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What is Macromedia Flex?
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Macromedia Flex is a framework that represents servers and applications to meet the needs of enterprise-level programmers who want to develop Rich Internet applications. RIA combines the response speed and rich features of desktop software with the breadth of Web applications to provide a better end user experience. Flex indicates that the server provides standard and declarative programming methods and processes, and provides runtime services for the development and deployment of presentation layers that enrich client applications. Flex developers use an intuitive XML-based language to define rich user interfaces. The language is translated from a Flex server into intelligent client applications and runs in a common Flash runtime environment.
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What problems does Flex solve?
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The user experience of many Web applications is unsatisfactory, resulting in a waste of High waste rates, high training costs and investment. Flex provides a new technology to solve these problems. Before Flex emerged, enterprise-level developers trying to solve user interface problems often suffered setbacks due to HTML limitations. HTML was originally designed to browse static documents and is not suitable for applications that provide rich content, strong interactivity, and data-driven.
Flex provides these programmers with a way to develop applications that combine the strong interactivity and rich content of desktop software with the breadth of Web; programmers can use their preferred programming methods and development processes. This method also meets the basic structure and integration requirements. Flex allows application developers to describe the user interface layout and UI controls of the application, and bind data using the familiar and standard programming model of the developer.
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What type of project and development team is Flex designed?
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Flex indicates that the server is designed to help enterprise-level development teams provide solutions in some cases. In such cases, it is not enough to only use traditional page-based HTML applications. For example, visualized digital dashboards, online product purchasing and configuration tools in e-commerce, as well as customer self-service applications such as booking hotel rooms and purchasing car insurance.
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Development teams that can use Flex should generally have the following skills:
- Develop enterprise-level applications on the J2EE platform (the Flex version running on. net clr is planned to be released in the future)
- Experience in programming using Java, XML, and SOAP Web Services
- Application Architecture and integration adopt N-Layer Structure
- Use design patterns, such as Model View Controller (MVC)
- The team includes full-time programmers and usability/user interface design experts
- Implement formal QA and integration testing throughout the application Lifecycle
If your project and team comply with the above description, Flex may be your preferred choice
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How Does Flex integrate into my existing development environment?
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Using Macromedia Flash Player, Flex provides a good New Method for layer-N application development. Flex uses XML format, so developers can use their favorite IDE, text editor, and source code control system to create Flex applications. The Flex server runs on your existing J2EE Application Server (deployed as a WAR file ). The version running on. net clr is coming soon. In this way, the development team can continue to use existing tools, languages, application servers and databases to build applications that adopt the standard Flex technology.
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Can Flex replace some of my current technologies?
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Flex does not replace existing tools, application servers, and databases. It can only supplement existing technologies, because Flex needs to use these existing technologies to function. With Flex, you can add a powerful presentation layer to improve the efficiency of existing applications. Generally, you can connect a Flex-based user interface to an existing business logic component or Web service without any changes. Flex provides you with an additional ROI by rapidly improving the user interface.
Flex Builder
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What is Flex Builder?
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Flex Builder is Macromedia's IDE for Flex application development. Flex Builder provides Flex users with an IDE that is closely integrated with Flex servers, application models, and programming languages, surpassing the general code editor. Through this integration, Flex Builder provides an effective working environment for all members of the Flex group. More information.
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Is the Flex Builder the same as that of Brady?
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Yes. Brady is a widely used code name of Flex Builder, but it is still in the development stage.
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Who is the target user of Flex Builder?
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Flex Builder is only applicable to the Flex application development team. Flex Builder has functions suitable for members of the Flex development team. Designers and visual developers can easily and quickly create application interfaces, easily arrange compelling Flex user interfaces, and connect them to backend data sources. Developers can now use a code editor that supports MXML and ActionScript and a powerful debugging tool set to efficiently code and debug Flex applications.
Flex Builder is not applicable to graphic designers, although some of Flex and its programming language knowledge is helpful in using Flex Builder.
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Is the Flex Builder bundled with Flex?
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Yes. When you purchase Flex, you will receive five full licenses for the Flex Builder bundled with Flex. If you need to obtain more licenses for your development team, the local Macromedia representative can provide you. Find the local Macromedia representative.
