Getting Started

Currently, the AJAX Toolkit Framework is delivered with three implemented AJAX personalities, Zimbra, DoJo, and Rico. With the current installation, users can develop AJAX applications using these AJAX personalities, as well as by using the ATF generic DHTML development tools such as; JavaScript editor, DOM inspector, integrated JavaScript debugger, and JavaScript console.

A typical AJAX personality project lifecycle will touch many of the steps in this guide. For instance, consider the Zimbra personality. First, a Zimbra Project is created. Then, a Zimbra application is created inside of the new project. This new application will consist of one or more file templates (i.e. HTML, JavaScript and CSS file) that can be used as a starting point in developing a Zimbra application. Throughout the application development cycle, ATF tools such as the JavaScript editor, DOM inspector and JavaScript debugger can be used to assist with DHTML development. In addition, any personality specific tools, such as the image builder which is provided with the Zimbra personality, can be used for personality specific development.

Once the AJAX application is ready to be tested, ATF provides integrated publish and launch capabilities.

A new AJAX personality can be created by using the Personality Builder Wizard in the AJAX Toolkit Framework. With this wizard, the user can specify the location of the target AJAX personality runtime libraries, the content and layout of the new personality's project and application wizards, and define personality specific code snippets that can be used at development time. As a result, this wizard will generate a number of eclipse plugins which contain extensions to base Eclipse and ATF extension points. These plugin projects can then be installed into the Eclipse framework to get the new personality functionality.

This guide assumes that the reader has a basic familiarity with Eclipse.

Related concepts
AJAX Toolkit Framework Overview
Creating and launching a new Dojo application Demo Movie
Creating a new AJAX personality Demo Movie


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