Is there an easier way to build and deliver rich internet applications (RIAs) other than the Flash IDE or Ajax? Absolutely. With Adobe Flex 2, the Flex 2 SDK, and this book, you have all you need to build RIAs. Programming Flex 2 offers you plenty of practical and useful examples that reveal how and why to use a particular feature of Flex 2, and when and when not to. As part of the Adobe Developer Library, Programming Flex 2 is the authoritative guide to this new Adobe framework. You learn to use a markup language called MXML and a vast library of off-the-shelf and highly-configurable components to build Flash-based applications that combine the immediacy of the Web with the functionality and responsiveness of desktop applications. You also discover why -- with the Flash Player runtime environment and the powerful ActionScript 3.0 programming language -- the possibilities with Flex 2 are nearly limitless. Topics include: Managing Layout Working with Components Working with Media Managing State Using Transitions and Effects Working with Data Customizing Application Appearance Client Data Communication and Remote Data Communication Debugging Flex Framework Applications Creating Custom Components Flex may be easier to learn than the Flash IDE, but you still need a reliable guide to the framework. Programming Flex 2 not only serves as a reference, but provides valuable and practical insight into this new technology. As you learn how to build Flex applications, you'll also discover how Flex works. This book supplies all the information you need in one convenient place. Adobe Developer Library is a co-publishing partnership between O'Reilly Media and Adobe Systems, Inc. and is designed to produce the number one information resources for developers who use Adobe technologies. Created in 2006, the Adobe Developer Library is the official source for comprehensive learning solutions to help developers create expressive and interactive web applications that can reach virtually anyone on any platform. With top-notch books and innovative online resources covering the latest in rich Internet application development, the Adobe Developer Library offers expert training and in-depth resources, straight from the source.

If you want to try your hand at developing rich Internet applications with Adobe's Flex 3, and already have experience with frameworks such as .NET or Java, this is the ideal book to get you started. Programming Flex 3 gives you a solid understanding of Flex 3's core concepts, and valuable insight into how, why, and when to use specific Flex features. Numerous examples and sample code demonstrate ways to build complete, functional applications for the Web, using the free Flex SDK, and RIAs for the desktop, using Adobe AIR. This book is an excellent companion to Adobe's Flex 3 reference documentation. With this book, you will: Learn the underlying details of the Flex framework Program with MXML and ActionScript Arrange the layout and deal with UI components Work with media Manage state for applications and components Use transitions and effects Debug your Flex applications Create custom components Embed Flex applications in web browsers Build AIR applications for the desktop Flex 3 will put you at the forefront of the RIA revolution on both the Web and the desktop. Programming Flex 3 will help you get the most from this amazing and sophisticated technology.

This is a comprehensive tutorial and reference guide to ActionScript 3, Flex, and Flexbuilder 2 that teaches readers everything they need to know about these new technologies, from the very beginning, right through advanced topics. Readers will need general web development experience, and ideally have Flash and ActionScripting experience, although this isn't essential. This book is one of the first to offer thorough coverage of these new technologies. The author, Charles E. Brown, is an acknowledged expert in Flash development and training. His in-depth knowledge of application development and effective teaching methods is evident on every page of this essential handbook.

Wrox's Professional Flex 2 is one of the first guides to Adobe's (Macromedia's) new web application development platform. Flex experts Simon Barber, Rich Tretola and John Bennett share their experience with Flex 2, and teach readers how to leverage the platform to build rich internet applications. Professional Flex 2 relies heavy on practical examples, making this a hands-on guide that will get readers up and running with Flex 2 quickly. Topics include: Building applications with Flex Builder Flex programming model Using Actionscript 3.0 Developing applications in MXML Creating UIs with Flex controls and containers Data access and interconnectivity Creating custom flex components Charting Testing, debugging and deploying Flex applications and more

This Short Cut is all about getting up and running with Adobe Flex 2; a perfect title would be "(Almost) Everything You've Ever Wanted to Know about Flex 2 But Were Afraid to Ask." It consists of conversational instruction, along with demonstrative examples, in order to give developers an efficient grounding in how to get their arms around using Flex 2. Especially helpful for those coming from the Flex/AS/Flash universe, but also designed for those coming from Java, .Net, and elsewhere. Six small sections cover: Quick background on Flex 2 What's new in ActionScript 3.0 How to use Flex right out of the box (so to speak) "Making It Look Good": Design and UI issues Extending Flex Little-known features and capabilities Roger Braunstein is a developer and designer living in Brooklyn. He's obsessed with beautiful code, motion design, graphics programming, and video games. He also cultivates an interest in cooking, photography, biking, and 8-bit music. One day he hopes to have a real website at www.partlyhuman.com.

This book teaches ActionScript to both aspiring ActionScript developers and experienced ones who want to upgrade their knowledge to the new version. It details how to use ActionScript through both Flash CS2 and Flex 2 (open source ActionScript developers should also be able to make use of the book). Coverage focuses on essential real world techniques and assumes no previous ActionScript knowledge. In addition, the book features a host of practical examples; reference sections are also included at the back of the book allowing the reader to easily look up syntax.

ActionScript 3.0, the latest version of the Flash Platform's scripting language, offers many new and powerful features. ActionScript is now a full-fledged programming language, with complete object-oriented capabilities, improved event handling, sound and video support, drawing capabilities, support for regular expressions, and much more. Whether you are a Flash designer wishing to add to your skill set or an experienced ActionScript developer who wants to get up to speed with the latest version, you'll find all you need to know in Foundation ActionScript 3.0 for Flash and Flex. Starting with the fundamentals, you'll learn how to add interactivity to your Flash movies by using ActionScript objects, manipulating sound and video, and harnessing the power of regular expressions and XML. The book concludes with two case studies to consolidate what you've learned and introduce some additional advanced techniques. You'll gain a solid understanding of the new and exciting world of ActionScript 3.0 and see how everything fits together to form complete applications, so you'll be able to build your own professional sites. The sensible layout of the book makes it easy to find information about specific techniques. It focuses on the essential skills that will enable you to get up and running quick. With this book as your guide, you'll be creating killer Flash applications before you know it.