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Does the Flex Builder contain a certain Flex license?
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No. Flex Builder and Flex are bundled together. Flex Builder itself does not contain any licenses for Flex.
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Is Flex Builder authorized by server CPU like Flex or user like other Ides?
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Flex Builder is user-authorized like other ides. Each Flex Builder user must have a Flex Builder license.
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What Operating System Does Flex Builder run on?
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Flex Builder runs on Windows XP and Windows 2000. Currently, there is no Macintosh version of Flex Builder.
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What language version does Flex Builder have?
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Currently, Flex Builder is only available in English.
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Is Flex Builder required for developing Flex applications?
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No, Flex Builder is not required when developing a Flex application. You can use any text editor or IDE you like to develop MXML and ActionScript. However, Flex Builder provides some advanced functions that may help you improve efficiency and allow more members of your development team to participate in development work than other tools. For complete information, see the features of Flex Builder.
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How to obtain Flex Builder?
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Flex Builder and Flex are bundled together. The Flex trial provides a 60-day trial of Flex Builder for your development team. The complete Flex version includes five full licenses for the Flex Builder. If you need more Flex copies for your development team, contact the Macromedia representative.
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If I already have a Flex trial disc, how can I get the Flex Builder trial?
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After January 1, August 23, 2004, the Flex trial disc contains the Flex Builder trial. If you have purchased the Flex trial CD, you will receive a separate email asking you how to obtain the Flex Builder trial.
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If I have purchased Flex, How can I obtain the Flex Builder?
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You will automatically receive the Flex Builder for your development team. Soon you will receive an email containing all the details.
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What is the price of Flex Builder?
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Flex Builder is not sold separately from Flex. It is included in the fully authorized version of the Flex server. You can also get the trial version of the Flex Builder provided along with the trial version of the Flex server.
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If I need to develop a Flex application but do not purchase a Flex server, How can I obtain the Flex Builder?
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Each trial version of Flex includes a 60-day trial version of Flex Builder. However, if you need a permanent Flex Builder for long-term work, but do not want to own the Flex, you can contact the sales staff.
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If I use Flex Builder, do I still need a Flex server?
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Yes. Flex Builder is an IDE used to develop Flex applications, but it does not replace the Flex server. You will still need Flex to compile and run your Flex application.
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Can I use Flex Builder to create and compile an independent SWF?
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No, Flex builder does not change the requirements of each Deployment Server for Flex. You still need to install Flex on each Deployment Server.
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Is the availability of Flex Builder designed for different users?
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No, Flex is still designed for the same project and development team. Learn more. However, within these projects and development teams, Flex Builder helps more people participate in Flex application development, because Flex Builder provides many people with a more familiar way to participate in Flex application development.
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When should I use Flex Builder and other tools or ide I already own?
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What tools are used depends on you. If you currently have tools and/or IDE that enable you to effectively develop Flex applications, continue to use them. However, if you are looking for a production efficiency tool for Flex, you may find that Flex Builder is an effective tool. You should use tools that make your work the most efficient.
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Does Flex Builder support ColdFusion, Java, or. NET programming?
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Flex Builder supports ColdFusion programming in the same way as Dreamweaver. However, Flex Builder does not support Java and. NET languages.
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Is Flex Builder included in any Macromedia Studio?
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No, Flex Builder is not included in Studio. Flex Builder is only bundled with Flex.
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Does DevNet contain Flex Builder?
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Yes, DevNet contains the Flex Builder. Users who have subscribed to DevNet can download the Flex Builder from the DevNet website.
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I have Studio. Can I automatically obtain an upgraded version of Flex Builder?
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No, Flex Builder is a separate product. It is only applicable to Flex developers. If you are developing a Flex application, you can try Flex Builder. The Flex trial disc contains the Flex Builder.
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I am using Dreamweaver now. Should I use Flex Builder instead?
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No. Only the developer who develops the Flex application should use the Flex Builder. Flex Builder does not provide any functionality or benefits to Dreamweaver users unless they develop Flex applications. Flex Builder includes everything in Dreamweaver MX 2004, coupled with the Flex development function. However, all the functions of Dreamweaver work in the same way as those in Dreamweaver MX 2004. Therefore, only Flex applications can be developed, flex Builder has advantages.
