Asynchronous JavaScript and XML (AJAX) provides a very effective way of communicating with data which resides on a server. This means that Web pages (ASP.NET Web applications) can execute server-side logic and update various page elements without reloading the entire page. This is a highly efficient way to present data via Web applications. It saves page reloading time and provides a more streamlined user experience.

AJAX allows GridView for ASP.NET Web Forms to load data without having to do a postback to the server, minimizing load time and greatly improving the end-user experience. Using C1GridView's Callback feature, the grid calls back to the server to retrieve only the information that is requested, unlike with a server postback, where the whole page must be reloaded to update the grid. End-users can quickly modify a grid without that annoying flicker of the screen during load time.

You can use the Callback feature for editing the grid, grouping and outlook grouping, paging, row selection, sorting, and scrolling the grid by simply setting C1GridView's Action property to one of the following options:

• None: All actions are performed via postback.
• ColMove: Column moving is performed via callbacks.
• Editing: Editing is performed via callbacks.
• Paging: Paging is performed via callbacks.
• Selection: Row selection is performed via callbacks.
• Sorting: Sorting is performed via callbacks.
• Filtering: Filtering is performed via callbacks.
• All: All actions on the grid are performed via callbacks.

For more information on using GridView for ASP.NET Web Forms and AJAX, see the Updating the Grid with AJAX topic.