24 ways

Shaun Inman concludes our series by detailing a technique for executing JavaScript returned by an Ajax call without using eval(). Remember kids, Christmas Eve is when Ajax comes calling, so leave out some sherry and mince pies. Tonight we feast.

Drew McLellan follows on from Day 1’s simple Ajax tutorial by taking the next steps and building a Flickr-style text edit-in-place system. Crank your Ajax dial up to 11 and get stuck in. Ding dong!

Jon Hicks demonstrates how to use the Firefox DOM Inspector to debug problems in your CSS. It may not be the ideal time of year for seek and destroy missions, but I’d be prepared to overlook that. It’s the season of goodwill, after all.

Simon Collison questions the use of quote-mark images for the aesthetic styling of blockquotes. In doing so, he demonstrates a method of achieving the same purely with CSS. A worthy thing in my estimation.

Derek Featherstone considers the difference between decorative and informational graphics and how each is best approached, particularly with regard to accessibility. Make sure you know what you’re doing next time you decide to deck the halls.

Jonathan Snook investigates combining a full range of table elements and CSS to create more attractive data tables. Forget about decorating the dinner table for a week, and get styling those data tables.

Dustin Diaz introduces a technique for server-side style sheet switching without reloading the page. Using Ajax, the Unobtrusive Degradable Ajax Style Sheet Switcher combines the convenience of client-side switching with the robustness of processing at the server.

Kimberly Blessing examines some common hacks used to deliver specific CSS rules to the stylistically-challenged Internet Explorer. With the forthcoming arrival of IE7, unchecked hacks could really knock the stuffing out of your turkey, so let us guide your sleigh tonight.

Andy Clarke dusts off the CSS z-index property to take control of the depth of his positioned elements. Why not try it out for yourself and see how it all stacks up. Santa’s not the only thing in your stack this Christmas. Erm … ok, I’m outta puns.

Patrick H. Lauke concocts a rather handy little JavaScript function to help you stripe your tables, lists, bathroom, you name it. And there you were thinking the only stripy thing you were getting for Christmas was a sweater. How little do you know.

Patrick Griffiths experiments with a straightforward method of adding rounded corners to a CSS-based box. Everyone loves rounded corners, so if this doesn’t put a partridge in your pear tree, then nothing will.

Roger Johansson returns to first principles and considers the fundamental differences between Transitional and Strict DOCTYPEs, as well as some of the common mistakes made when dealing with each. A timely reminder of the fundamentals can never go amiss.

Michael Heilemann dabbles with the Script.aculo.us JavaScript effects library to demonstrate how easily powerful effects can be added to enhance interactivity. Thought you were all that now you can do some Ajax? Turns out you’re not so hot, big boy, so get your chops around this.

Andy Budd studies the slightly maligned CSS attribute selector to see how it can be used productively despite incomplete browser support. If I had to select one of Andy’s attributes it would be his compassionate demeanour, but that’s by-the-by.

Drew McLellan takes a quick look at a simple method of styling navigation so that the correct item shows selected on each page. It’s a really simple idea, but extremely effective, and quite a time-saver to boot.

Molly E. Holzschlag explores the many issues surrounding the internationalization and localization of both web design and site content. As a W3C invited expert for internationalization, and an International Woman of Mystery, she knows what she’s talking about – in anyone’s language.

Ethan Marcotte delves headlong into the sticky issue of centered, list-based tab navigation with remarkable verve and compelling results. Snuggle up by the fire with a hot toddy and a moist companion, for today’s tip is freshly ironed for sir’s pleasure.

Simon Willison gets down and dirty with JavaScript and explains why caution should be exercised in use of the eval() function. It may be the season of good will and all, but we can’t have our caution getting all flabby now, can we?

Drew McLellan takes a practical look at the hCard microformat and how easily it can be added to existing markup. He then stops talking about himself in the third person to convince the crowd that it’s not just all hype. Baby.

Jeremy Keith is a man of many words – most of them stolen. Thanks to this nifty technique for enhancing the display of block quotes, at least you’ll know where he got them from. But don’t quote me on that.

Rachel Andrew discusses an approach to rapid and reliable CSS development. Save hours of layout work and testing on your next CSS build – time that could be better spent roasting chestnuts or baiting children.

Ian Lloyd looks at how DOM Scripting can help out with an uncomfortable accessibility issue. Form field labels can be tricky to implement in some cases, but with a little ingenuity Ian demonstrates how a balance can be struck.

Richard Rutter offers an insight into that oft-misunderstood unit of measure; the em. Do you know your ems from your elbow? Dazzle your dinner guests with scintillating silver talk of CSS.

Drew McLellan talks us through how to get going with some quick and easy Ajax using the freely available Prototype JavaScript library.