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Does Flex Builder provide any new or improved functions for Dreamweaver users?
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No, Flex Builder is built on Dreamweaver MX 2004, but does not provide any additional functions or benefits to Dreamweaver users. Flex Builder only provides additional functions and benefits for Flex application development.
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Is Flex Builder the next version of Dreamweaver?
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No. Although Flex Builder is built on Dreamweaver MX 2004, there is no extended function. This version is not an upgrade to Dreamweaver MX 2004.
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Since Flex Builder contains all the functions of Dreamweaver, should I purchase Flex Builder to learn Flex in the future?
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No. You should purchase Dreamweaver. If you decide to use Flex in the future, you will receive the trial version of Flex Builder Based on the Flex evaluation or full license when purchasing Flex.
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If I am using Flex and Flex Builder, do I still need Dreamweaver?
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No. If you use Flex Builder, you do not need to use Dreamweaver at the same time. Flex Builder is based on Dreamweaver MX 2004 and includes all the functions of Dreamweaver MX 2004. You do not need both.
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Does Flex Builder provide any features for Flash users?
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No, Flex Builder does not provide Flash. Flex Builder provides enhanced production efficiency for Flex development.
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Should I consider using Flex Builder if I use Flash to create content or applications?
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Not required. If you use Flash to create a wide range of Internet applications, you may need to consider using Flex for development. In fact, you need to decide which Flash or Flex is suitable for your platform. If you decide to use Flex for development, you will receive the Flex Builder provided with the Flex evaluation version.
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If I have already created a Flex application using Flex Builder, should I still use Flash?
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Yes. Even if you are developing a Flex application, you may need to use Flash. Flash allows you to design and create components that will be used in the Flex application. Flex Builder does not allow you to design or create components.
Flex, ColdFusion, and JRun
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Our company uses ColdFusion. Is Flex suitable for us?
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If your company, project, and development team comply with the above description, you can consider using Flex. If you use ColdFusion, you should first be familiar with the development and deployment of Java applications (WAR and EAR files), and use structured development methods to successfully use Flex. ColdFusion's structured development method is to use the optimal method and use the ColdFusion component (CFC) to write module and hierarchical code. Your development team should also include experienced object-oriented programmers and people who can design user-centric application interfaces. ColdFusion developers who are used to Flash MX or Flash MX Professional 2004 can continue to use these tools for Rich Internet application development.
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What is the relationship between Flex and ColdFusion and JRun?
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Flex does not replace ColdFusion or JRun. It is a separate product that focuses on providing a better presentation layer for a wide range of client applications. ColdFusion and JRun are complete solutions for traditional HTML-based applications. For Rich Internet applications, ColdFusion and JRun are still good business logic layer solutions and support the Flex-based presentation layer. Flex is a supplement to ColdFusion and JRun investment, but ColdFusion and JRun are not necessary for Flex.
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Can Flex work with ColdFusion? Does it run on ColdFusion?
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ColdFusion and Flex are designed for different purposes. ColdFusion is a good solution for quickly building and publishing dynamically generated HTML Web applications and web services. Flex is designed as a method for building and publishing Rich Internet applications. If you are currently using ColdFusion and Flash MX or Flash MX Professional 2004 to build RIA, you may want to continue using them to complete your work.
ColdFusion development teams whose projects and skills match the Flex project description can consider using ColdFusion and Flex together. At the same time, Flex and ColdFusion can provide excellent solutions for fast release of well-structured RIA.
Flex can call Web Services and components created in ColdFusion MX or later versions. You can install Flex separately or on ColdFusion MX 6.1 Enterprise. ColdFusion developers can also import the Flex MXML tag library to embed the Flex application into the ColdFusion template.
Cost is another factor to consider. Flex is an enterprise-level server product. A Flex application requires a Server Runtime license, and its dual-CPU configuration costs $12,000. In addition to the ColdFusion Server Runtime license, the Flex license is also required.
For details about Flex and ColdFusion, go to the Flex Developer Center to view Ben Forta *'s article.
Flex and Flash
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Our company uses Flash. Can Flex help our company complete the project?
