Ajax programming techniques have recently generated lots of buzz for good reason: they can be used to create interesting browser-based applications that do things many thought impossible with typical web browsers (in particular, a certain Ajax technique can send and receive data to and from a server without requiring the browser to refresh or reload).

Following are my picks for the 10 best Ajax applications. Selection criteria: (1) an appropriate combination of simplicity and rich functionality, (2) somehow compelling (hard to define, but I know it when I see it), (3) the more interactive, the better, and (4) free. Also, in this exercise, I'm focused on startups, so I'm not including anything from Google (maps, Suggest), Microsoft (Kahuna), or Yahoo (Flickr).

1. Kiko. A general purpose online calendar. Elegant interface and design. API coming soon.

2. Backbase's RSS Reader. Only a demo, so you can't add your own feeds. Still, very nice.

3. Backpack. To do list organizer and simple project management application. Includes email and mobile reminders.

4. Writely. Online word processor. A bit rough around the edges (you can't save in MSF T Word format, for example) but still feels like a real application. Update: per Sam Schillace @ Writely, you can export in Word format (ed: sorry for missing this). Also, API and blog publishing features coming soon.

5. Amazon Zuggest. Francis Shanahan's version of Google Suggest–but for Amazon.

6. TimeTracker. Personal time management tool.

7. Del.icio.us Director. Rich UI for managing your del.icio.us links.

8. Backbase's Information Portal. A highly interactive aggregation page.

9. Protopage. Another twist on an information portal.

10. Periodic Table of the Elements. The next must-have for high school chemistry students?

Honorable mention goes to:

1. Clearnova's Ajax Examples page. Examples of various techniques, including full JavaScript.

2. Rico's JavaScript Example page. More examples.

3. BackBase's Ajax Example Page. Still more examples.

4. Realtime HTML editor.

5. Ajax IM. A browser-based IM client.

6. Endoxon's map of Switzerland.

7. TaDaLists. Another to do list manager from Basecamp.

8. Primal Grasp's Spell Check demo.

In an earlier post I highlighted 10 interesting Ajax applications (plus a few honorable mentions). Since then, I've come across many other individuals or teams who are all creating a new generation of interactive, highly functional, web-based applications. Unfortunately, some are still in stealth and, as such, I can't write about them (I may later, though, so check back). Either way, here's another batch of Ajax gems that are worth checking out.

Twelve this time, in alphabetical order:

• Calendar: CalendarHub (via Scott). Create fully searchable, private or shared calendars. Includes group sharing, subscriptions, drag and drop GUI, RSS feeds, and web API.
• Dictionary/Thesaurus: ObjectGraph Dictionary (via Jerry). Just what it sounds like…
• Email: Zimbra (via KevinH). Complete application for e-mail, calendar, contacts and other communications technologies.
• Email (2): Goowy. Flash based (no Ajax), but so elegant that I included it anyway.
• Example code/widgets: The MidnightCoders (via MP). Variety of examples implemented in Ajax and Flash, including server invocation, database integration, and Google search.
• Flickr Viewer: Lightweight Flickr Viewer (via Mike). See your Flickr photos with a different interface.
• Games: Boggle (via Logan). Free and fun.
• Games (2): Babble (via Jamie Tibbetts). Like Boggle but a little different.
• Instant Messenger: Meebo Multi-client IM. Very nicely done—maybe I can get rid of Trillian?
• Instant Messenger (2): Treehouse Chat (via Treehouse Cityguide). Nice Ajax chat. Less practical than Meebo as it doesn't connect to existing IM servers, though.
• To do list: TuDu (via Julien Dubois). Includes RSS feeds and complete source code.
• Spell Checker: Garrison Locke (via Paul). Built by Garrison Locke. Very nicely done. Includes link to source code.

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