Introduction to Adobe Flex

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Introduction to Adobe Flex

• Shalu Pandey
• spandey2
• Group 7
• October 2008

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What is Flex?

• Free, open source framework for building highly
  interactive web applications
• These apps will work consistently on all major
  browsers, desktops, and operating systems

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Why use Flex?

• Scalability
• designed to scale from simple components in
  websites to full-blown browser-based or desktop
  applications
• using the pre-built component library, Flex
  provides a broad solution for creating RIAs of
  all kinds
• developers can select data transport methods
  including support for XML over HTTP or Adobe's
  Action Message Format (AMF)

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Why use Flex?

• Cross-platform, accessible applications
• RIAs created with Flex can run in the browser
  using Adobe Flash Player software or on the
  desktop on Adobe AIR
• using AIR, Flex applications can access local
  data and system resources on the desktop
• both Flash Player and Adobe AIR are available as
  a free download on Adobe.com

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Why use Flex?

• Rich user experience
• allows web application developers to create
  highly interactive interfaces for web and desktop
  applications
• applications built with Flex can reach more
  users, improve productivity and satisfaction, and
  generate increased profits for businesses

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Who uses Flex?
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What do you code Flex Apps in?

• MXML
• XML-based language used to describe UI layout and
  behaviors of Flex apps
• ActionScript
• object-oriented programming language used to
  write methods and create user interaction in the
  application
• Assisting Wizards
• used connect to existing web services or generate
  database connection code using either Adobe
  ColdFusion, PHP, ASP.NET, or Java

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What do you develop Flex apps in?

• Can choose to develop Flex Apps in an Eclipse
  based Flex Builder IDE or in an IDE of their
  choice
• Adobe Flex Builder is most often used to write
  code
• environment for Adobe Flex and Adobe AIR app
  development (based on eclipse)

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Adobe Flex Builder

• Powerful coding tool
• Code refactoring engine
• Visual design interface
• Native support for Adobe Air
• Backend wizards

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Adobe Flex Builder
Perspectives
Menu Bar
Tool Bar
Views
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Flex Components

• Component library provides user interface
  controls
• Simple buttons, checkboxes, and radio buttons
• Complex data grids and combo boxes
• Developers use provided components to design
  complex layouts and use (or modify) the skins for
  a better look

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Flex Events

• Flex applications are event-driven
• When the user interacts with an interface
  component or when changes occur in the
  appearance of a component, an event is dispatched
  
• When an event is dispatched, event listeners,
  also called event handlers, designed in
  ActionScript are called on to process the event

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Our First Flex App.A Hello World Example (Of
Course)
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A Hello World Example 2
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Resource

• http//www.adobe.com/products/flex/