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If your company, typical projects, and development skills match the Flex project description, consider using Flex outside of Flash. For Flex-based large-scale Rich Internet application development projects, you can continue to use Flash writing tools to develop and create custom components and animation graphics assets, and integrate it into the Flex application. For more information about Flash and Flex collaborative work processes, see
Mike ChambersMake an Online Demo, or go to the Flex Developer Center to view the articles about nginx and Sean Schnoor.
If your development team currently uses Flash writing tools rather than programming languages such as Java, C #, or ColdFusion, you may find that Flex is not technically suitable for you. Cost is another factor to consider. Flex is an enterprise-level server product. A Flex application requires a Server Runtime license, and its dual-CPU configuration price is $12,000. In addition to the ColdFusion Server Runtime license or a Java Application Server Runtime license, the Flex license is also required.
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What is the relationship between Flex and Flash MX Professional 2004?
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There is no relationship between the two. Flex and Macromedia Flash MX Professional 2004 are not the same product, but they can work together well.
Macromedia Flash MX Professional 2004 enables designers and application builders to create and deploy highly visible Interactive Media and create and deploy rich and impressive Web applications. Flash MX 2004 will still be the main visualization tool for Flash content and applications.
Flex provides powerful Flash technology for enterprise-level application developers familiar with server-side programming and developing strategic applications. Flex is especially suitable for server-side development on the client interface, similar to using Java or JSP.
The best developer who is familiar with Flash is the development team using Flex. These developers can use Flash to create prototypes or actually create them for custom components and animation elements, and integrate them into the Flex application. For more information about Flash and Flex collaborative work processes, seeMike ChambersOr you can go to the Flex Developer Center to view articles about nginx and Sean Schnoor.
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Can Flex replace Macromedia Flash MX Professional 2004?
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No. Macromedia Flash MX 2004 and Macromedia Flash MX Professional 2004 are the main development tools for developing highly visible interactive content and applications. more than 650,000 of visual designers and developers are using them. Flex is an enterprise-level server product and programming framework. developers who use Flex usually develop server applications without using visual design and development tools. The ubiquitous Flash Player brings a rich visual experience, and Flex can bring this experience to more viewers. Flex also focuses on the needs of IT departments that deploy and manage enterprise-level applications.
Macromedia will continue to introduce new technologies to meet the unique needs of a category of users. Teams with different skills can now use Flex and Flash Professional together. The best developer who is familiar with Flash is the development team using Flex. These developers can use Flash to create prototypes or actually create them for custom components and animation elements, and integrate them into the Flex application. For more information about Flash and Flex collaborative work processes, seeMike ChambersOr you can go to the Flex Developer Center to view articles about nginx and Sean Schnoor.
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I am using Flash now and want to start using the Flex framework. What old skills can I use? What new skills do I need?
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Flash skills are very valuable for using Flex. Graphic design capabilities and user interface/interactive development capabilities are extremely important for building Rich Internet applications, and applications built using Flex are no exception. The ability to create Flash MX 2.0 components (SWC) is of great value to Flex-based projects. You may need to be familiar with Java concepts, XML and SOAP Web Services, at the same time, you need to learn more about enterprise-level design patterns, team-based development, application architecture, and Java application server infrastructure management. These skills are critical to the success or failure of the Flex project.
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What is the workflow of Flex application development? How can Flash developers and Flex developers work together in the project?
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The best developer who is familiar with Flash is the development team using Flex. These developers can use Flash to create prototypes or actually create them for custom components and visual elements, and integrate them into the Flex application. Flex developers can use the IDE they select to integrate design elements into a complete user interface, and use the Flex framework to connect the user interface to the backend data. For more information about the Flex application process, see
Mike ChambersOr you can go to the Flex Developer Center to view the articles about nginx and Sean Schnoor.
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I used the Flash writing method to build a Rich Internet application. Can I port it to Flex?
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Your experience in Rich Internet application development and user interface design is very valuable, but if you want to port to Flex, you may need to re-build the application or make thorough changes to some application elements (such as ActionScript. You can use some SWF you have created in the Flex application, or some components (SWC) if they are created using Flash MX 2004 or Flash MX Professional 2004. For more information about using SWC In Flex, go to the Flex Documentation * to read "develop a Flex application".
