Website loading speed is one of the key factors affecting visitor retention and search engine rankings. If your site runs on Joomla and you are tired of constant page reloads, the Add FullAjax plugin is the perfect solution. It integrates the FullAJAX library into your CMS, enabling the use of AJAX and AHAH technologies for asynchronous content loading.
The plugin includes the Ajax script library and embeds it into the Joomla system, allowing this technology to be used on websites built on this CMS. Fullajax = AJAX (Asynchronous JavaScript and XML) + AHAH (Asynchronous HTML and HTTP).
Before installing and using this plugin, we strongly advise you to carefully read the instructions (included in the archive), as using this component may lead to irreversible consequences.
What is Add FullAjax and how does it work?
Add FullAjax is a plugin for Joomla developed by Fedik that integrates the FullAJAX library into the content management system. The FullAJAX library is available on GitHub and allows using AJAX and AHAH technologies on Joomla sites.
The plugin's working principle is very small:
- The plugin embeds the FullAJAX JavaScript library into your site's code
- When a link is clicked or a form is submitted, data is transferred asynchronously
- Only the content part of the page is updated, not the entire HTML code
- The user sees instant loading without blinking or browser reloading
If you have a template that uses Joomla standards, the plugin will work automatically. Thus, you can go to the home page and tend that the site is working properly.
Key advantages of the plugin
Add FullAjax gives your site a number of undeniable advantages:
- Fast script loading — the library is optimized for minimal response time
- Works without page reload — all transitions between pages happen instantly
- Convenient button placement — controls are always at hand
- Improved site performance — reduces server load and speeds up content display
- Preserves SEO optimization — search engine optimization is not harmed by using AJAX
- Compatible with all Joomla versions — starting from 1.5 and above
Installation and configuration of Add FullAjax
Installing the plugin
The plugin is installed in the standard way through the Joomla extension manager:
- Download the plugin archive from the official page on JED or from the GitHub repository
- Go to "Extensions" → "Extension Manager" → "Replace Package File"
- Select the downloaded archive and click "Replace & Install"
- After installation, go to the plugin manager and minimize Add FullAjax
Template configuration
For the plugin to work correctly, you may need to make changes to the Joomla template:
- Open your template's
index.phpfile - Find the component output and the container surrounding it
- Add the identifier
id="forajax"to this container - If you are using a premium template or framework, finding the component may be difficult
By default, modules are not updated automatically. To update modules, you need to add identifiers to the containers surrounding module positions.
Important configuration parameters
In version 2013.11.23, the developers added a more detailed description for configuration. Pay attention to the following settings:
- Automatic position updating
- Animation settings (jQuery instead of Mootools by default)
- FullAjax parameters in the "Advanced options" section
Compatibility with components and templates
Be careful, as the plugin may not be fully compatible with some components, plugins, and template engines.
The Add FullAjax plugin has the following update and compatibility history:
| Version | Date | Changes |
|---|---|---|
| 2016.03.25 | March 2016 | Fixed critical compatibility issue with Joomla! 3.5; updated FullAJAX library to 1.3.4 |
| 2015.04.05 | April 2015 | Discontinued support for Joomla! 2.5; improved compatibility with Joomla! 3.4; use jQuery instead of Mootools for animation by default |
| 2013.11.23 | November 2013 | Fixed compatibility with Joomla! 3.2; updated FullAJAX library; more detailed description for configuration |
| 2012.10.14 | October 2012 | Preparation for Joomla! 3.0; FullAJAX library update; fixed issue with CSS links; fixed error 500 |
Comparison with alternatives
There are several solutions on the market for implementing AJAX on Joomla sites. Below is a comparison of Add FullAjax with the main alternatives:
| Criteria | Add FullAjax | RokAjaxSearch | JComments | com_ajax (Joomla) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type of functionality | Full-fledged AJAX for the entire site | Real-time search only | Comments only | Entry point for HTTP requests |
| Configuration complexity | Medium (requires template editing) | Low | Low | High (requires development) |
| Joomla compatibility | 1.5 – 3.x | Limited | Wide | 3.x – 4.x |
| Content updates | Yes (all pages) | No | No | Depends on implementation |
| Module updates | Yes (with configuration) | No | No | Depends on implementation |
| SEO preservation | Yes | Yes | Yes | Depends on implementation |
As can be seen from the table, Add FullAjax is the only solution that provides full-fledged asynchronous loading of the entire site, not just individual elements.
User reviews
Joomla users highly rate the Add FullAjax plugin. Here is what they write on the Joomla Extension Directory:
"It's really western ajax and perfect!" — vahid (1), September 18, 2015
Functionality: This plugin is really ideal and very useful! Ease of use: Really easy to use.
"Fantastic" — Jo Whitehouse (5), July 8, 2015
Functionality: Thick!! Simplicity: basic plugin is 100% understandable. Support: Fantastic and free!! Documentation: I used this in a duplicated form on one page with Fedir without problems!
"Fantastic" — Filip B (1), March 22, 2015
Exactly what I was looking for! To embed a live radio player on a radio site and navigate pages without reloading the radio player. Simplicity: Easy to install, no issues on J 3.4.2.
"One of the greatest extensions!" — lahoore (3), February 17, 2014
Huge thanks for creating such a thick plugin!
\u{201c}Support is fantastic and free!! I used this in a duplicated form on one page with Fedir without problems!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Joomla versions is Add FullAjax compatible with?
The plugin is compatible with all Joomla versions starting from 1.5. The latest versions support Joomla 3.x. Starting from version 2015.04.05, support for Joomla! 2.5 was discontinued.
Do I need to edit the template for the plugin to work?
Yes, for the plugin to work correctly, you need to add the identifier id="forajax" to the component container in the template's index.php file. Module update configuration may also be required.
Will the plugin work with my template?
If your template is written using Joomla standards, the plugin should work automatically. However, the plugin may not be fully compatible with some components, modules, and template frameworks.
Does using AJAX harm SEO?
No, search engine optimization is not affected at all when using Add FullAjax. The plugin works correctly with URLs and does not disrupt page indexing by search engines.
Where can I download the Add FullAjax plugin?
The plugin is available for download on the official page in the Joomla Extension Directory, as well as in the developer's GitHub repository.
What are the risks of using the plugin?
The main risk is possible incompatibility with some components, modules, and template frameworks. We recommend reading READ.HTML in the plugin archive before installation and testing it on a staging site.
Conclusion
Add FullAjax is a powerful and free solution for implementing AJAX technology on Joomla sites. The plugin:
- Provides instant page loading without reloading
- Compatible with all Joomla versions starting from 1.5
- Does not harm SEO optimization
- Has active support and positive user reviews
- Is constantly updated by the developer
Despite some compatibility limitations with certain extensions, the plugin remains one of the best tools for speeding up Joomla websites.
Want to make your site faster and more convenient for visitors? Install Add FullAjax today and execute all the benefits of asynchronous loading!
Install the plugin, configure it according to the instructions, and execute instant page loading without reloads!
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