If you’ve ever wondered how to add that sleek, professional feel to your web applications, AJAX might be the missing piece of the puzzle. The AJAX Development course on Udemy, taught by the experienced Mark Lassoff, promises to take you from the basics of AJAX to advanced techniques, enabling you to create fast, responsive web and mobile applications. But does the course deliver? Let’s dive in and find out!
Instructor Reputation
Mark Lassoff, the instructor of the AJAX Development course, has a stellar reputation in the programming education space. With over 500,000 students worldwide and a 4.5-star average rating from nearly 12,000 reviews, Mark is no stranger to teaching complex technical concepts in a digestible and approachable way. His vast teaching experience spans multiple disciplines, including web, mobile, and game development, making him an expert guide for those looking to dive deep into AJAX.
Mark’s journey as a programmer began in the 1980s with the iconic Commodore 64, where he wrote his first programs. Since then, he has built an impressive career in software development, including working with major internet startups during the dot-com boom of the 1990s. His entrepreneurial ventures, like founding LearnToProgram Media, highlight his dedication to empowering aspiring developers. Through this platform, Mark has authored and published courses that have helped countless students transition from novices to skilled developers.
One of Mark’s standout qualities as an instructor is his ability to relate to learners at different skill levels. He brings a unique mix of technical expertise and teaching finesse, which shines through in his course delivery. His lectures often incorporate real-world scenarios, helping students understand not just the “how” but also the “why” behind the technologies they’re learning.
In addition to his extensive teaching portfolio, Mark is an active voice in the programming community, speaking at events like TechWeek NY, TechWeek LA, and SXSW. These experiences give him a forward-looking perspective on industry trends, which he integrates into his courses. This ensures that the material stays relevant and practical for today’s web developers.
While most reviews praise Mark’s ability to break down challenging concepts, a few students feel the course could delve deeper into certain topics. This feedback reflects the broad range of learners the course attracts. Beginners may feel overwhelmed at times, while seasoned developers may crave more advanced insights. Regardless, the overwhelming consensus is that Mark’s courses are well-structured, engaging, and worth the investment for developers seeking to enhance their skills.
Course Structure
The structure of the AJAX Development course is thoughtfully designed to guide students from the basics of AJAX to more advanced applications. Mark Lassoff begins with foundational concepts, such as how to use the XMLHttpRequest object and dynamically update web content using the DOM. These initial lessons provide a solid grounding for those who are new to AJAX, ensuring they have the necessary tools to build dynamic, interactive web applications.
As the course progresses, the content becomes more intricate, exploring topics like dynamically creating and sending parameterized server queries. This is where students start to see the true power of AJAX in reducing server load and improving user experience. By learning how to monitor server responses and handle data in various formats—plain text, XML, and JSON—students gain a comprehensive understanding of AJAX’s versatility in real-world applications.
One of the course’s strengths is its dual approach to teaching. Mark uses both JavaScript and jQuery to demonstrate key concepts, allowing students to compare and contrast these methods. While jQuery simplifies many AJAX tasks, the inclusion of raw JavaScript examples ensures that students have a deeper understanding of what’s happening behind the scenes. This balance makes the course suitable for a wide range of learners, from those just starting with JavaScript to experienced developers looking to refine their skills.
The course also includes practical examples and projects, which reinforce the theoretical lessons. By applying what they’ve learned to hands-on exercises, students can build confidence in their abilities and see immediate results. For instance, creating dynamic forms that communicate with a server in real time or developing responsive dashboards are some examples that help bridge the gap between learning and doing.
However, the structure isn’t without its challenges. Some students, like Friedrich B., mentioned that certain lessons required multiple viewings to fully grasp, particularly those involving embedded anonymous functions. While this may indicate the course’s depth, it also suggests that absolute beginners might find some sections overwhelming. Additionally, the reliance on older standards, such as HTML 4.01 in some examples, could make parts of the course feel dated for learners accustomed to HTML5.
