with controls from the toolkit. Am I better of stopping right now and implemented the ajax controls or do I need to start form sratch? or can I simply tweaks a few things to make ajax controls work when I 99% done with CS code behind stuff.

Thanks for your thoughts.

The quickly you convert your website to ASP.NET AJAX website the better. Toolkit controls are really easy to use, but if you are planning to use lot of update panels then u might to change your aspx pages a bit so if you are thinking about moving to AJAX website you should do so as quickly as possible.

And to convert your website, all you have to do is change your web.config file. Generate one blank ASP.NET AJAX enabled website through VS and copy the content of web.config file to your current web.config file at appropriate places.

Hope it helps.

I'd start implementing the AJAX control now if you've decided that's the route you want to take. Thisdocumentation will help you get started.

Thanks guy, I really don't want to have to delve into ajax yet if at all avoidable. I will basically needed two or three controls thats all. 2 collapable panels and autocomplete (calendar I can live without). I'm putting together an advanced fine panel at the moment, with textboxes checkboxes etc. I will be wanting to move that from a regular panel to a collapable panel, thats all. Will even this be a pain in the neck to retrofit?

You'll still have to go through all of the conversion process regardless of how many controls you choose to use.