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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Ajax and Microsoft Silverlight?

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The main differences between Ajax and Microsoft Silverlight are as follows:

  • Technology: Ajax is a concept that combines Asynchronous JavaScript and XML for developing highly interactive web applications. Silverlight, on the other hand, is a proprietary technology developed by Microsoft, which includes a runtime and a set of controls for building rich internet applications.
  • Programming Language: In Silverlight 1, all the code has to be written in JavaScript and XAML. With version 2, the programming logic can be written in other languages like C# and VB.NET as well. Ajax, however, relies primarily on JavaScript for its functionality.
  • Content: Silverlight is aimed primarily at the social media online content on the web through images and videos. Ajax is more of a tool for creating interactive web applications and can be used in various domains, not just limited to social media or online content.
  • Server tools: ASP.NET Ajax provides both pure client APIs and server tools like Update Panel, while Silverlight allows for server communication using technologies like AJAX.
  • Compatibility: Silverlight can utilize AJAX to create content that is even more interactive and engaging. However, Silverlight is a proprietary technology and may not be supported by all browsers or devices, whereas Ajax is a more widely supported and accepted technology.
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  • What is the Difference Between Ajax and Microsoft Silverlight?
  • Comparative Table: Ajax vs Microsoft Silverlight

    • Comparative Table: Ajax vs Microsoft Silverlight

    Here is a table comparing the differences between AJAX and Microsoft Silverlight:

    Feature AJAX Silverlight
    Meaning Asynchronous JavaScript and XML, a group of web development programs for designing interactive websites An application framework for writing and running rich Internet applications, similar to Adobe Flash
    Technologies Involved XHTML, CSS, DOM, XML, XSLT, XMLHttpRequest, JavaScript JavaScript and XAML, with Silverlight 2 and later supporting additional programming languages
    Cross-Platform AJAX is a cross-platform technique that can be used on a wide range of operating systems and computer architectures Silverlight is available for multiple browsers, including Internet Explorer, Firefox, and Safari
    Server Dependency AJAX can be used to make web applications perform better and provide a better user experience while avoiding page refreshes Silverlight provides a rich UI and doesn't have a heavy server dependency
    Ease of Use AJAX is considered less frustrating, while Silverlight is considered easier to write
    Integration ASP.NET AJAX provides both pure client APIs and server tools like Update Panel, while Silverlight allows for server integration by using web services Silverlight has direct access to JavaScript processing, where AJAX and Silverlight meet
    Source AJAX is open-source code Silverlight is a product from Microsoft and has been used to give them leverage over its competitors

    AJAX is a collection of web development methods used for creating interactive web applications, while Silverlight is a framework for running rich Internet applications with features similar to Adobe Flash. AJAX relies on technologies like XHTML, CSS, DOM, XML, XSLT, XMLHttpRequest, and JavaScript, whereas Silverlight mainly relies on the .NET framework. AJAX is considered more cross-platform than Silverlight, but Silverlight can be used to extend AJAX and add richness for the end-user.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.