Prototype

Prototype is a framework developed in JavaScript oriented to the development of small and dynamic web applications. This tool implements AJAX techniques and its potential is maximized by Ruby On Rails.

With the onset of Web 2.0, the development techniques for websites demanded a big step. Having this in mind, AJAX was born. Thanks to Prototype, agile and simpler development was possible. On the client side, it is faster to access the required services. This framework is based on JavasScript and is focused on the development of AJAX techniques ready to use.

Before Prototype can be used, first the AJAX concept must be clear. It derives from Ashyncronous JavaScript And XML. Putting it simple, AJAX is a technique on web development where the browser can submit specific requests to the server without sending and receiving the whole page. It requests specific data from the server and allows for dynamic display without refreshing the whole page.

Taken from Wikipedia, February 2010