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How big is a Flex application?
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The Flex application framework is about 100 K. It includes components and code required for managing layout, browser interaction, and other functions. Additional features greatly increase the application size. A relatively complex application requires an initial download of 150-200 kb. Application data is transmitted back and forth between the client and the server in the form of small data packets, each of which is only a few Kb in size.
Flex 1.0 does not support runtime shared libraries, so every Flex application needs to download the framework. Macromedia will support the runtime shared library in future Flex versions. With the runtime shared library, the Flex framework can share different SWF files on the client. For more information, go to the Flex Developer Center to view David Wadhwani *'s article.
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Why is the Flex component larger than the Flash component?
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The Flex component is slightly larger than the component corresponding to Flash MX 2004, because the component contains the logic necessary to participate in page layout, data binding, correct output to the screen, and other advanced functions.
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Why does the Flex End User License Agreement prohibit modification and resale of Flex components?
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The advantages of the Flex programming model depend largely on the application model. The MXML language is largely defined by the application model. As part of the design, Flex allows developers to expand, customize, and set components, create a component that only works in their own applications. However, allowing developers to modify basic components will lead to the emergence of many slightly different application models, which will lead to the inability to spread MXML skills, not to mention the confusion brought to the Flex Developer community.
Flex and Flash Remoting
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Does Flex contain Flash Remoting?
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Yes. Flex contains a license for Flash Remoting to use Action Message Format (AMF) to transmit data between the client and server.
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I have purchased Flash Remoting before. Can I upgrade to or buy Flex at a discount?
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Currently, Flash Remoting has not been upgraded to a Flex service or a Flex discount.
Flex roadmap, price, toolkit, and other related technologies
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Why is Flex a server rather than a tool?
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Flex is implemented as a server product to meet the current and future requirements of enterprise-level application environments and workflow models. These environments need to compile and run services as required. These services are best implemented in the server-side architecture. The Flex Application Deployment model is similar to the assumerver Pages and ColdFusion templates: the source code is deployed on the server side, compiled according to the request, and then published to the client. The Flex compiler resides on the server side to support this fixed process. In addition, some enterprise customers want to dynamically generate Flex applications and embed the Flex applications into JSP or ColdFusion pages. Flex presentation server allows developers to import their own JSP tag library and MXML embedded in JSP pages for dynamic compilation of Flex applications. This allows you to customize the Flex application without configuring the server.
The Flex server also provides a complete set of runtime services to meet key enterprise needs. For example, the enterprise application development team needs to be able to connect to existing business logic components without manually packaging them into web Services. Flex web Service proxy makes this possible. Flash Remoting gateway is also embedded in Flex to provide high-performance data connections using the AMF protocol. In addition, the Flex Server Runtime Service provides a media code converter that can directly convert SVG files into SWF formats, making it possible to display SVG images in Macromedia Flash Player.
Macromedia plans to further expand the Server Runtime function of the Flex server in future versions. For more information about these future extensions, see the roadmap section in the Flex Technology White Paper (PDF, 1.78 MB.
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What is the Flex product route?
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For more information about the Flex roadmap, see the roadmap section in the Flex Technology White Paper (PDF, 1.78 MB.
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Does Flex contain chart components?
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Flex chart components are currently in beta testing. To get notifications about participating in the Flex chart component beta program, register the Flex news email list *.
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Which languages does Flex support?
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Flex is only available in English.
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Which operating systems and application servers Does Flex support?
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Flex has passed tests on Windows, Solaris, Linux, IBM WebSphere, BEA WebLogic, Macromedia JRun, and Apache Tomcat. For details, see Flex system requirements. As a Java application, Flex can also run successfully on other operating systems or application servers. For example, many users use Flex in Mac OS X. Macromedia does not promise to provide technical support to platforms not listed in system requirements, but our technical support staff will try to use a supported platform to reproduce the problem. If the problem can be reproduced on the reference platform, we will regard it as a normal problem and provide technical support.
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Display the Flash Player version required by the Flex application?
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The Flex application requires Flash Player 7 or later. For the latest Flash Player Penetration rate data, visit Macromedia Flash Player Version Penetration *.