Despite these minor drawbacks, the course’s modular structure allows students to progress at their own pace. Each section builds upon the previous one, creating a seamless learning journey from basic to advanced concepts. Whether you’re a budding web developer or a seasoned professional looking to enhance your skill set, this course offers a comprehensive roadmap to mastering AJAX.
Content Quality
The AJAX Development course delivers a wealth of knowledge for learners eager to enhance their web development skills. Mark Lassoff has designed the curriculum to strike a balance between foundational theory and practical application, making it suitable for a variety of developers, from students to professionals. The course material is organized in a logical progression, starting with the basics of AJAX and gradually delving into more complex topics like parsing JSON responses and dynamically updating web pages.
One of the course’s standout features is its emphasis on hands-on learning. Mark provides numerous real-world examples that illustrate the practical uses of AJAX in modern web applications. For instance, students learn how to dynamically fetch data from a server without requiring a full page reload, a technique that’s crucial for building responsive and user-friendly interfaces. By the end of the course, learners are equipped with the skills to create seamless web experiences that rival those of professional developers.
The course also shines in its ability to demonstrate the inner workings of AJAX. From using the XMLHttpRequest object to handling responses in multiple formats like plain text, XML, and JSON, Mark ensures students understand the mechanics behind the magic. Moreover, his decision to teach AJAX concepts through both JavaScript and jQuery allows learners to compare methodologies, catering to those who prefer a more manual approach and those who value convenience.
However, the course isn’t without its limitations. Several students noted areas where the content could go deeper, particularly when it comes to explaining the underlying logic of AJAX functions. For example, Don C. mentioned a lack of detailed explanation about what AJAX functions are doing “behind the scenes.” This could leave some learners, especially those with a more analytical mindset, craving more technical depth.
Additionally, a few aspects of the course feel slightly outdated. Dhruval D. pointed out the use of HTML 4.01 in examples, which might seem off-putting to developers accustomed to modern standards like HTML5. There were also complaints about corrupted files in one lesson, which disrupted the flow of learning for some students. While these issues don’t overshadow the course’s strengths, they are worth considering for potential learners.
Overall, the content quality is impressive, blending practical techniques with theoretical insights. The course equips students with a solid foundation in AJAX while encouraging them to explore advanced concepts independently.
Overall Course Rating – 8.5/10
The AJAX Development course earns a commendable 8.5 out of 10 for its well-rounded content, practical examples, and engaging instruction by Mark Lassoff. This rating reflects the course’s ability to meet the needs of a diverse audience, from budding developers to seasoned professionals looking to sharpen their skills. While it’s not perfect, the course provides significant value for its price, making it a worthy investment for anyone looking to master AJAX.
One of the course’s biggest strengths is Mark’s teaching style. His clear explanations and logical lesson structure make even complex topics accessible to learners. Students gain not just the technical skills to implement AJAX but also an understanding of its role in creating fast, responsive applications. Mark’s use of both JavaScript and jQuery ensures the course appeals to a broad spectrum of developers, offering flexibility in how they approach AJAX projects.
However, there are areas where the course could improve. The use of older standards, such as HTML 4.01, and issues like corrupted files in lesson 1.5, highlight minor oversights that detract from the overall experience. Additionally, some learners, like Don C., felt the course didn’t dive deeply enough into the technical details of AJAX functions, leaving them with unanswered questions about the “how” and “why” behind the code.
Despite these drawbacks, the course offers excellent value for money. Students like Fabian F. and Friedrich B. praised the actionable insights they gained, which they’ve already started applying in their projects. The practical focus ensures learners walk away with skills they can use immediately, whether they’re building dynamic forms, creating real-time dashboards, or optimizing web performance.
In conclusion, the AJAX Development course strikes a strong balance between practicality and accessibility. While it could benefit from minor updates and deeper technical dives, its strengths far outweigh its shortcomings. If you’re looking to enhance your web development toolkit with AJAX, this course is an excellent choice that will undoubtedly take your skills to the next level.
