As you learned in this chapter, using AJAX is a great way to improve the responsiveness of PHP/Oracle applications, making them more dynamic and interactive, and faster to respond to user actions. In particular, you saw an example of an AJAX-based PHP/Oracle application whose page automatically updates itself at a certain time interval, displaying the most recent data retrieved from the database. The other sample application discussed in this chapter demonstrated how you might benefit from using AJAX in a PHP/Oracle application that provides access to master/detail information stored in the database, retrieving and displaying details on demand.
However, it's important to understand that the AJAX approach to web development is not a magic bullet that is appropriate for any situation. Before you start building an AJAX‑based solution or begin ajaxifying an existing one, the first thing you have to consider is whether AJAX is appropriate for the application you're working on. Using AJAX...