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What is the price of Flex?
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The price for Flex Dual CPU configuration is $12,000, including the annual maintenance fee. The number of licenses increases by dual-CPU usage. You can obtain a free trial version that can be converted to the developer mode for use on a separate developer workstation. Each year's maintenance includes all new versions of Flex software updated, upgraded, and maintained, as well as technical support limited to email. To ensure successful use, Flex customers can sign annual support contracts. For more information, visit the Macromedia Support Program *.
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Flexible authorization and pricing options are available for Flex OEMs and ISVs. Contact us for more information.
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Can I purchase a Flex license based on a single CPU?
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The number of Flex licenses can only be increased by Dual CPU. Even if you are running a single CPU server, you still need to purchase a dual-CPU license. If you have two single-CPU deployment servers, you only need to purchase a dual-CPU license and use it on the two servers.
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How many CPUs does my project need?
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Each project is different, but generally the initial Flex application requires at least 6 to 8 CPUs. Free developer versions can be used on personal workstations of developers to meet development needs. Many development teams purchase a dual-CPU license for shared development servers for integration testing and QA. If a phased-out server exists, additional licenses are required. For ease of deployment, Flex and web applications are generally installed on the same application server, so the number of CPUs required by Flex is generally the same as the number required by the application server. Macromedia recommends creating a cluster with at least two servers to provide maximum availability.
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What tools can be used in Flex?
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Flex provides open tool selection feature, which enables developers to write Flex code in a text editor or their preferred IDE. Flex includes an XML architecture that allows developers to use code editors that support XML to use code coloring, code prompts, and so on.
Macromedia also provides an IDE for Flex, called Flex Builder. Flex Builder provides Flex users with an IDE that is closely integrated with Flex servers, application models, and programming languages, surpassing the general code editor. Through this integration, Flex Builder provides an effective working environment for all members of the Flex group. More information.
Back to Top
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When Will Brady be available? How does it package? What is the price?
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Brady is currently in beta testing. The trial version will be available soon. Brady will be provided based on each user, similar to our other tools. Macromedia currently does not provide price information for Brady. You can subscribe to the Flex news email list * to obtain the trial notification and other information related to the Brady.
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Who will sell and support Partridge technology?
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The Partridge project is led by IBM and is assisted by Macromedia. The distribution and support details of this technology will be provided in the future.
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Can Flex work with Macromedia Central?
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Both Flex and Macromedia Central are the first release and cannot work together yet. Flex requires Flash Player 7 and Central currently only supports Flash Player 6. Macromedia plans to enable collaboration between the two products in future versions. You can use local shared objects in Flex 1.0 to develop applications that can access locally stored data offline. The product roadmap section in the Flex technical whitepaper (PDF, 1.78 MB) provides detailed information about future versions of Flex and future support for accidental connection computing and Central.
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What is HALO?
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HALO is a cross-platform experience model for Rich Internet applications. Macromedia initially developed HALO for its own consumer-targeted applications. HALO provides developers with a set of consistent visual prompts, interaction modes, and application navigation conventions.
Macromedia believes that consistent actions and visual experience in different applications will benefit both developers and end users, just as user interface consistency in the operating system will benefit their users. End users will find HALO-based applications easy to use because they are all based on similar interface conventions. Because of this consistency and overall execution quality, they will also have greater confidence in HALO applications. Developers will benefit from clearly defined front-end code. This will enable them to complete more man-machine interfaces. At the same time, they will be able to focus more on data integration and other more important application development tasks.
The Flex sample application contains many HALO styles. By default, the Flex component uses the HALO style, but you can easily apply other styles to the application for a unique effect. For more information about HALO, go to the Flex Developer Center to view Mike Sundermeyer *'s article.
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Does Flex provide host hosting?
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Macromedia Flex End User License Agreement (EULA) currently does not allow organization of user representative third-party hosting licenses. According to EULA, host hosting is allowed only when the application user is also the owner and user of the license. Macromedia is developing a Flex host hosting program. More information about the program will be released later. If you are a host hosting service provider and are interested in working with Macromedia to improve the Flex host hosting program, please contact us at this address: ria@macromedia.com.
