Does the browser have to be AJAX aware?

[Rajkamal Pillai]

My query is related to the AJAX framework. Do browsers have to be aware of the framework?

I have worked with ExtJs and while creating the XMLHttp object for making an asynchronous server call, the function that processes the response can be mentioned. Now when the response is obtained this function gets called, with a JSON object containing the response data as one of the parameters, where the update of the page elements is performed. Now once the response is obtained at the client it is up to the browser to make the call to the desired function. So I assume the client browser should be aware of this feature?

Another doubt is AJAX came with Web 2.0, I understand. So does this mean earlier versions of browsers would not be capable of performing an AJAX request/response cycle?

I would be very grateful if somebody could clarify my doubts.

Thanks,
Raj.

[Bear Bibeault]

Raj Kamal wrote:Do browsers have to be aware of the framework?

No. Browsers know diddly about the frameworks. The browser does need to support XMLHttpRequest (or equivalent) in order for the frameworks to be able to use it, of course. All modern browsers that matter support this.

So I assume the client browser should be aware of this feature?

See above.

Another doubt is AJAX came with Web 2.0, I understand.

"Web 2.0" is just a buzz-word that has little meaning. It's not like it's a product or anything like that.

So does this mean earlier versions of browsers would not be capable of performing an AJAX request/response cycle?

Of course older browsers that pre-date the inception of XMLHttpRequest can't support Ajax.