In this chapter, we have described how to improve the users' experience by simplifying entry to the application, adding search facilities, and providing a help system.

We have also introduced AJAX, initially looking at a basic set of helper methods (auto_complete) that easily provide some advanced enhancements to form fields.

We have then looked at some of the problems that these basic techniques highlight. We went on to show how a particular, more advanced helper function (link_to_remote) can be used to update and expand the information on a page without reloading the page. This method is very flexible and some variations are shown, including using link_to_remote, to load a form that can then be submitted again without reloading the page. Some drag and drop functionality is also described. These AJAX examples give a feel of what can be achieved using these systems and how they can be used within Rails.

Lastly, we described help systems and the importance of using different help systems to support users and other developers. The two groups require different information and therefore require help in different ways.