Some Web 2.0 cents

I had some time catching up with the latest and greatest advances in web development. If you like to see some of it in action, visit my upcoming design of the Bob Schalkwijk Photography site.

A word of warning though: it's Web 2.0, without Javascript it won't be fun at all.

For example, you may find it interesting to see Ext Live Search at work in a real world example. Or, alternatively to see Adobe Spry and jQuery at work in nice photo set browser with integrated slideshow.

There is even a Google Maps Mashup example that shows a map with markers for countries the uploaded photos were taken in. It's not ready for prime time, but it's worth a look if you are interested in Web 2.0.

Another interesting bit of information about the design is that the backend database is actually fed using Cumulus Record Exports, which, although not visible to the site visitor, is rather interesting in terms of technology (Canto Cumulus (tm) is a very popular digital asset management software).

Enjoy. And while you are at it, here are the links to the most important tools that made it possible:
ExtJs
jQuery, write less, do more.
Adobe Spry

Last but not least I also got in touch with PHP; most of the backend and data stuff is realized with it (so that it works on standard LAMP web provider accounts).

Feel free to contact me with feedback or with questions if they are related to the design.