Script.aculo.us 1.7 Nearly Done: Now with Morph Effects

JavaScriptSearch
Wednesday, November 22, 2006; 07:11 AM

Script.aculo.us, one of the most popular special effects JavaScript libraries, is treading ahead with the first beta release of version 1.7.  The new release notably features the addition of a new Morph effect to existing ones like Opacity, Scale, MoveBy, and Highlight, as well as the inclusion of the latest Prototype library.

The new Effect.Morph lets web developers manupulate CSS properties in order to create captivating animations. The Morph effect is shipped together with Effect.Transform, which allows for control over multiple morphings, or, in the words of the creators  "Effect.Transform is a helper that doesn’t generate a normal effect, but stores a more complex set of Effect.Morph effects to be generated when called upon."

Here is an example of Effect.Morph syntax that will start an effect to morph the div element with id error_message smoothly from predetermined border-width, font-size, and color to the given new values:

new Effect.Morph('error_message',{
  style:'border-width:3px; font-size:15pt; color:#f00'
});

The Script.aculo.us project was started by Austrian programmer Thomas Fuchs as an extension for the Prototype Javascript Framework, adding visual effects, user interface controls, and utilities. Currently Script.aculo.us enjoys a lively community and widespread usage. The latest stable version 1.6.4 is available for free download at http://script.aculo.us/, together with documentation and implementation examples.