Development and benefits of Flex

[thiruvasagamani]

Introduction to Flex

Flex is an open source framework used for the development of Rich Internet Application or RIA which can also be deployed in desktop, browsers and operating systems. Flex, a product of Adobe, can be developed using Flex SDK. In general a Flex application is developed using MXML language coupled with application logic that has been written in ActionScript3. Applications that are developed with Flex generate a richer and better user experience.

Users can also generate simultaneous response when they use Flex. The Flex product family comprises of Flex software development kit (SDK), Flex data services IDE, Flex charting and Flex data services. Flex applications are built with the aid of Flash Player, there are however, options for you to select AIR for developing Flex application. The primary benefit of using Flex is that it comes with a set of user interface components that include trees, data grids, several text box controls, buttons and various layouts.

Development and benefits of Flex

Adobe is further moving ahead with the objective to develop Flex. Flex 3 is the latest version that is available in the market as this tutorial will be based on Adobe Flex 3. Adobe has also announced the release of Flex 4.0 which will probably take place in 2009.

Flex 4 will have a framework that would be designed in collaboration with designers and developers. There will be an improvement in the horizontal platform with the betterment of language enhancements, enhanced text and complier performance. Broadening horizons will also be included in the list.

Use of Flex in developing application can yield richer user interface that enable the end users to have better interaction with the application. Flex allows users to have quicker responses without any refreshing or reloading of page.

Such an application can also develop complex business logic into simple web or desktop applications. The improved client server interactivity enables high performance data transmission and the diverse modes of data presentation helps users in better understanding.