Gmail Ajax interface

Question

Hi all,

I would like to create something similar to Gmails interface. Especially the way contacts are managed is very interesting.

I'm not a Javascript guru, but know my way around jQuery.

Thanks!

Answer 1

the concept is fairly easy if you know JQuery or any other AJAX framework already. Simply customize/utilize existing jquery widgets, caching&paging,making ajax calls, etc.

Answer 2

You could look into something like the sproutcore framework.

Essentially its a good framework for rich-client web applications, like that of gmail.

Otherinbox useses to accomplish the same ends.

Answer 3

Ajax (when done right) will require at least advanced knowledge of AJAX. Sure you can use JQuery for somethings, while you're at it, you can also use some Microsoft Ajax components, but in the end, if you want your app to run well, you're eventually going to have to get under the hood, and iron out kinks or build some JS components yourself.

I suggest you spend 2-3 weeks first getting up to speed with how Ajax works (remember you're going to have to optimize for all the browsers you want to support).

Even after you've mastered the basics, you're still going to have to learn about browser memory leaks and closures (lambda functions).

I don't mean to put you off building your site, but I don't think you can slap a quality result together in minutes using JQuery alone, its just not that simple.

Answer 4

I recommend Google Web Toolkit for advanced projects like this one, if you're familiar with Java.

Answer 5

Tip: start with something simpler.