So now that we have a basic understanding of what a Web 2.0 website or web application is, let's have a look at the tools that developers use.

Prototype
Prototype is the _javascript base code that many effects libraries have been written on. The Prototype framework is intended to simplify development for dynamic web applications. Basically, it reduces many of the repetitive _javascript code pieces that you would commonly use for creating dynamic effects and other _javascript-based applications.

» Download Prototype

Scriptaculous
The Scriptaculous _Javascript Library is the most widely used and distributed of the web 2.0 effects libraries. It contains many cool features and effects such as dragging and dropping, grow/shrink, animate position, highlighting and much more.

» Check out Scriptaculous

Rico
Rico is another very popular web 2.0 effects library. It's an open-source _javascript library providing full ajax support, drag and drop management, cinematic effects and more.

» Get Rico

There are other effects libraries out there, but most of them do nothing beyond what is available in Scriptaculous or Rico. However, once you become familiar with the Prototype library you will find that it may not be that difficult for you to write your own effects library!

Now let's step onto the next article to see an example of how we can use the libraries to create a cool effect on your website.