Question

I really like the visual effect where a new element seems to push an old element out of the way. Pretty common thing recently.

here is a static example.
http://github.com/

However, I’m trying to do it with recently updated products. Also would like to use scriptaculous if at all possible with periodically_call_remote using ruby on rails.

Answer 1

Without writing the code for you, here are the pieces you need to build:

• an action in Rails that returns the new html. This will most likely render :partial
• a PrototypeJS Ajax.PeriodicalUpdater to grab the html, and update the div with new items
• in the updater’s success handler, you want to ease the new elements in – use a scriptaculous effect to show the new html into the div, pushing the other elements out of the way. (not sure how you want to do this – you might have to move the existing elements down to accomodate the new ones, but do it slowly. I recommend you get the first two bullets working and then worry about the effects).

There’s no specific need to use periodic_call_remote, it can be done entirely with unobtrusive javascript.