Asynchronous Javascript and XML (aka AJAX)
Monday, May 7th, 2007AJAX is the "Web 2.0" name given to a technique that many of the hottest websites are implying, such as, Google, Flickr, Netflix and many others. AJAX stands for Asynchronous Javascript and XML which is basically the idea of refreshing the content on the current page without having to fully reload the screen. This effect creates a much more "desktop-esque" experience for the user meaning it seems more natural and fluid.
As the web becomes a more widely used medium programming techniques like AJAX will grow in popularity. At this point techniques like this seem more like "trends" but really the creation of a more enjoyable user experience is ultimately the final goal of any web designer. Right? Of course it is, otherwise most websites would still use hideously patterned backgrounds and web-safe colors.
For an example of AJAX and how it works exactly check out Google Maps, oogle some photographs at Flickr or browse around Netflix's inventory. I am currently working on a project to allow users to browse the inventory of an online nursery, make purchases and send comments/mail all without having to reload the page on every request for new content. Pretty swank.