Test-driven development of Ajax enabled web applications on the Java platform

Abstract

The introduction of new technologies is often based on a response to the obstacles their predecessors could not overcome. In the history of the World Wide Web, the last years has provided us with new technologies presenting new possibilities for web application development. Among these technologies we find a breed of new technologies labeled under the expression Rich Internet Applications. Created to enhance the web with the power of traditional desktop applications the RIA technologies present the next generation of the Web, the Web 2.0. Among these technologies we find a new arrival, Ajax. To aid developers in software development the usage of defined methodologies are guiding lights. In our thesis we have studied and introduced the Agile software methodology Test Driven Development. In this thesis we will introduce the challenges connected to usage of TDD on Ajax enabled web development. We will also introduce the Ajax architecture, and the impact of Design Patterns to improve design. We will also discuss Ajax and eventual standardization issues to prevent developers from compatibility and lock-in situations. It is expected much of the next generation of web applications, keeping a close eye on the architecture and using TDD can help development and structure to applications. This can also be combined with design patterns and framework to help development even further.