This book introduces a fast-track path to understanding Atlas, and how this technology can increase the power and functionality of your code while conserving time and effort. The book begins with a bare-bones introduction that explains how Atlas relates to Ajax. Microsoft Atlas is a web-client framework that makes building Ajax-style applications easier. It provides a prewritten framework that gives you a structured environment in which to work. Atlas also provides you with an object model and standardised debugging to make development faster and simpler. The book guides you through a series of practical examples that demonstrate the Atlas framework and available controls. After reading this book, you'll be able to compile a seamless Atlas-based application of your own!