Chapter 1, MooTools and Me shows how to download and install Mootools. It demonstrates how to troubleshoot the most common installation problems. Writing a simple MooTools code block to test that the installation has worked is also explained.

Chapter 2, Writing JavaScript with MooTools demonstrates the difference between normal JavaScript against MooTools code. It explains how MooTools code can be far simpler and more efficient than ordinary JavaScript to achieve the same task.

Chapter 3, Selecting DOM Elements gives an overview of the Document Object Model tree and an in-depth discussion of the $() function in the Element class. It showcases basic DOM relationships such as parents, children, and siblings. It also demonstrates how to select page links and then give them a certain color or style

Chapter 4, The Core's Useful Utility Functions introduces native JavaScript variable definitions. It goes through each function and demonstrates how it works.

Chapter 5, Working with Events explains different browser events such as mouse click, mouse hover, mouse moving and key press. It demonstrates how to build a super-charged web form in MooTools. Events are covered showing how to add event listeners to web page elements.

Chapter 6, Bringing Web Pages to Life Using Animation introduces the different animation options available in MooTools. It demonstrates how to create a featured area slider. It demonstrates the MooTools Fx class and its useful methods for working with MooTools effects.

Chapter 7, Going 2.0 with Ajax shows the basics of Ajax. It demonstrates how MooTools makes working with Ajax easy. It will explain how XML files can be used to simulate a relational database.

Chapter 8, Beefing up MooTools Using the MooTools More Plugins demonstrates how to install and use the plug in system. It will explain how the Accordion area can be used to display content in an engaging and compact manner using the Fx Accordian plugin. It will also cover creating user-friendly forms using the OverText plugin.

Chapter 9, Creating Your Own Plugin will show the benefits of creating your own plugin such as reusability and customization. It will explain the guidelines and standards that should be adhered to for creating a plugin. It will also demonstrate how to build a simple plugin.

You will need a computer. It can be running any operating system of your preference. To be able to complete the exercises and examples in each chapter, you will need to have a text editor. Operating systems usually come with one, such as Notepad, on Microsoft Windows, or TextEdit, on Mac OS X. To view the results of the exercises and examples, you will need access to a web browser. The web browsers used in this book are free and can be found on the internet.

Below is a list of the web browsers used in this book:

This book is perfect for MooTools newcomers. You do not require any familiarity with MooTools whatsoever, only a willingness to learn. Basic knowledge of JavaScript syntax and concepts is the only requirement. This book will allow you to grasp the basics of MooTools so that you will be well on the way to creating exciting, customizable web pages and applications.

In this book, you will find a number of styles of text that distinguish between different kinds of information. Here are some examples of these styles, and an explanation of their meaning.

Code words in text are shown as follows: "We build a function called pageCustomizer that will customize our page."

A block of code will be set as follows:

if(Browser.Engine.trident){
alert('You\'re using Internet Explorer');
} else{
alert('You\'re not using Internet Explorer');
}

When we wish to draw your attention to a particular part of a code block, the relevant lines or items will be shown in bold:

if(userPlatform!='other' || userPlatform!='ipod' ) {
$$('.download-options').destroy();

New terms and important words are shown in bold. Words that you see on the screen, in menus or dialog boxes for example, appear in our text like this: "Click on the #child div ".

Feedback from our readers is always welcome. Let us know what you think about this book—what you liked or may have disliked. Reader feedback is important for us to develop titles that you really get the most out of.

To send us general feedback, simply drop an email to <[email protected]>, and mention the book title in the subject of your message.

If there is a book that you need and would like to see us publish, please send us a note in the SUGGEST A TITLE form on www.packtpub.com or email <[email protected]>.

If there is a topic that you have expertise in and you are interested in either writing or contributing to a book, see our author guide on www.packtpub.com/authors.

Now that you are the proud owner of a Packt book, we have a number of things to help you to get the most from your purchase.