[Solar-talk] using js

[Jeff Surgeson]

Hi Rodrigo

Thanks for the advice, makes sense. Used prototype and scriptaculous because I 
found a nice image fader/lightbox thingy that did what i wanted it to, and 
seen those js lib's are part of Solar it made sense for me to use them.

Just thought I was not using them correctly as it is verrrrrry slow.

> > I suppose I should only be including the scripts in the class that is
> > using them as apposed to the base class, or does it matter, other than a
> > slight increase in file size it should make no difference?
>
> Hey, Jeff.
> If a specific script or library is used only by a group of controllers
> / actions, you should only load them in those specific places, imo. It
> depends on how often you need the library or specific modules in your
> actions.
>
> > Are there any performance issues with using 3rd party js with Solar?
>
> Yes, sure. The user will have to load the library - only Prototype +
> Scriptaculous effects will add 80kb to your page loads. After it is
> loaded once, the browser will cache the scripts, but it certainly adds
> some overhead anyway. For common pages, it's generally better to keep
> scripts to a minimum so the page loads as fast as possible.
>
> > I have always avoided using js but some things you just cant achieve as
> > easily as with js.
>
> Indeed.
>
> And... hm, let me give you an suggestion. If you're inexperienced with
> javascript and just need some bits here and there, I'd suggest you to
> consider a more lightweight library, and increment it with more pieces
> only when you need. In terms of simplicity, size and modularity, I
> think there's no better candidate than jQuery. For example, you could
> have a modal dialog for 30kb or less using it (21kb for the main
> library + some more for the chosen modal dialog plugin). However, you
> should avoid trying too much jQuery plugins [1], or you would want
> them all. :)
>
> Anyway, it's just a suggestion. :)
>
> -- rodrigo
>
> [1] http://docs.jquery.com/Plugins



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Jeff Surgeson / South Africa