Nate on Tech

Well Adobe has finally released Apollo for developer preview, as an Alpha release. I, for one, will be starting to play with desktop apps using this Flex-based ActionScript3 engine ASAP. From a platform standpoint, deploying Apollo applications seems to be similar in structure to desktop Java applications. You need a platform-dependent runtime-library, but on top of that runs your platform-independent applications. Then you package your application as an AIR file (like a JAR or WAR file) and make available for the users/consumers.

Features such as allowing for sometimes-connected data and local storage, a rich UI library, web browser “display object” (meaning it can be manipulated as a movieclip could be), and a very easy to develop in model that separates the UI structure from the code - all mean Apollo will bring about a ton of very cool desktop-connected applications.

Further reading: my Adobe Max notes on Apollo features, Apollo on Slashdot, and Adobe’s wiki entry on Apollo

Looks like Adobe is getting ready to release the official beta of Apollo this month. Dave and I got a great preview of some Apollo features at Max last year. It will be good to see desktop derivatives of the more popular online services popping up soon. (sooner than later, I hope!) And - don’t forget about the mashups! I’m sure the local flash/flex community will be all over this new platform. (Check out my notes from the Max Apollo session)

Flex 2 is built to support any back-end web server as a source for data, and .NET is no exception. Chafic Kazoun was one of the presenters at Adobe Max 2006, though I did not attend his session. The topic was (of course) how to integrate Flex 2 RIA’s with .NET data services. Continue Reading »

If you haven’t heard, there’s a new group that was recently put together to compliment the MN Flash User Group, but targeted towards developers: Minnesota Flash/Flex Programmer Group. I’ve considered joining the MN Flash User Group in the past, but assumed it would be more designer-oriented, and I’ve definitely been on the developer end of Flash for many years.
If you’re a Flash or Flex developer, and you’re in the area this December 5th, you should join us for the kickoff meeting for the new programmer group. Check out their calendar for details (you’ll have to navigate to Dec 5) Unless there’s an Act of God, or someone dies, I’ll be there. Don’t forget to RSVP!

Day 3. Session 4. Alex Harui talks about the innards of building Flex components, from construction to interaction, and then detachment.

These are the steps that a Flex component undergoes during its lifetime: Continue Reading »

Day 1. Session 5. Ethan Malasky and Brent Rosenquist discuss the upcoming Apollo platform, and how we can build cross-platform desktop applications using Flex. Applications can be installed via a seamless browser install, or directly from an AIR package.

Continue Reading »