Forum OpenACS Q&A: Re: ajaxhelper and its tests

26: Re: ajaxhelper and its tests (response to 25)

Posted by Antonio Pisano on 04/02/15 12:33 PM

I'm having a look, but I need opinion on this:
I think we should change template::add_body_script code so it checks for duplicate inclusion of the same script as template::head::add_script does.

The need for this comes from this consideration: to keep js inclusion the closest possible to the tcl actually requiring that, I would put acs_RichText_* inclusion into template::widget::richtext_or_file proc. This proc can be called multiple times for each widget, so it would be convenient if we had a mean to avoid multiple inclusion in body.

As multiple inclusion of the same script in body could make sense (multiple execution of the same code) this should be parametric. I was thinking about the following:

- if the flag 'once_p' is given, behave like template::head::add_script and update reference into script array
- if flag is not given, put script into the 'anonymous' special element of array so no check is performed
- change template::head::prepare_multirows so it knows that now body_scripts is an array, rather that a plain list

What do you think about that?

27: Re: ajaxhelper and its tests (response to 26)

Posted by Neophytos Demetriou on 04/02/15 08:20 PM

I think it's very good idea. In fact, I did something similar in the templating system (http://www.tcl.tk/community/tcl2013/EuroTcl/presentations/EuroTcl2013-Demetriou-WebTemplating.pdf) I developed (not suggesting we replace the existing one), just that I will try to have a look and make improvements (or other changes) like the one you suggest, if that were to be accepted from the community/maintainers of course.

28: Re: ajaxhelper and its tests (response to 26)

Posted by Jim Lynch on 04/02/15 09:35 PM

I would just ask... is the reason for this change simply to include the javascript elsewhere (body instead of head)?

I think it's a good idea to check for dups. In fact, thought should be placed on whether there should be two separate namespaces (one for body, one for head) or one namespace for both -- do we want to deny a dup that originated in the head whose destination is body, or vise versa?

-Jim

29: Re: ajaxhelper and its tests (response to 28)

Posted by Antonio Pisano on 04/03/15 12:09 PM

We already have two separate procs to include js in head or in body, and for a good reason I think, as they must be put in different places on the page.

Javascript in head should never be replicated, as it is meant to be loaded and/or executed just once, while body could have multiple inclusions (js that should fire the same for each row in a table is an example)

I don't think there is need for merging the two procs in a more generical one. Some little code replication exists, but removing that could be as good as letting thing as they are, leaving space for further difference in script management.

30: Re: ajaxhelper and its tests (response to 28)

Posted by Neophytos Demetriou on 04/03/15 12:34 PM

FWIW, aforementioned templating system checks and combines scripts in terms of their purpose/usage i.e. whether a page is for registered users or the public. It also separates the scripts between those that can be deferred and those that are not [see slide 15 in the aforementioned EuroTCL presentation]. This is accomplished by tagging a JS code snippet with the relevant word, e.g. "public", "private", "defer", "nodefer" [templating system generates the files automatically]. Similarly, one could generate scripts for different browsers, language codes, and so forth.

31: Re: ajaxhelper and its tests (response to 30)

Posted by Antonio Pisano on 04/04/15 02:52 PM

Neophytos Demetriou, I think I recall now I already gave a look at your slides some time ago. Your templating system seems very interesting!

Consider preparing/referring to a tutorial or other further documentation, as it could really encourage its usage and our feedback!

32: Re: ajaxhelper and its tests (response to 31)

Posted by Neophytos Demetriou on 04/04/15 06:35 PM

Hi Antonio, I would very much like to do that (re: tutorial) though later in the summer as I'm somewhat swamped with a number of different things these days. That said, I would be glad to contribute in the development of the existing templating system or even integrating the two systems if the community finds that to be constructive. Overall, I'm all for contributing more in open-source projects, and OpenACS in particular, including bringing the work I've been doing over the years to converge with the existing codebase. Not sure what the best way is just yet. Just letting everyone know that I'm willing and, hopefully, perceived to be able to get the job done.