ArcGIS Server Javascript API is Out

ESRI has officially released its JavaScript APIs. You can read about them and see code samples here.

Essentially the Javascript API’s are client-side Javascript libraries that connect to ArcGIS Server REST web services. One is stand-alone, and the other two are integration pieces with Google Maps and Microsoft Virtual Eart. Absolutely no ESRI software is required for the developer or the web site host - you’re writing standard HTML and Javascript. ESRI is even hosting the library, so you can simply link to it.

How easy is it to use? They have a lot of code examples on their site, but for a simple map, once you’ve reverenced the Javascript API, it’s as simple as:

dojo.require(“esri.map”);

function init() {
var map = new esri.Map(“map”);
var tiledMapServiceLayer = new esri.layers.ArcGISTiledMapServiceLayer(“http://server.arcgisonline.com/ArcGIS/rest/services/ESRI_Imagery_World_2D/MapServer");
map.addLayer(tiledMapServiceLayer);
}

dojo.addOnLoad(init);