Simple method of client javascript communicating with server node.js

Question

My objective is to design a small site with auto-completion of a field which would take suggestions from server's database (Node.js + MySQL).

What methods I could use to achieve this client-server communication as user types value into a field. I am looking for something greater than writing own AJAX requests, but easier than frameworks like Angular.

Sterling Archer · Accepted Answer · 2014-05-15 14:50:44Z

3

I use the same NodeJS + MySQL setup.

If you already have your app going, I suggest installing socket.io. Otherwise, look into Express.IO which is a framework for NodeJS development with Socket.IO integrated into it.

Websockets make AJAX look silly!

In NodeJS, you listen for io.emit("someEvent", {object-data-here}); on the client side, and route it on the server side with app.io.route("someEvent", function(request,response) {});

Don't copy and paste this, but firing a socket for a keyUp event is easy peasy.

var input = document.getElementById("inputfield");
input.addEventListener("keyUp", function() {
    io.emit("aKeyWasPressed", {value:this.value}); //on key up, send input value to Node
}, false); //false for bubbling event

answered May 15, 2014 at 14:50

Sterling Archer

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2 Comments

Denys Séguret Over a year ago

+1 for alternate solution but be cautious that dealing with websockets means more users having problems due to proxy/firewalls (and socket.io doesn't work well enough to circumvent proxy limitations). I do use autocompletion using socket.io but only when my app already use websockets.

alandarev Over a year ago

@dystroy Yes, I have noticed socket.io not working behind a corporate firewall. Good news, is they are not my target audience. And in addition, I will learn a little bit more of socket.io. Thank you for the detailed answer, I am already using Express, thanks for mentioning Express.IO

Mark Rijsmus · Accepted Answer · 2014-05-15 14:47:51Z

2

take a look at jQuery $.ajax() method. http://api.jquery.com/jquery.ajax/

You can use the jquery-ui autocomplete for your autocomplete functionality. http://jqueryui.com/autocomplete/

answered May 15, 2014 at 14:47

Mark Rijsmus

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