Developing with Flash instead of FlashBuilder...

Report · Jun 29, 2011

I've been using Flash for all of my ActionScript SWF apps for 5 years now. I'm very used to it. I generally don't take advantage of any timeline aspects of Flash - just pure AS3 while using the library as a resource holder. I've written a pretty major website app (400K of code) using this technique that has 100,000 people using it. It's been a fantastic experience and has worked really well.

I'm now working on a next generation AIR app to bring the website into a standalone mode with sqlite and other features in AIR and devices (geolocation, etc). I've looked at FlashBuilder and even have it already. I don't want to use mxml or even learn it - I looked at some tutorials and I just don't get it. I have no interest in using the new UI components in FlashBuilder for Android/iOS (Hero) - I really want to write the couple of UI classes myself and have them work on desktop platforms too (Windows, Mac) - Hero doesn't seem to do that without some hacks.

So am I missing anything by staying with Flash for AIR development on desktop and devices? The editor definitely seems nicer and there are some profiling tools in FB that I'd be giving up. Is there anything else I'd be giving up?

Do the Flash libraries stay as current as the FlashBuilder ones? I noticed a new AIR 2.7 with better performance. Is that in Flash now too?

What am I missing that should drive me to use FB? I have a feeling there are a lot of Flash developers asking similar questions.

Thanks!

Report · Jun 30, 2011

To answer the question about libraries, Flash can be kept as current as Flash Builder (instructions on how to overlay the AIR 2.7 SDK) & (http://swfhead.com/blog/?p=1378).

Flash Builder supports pure AS3 projects, so you would be fine making the transition. You will gain a lot in terms of a much better IDE for coding. The fact that the code editor in Flash Pro is so poor is one reason there are several alternative code editors (FDT, FlashDevelop, IntelliJ, etc). You can still keep the same workflow of having swcs as containers.

Hope this helps some,

Chris

Report · Jun 30, 2011

Thanks Chris - good info about Flash being as up-to-date - thanks for those references.

I'm really looking for advice about NOT going to FlashBuilder though. I'd prefer to not do it because I'm warm and happy using Flash and the editor tools I've grown accustomed to.

What I really want to know is am I losing anything for AIR development on mobile and desktop by not going to FlashBuilder? I'm aware of profiling and IDE enhancements in FB - those aren't important enough to me.

There seems to be some many pure AS3 projects that use FB now. I seem to be alone in still using Flash for it. Is it dumb to not bite the bullet and move on. I'd especially love to know Adobe's advice in this. Are they telling us Flash developers to move to FB?

Report · Jun 30, 2011

I don't think sticking with Flash will be a hinderance. I totally understand wanting to stick with a workflow that you know. But you might want to try a project in Flash Builder (just give yourself some extra time to figure out the new workflow). You can actually change the editor in Flash Pro to use Flash Builder if you would like. I seem to recall a tutorial on this on gotoandlearn.com (Lee Brimelow's site).

The only issue I know of between the Flash Pro vs. Flash Builder world, is developing for the Blackberry Playbook is a Flash Builder only solution at this time.

Chris

Report · Jun 30, 2011

I happily do AS3 in Flash all day. I find all the setting up you have to do in Flash Builder to be over complicated, I like being able to do Command-N, Return, and be already getting on with my work!

This isn't to say I wouldn't mind some features in the Flash ActionScript window, like being able to select any reference to a class and be able to edit that class file right away. And I haven't minded the improvements over the last three upgrades (many people who think that Flash IDE code editor is poor may not know about the improvements that have been made). But, given that I do a lot of test movie, on projects that have a significant amount of graphical interface to them, it's all just easier and quicker in Flash IDE.

Report · Jun 30, 2011

Chris - first, really good info. That's exactly what I'm looking for. PlayBook development is a problem in Flash. I didn't know that. It's one of the platforms I'd like to work on (although I worry if the PlayBook is going to be around).

And Colin - you nailed the way I feel. I just like getting into Flash and getting to work. Even though this new project is going to be larger, I just don't want all the setup, configuration. Geez, I'm sounding like an old foggie developer...

Interesting about being able to use the FB IDE as a Flash editor too. I'll check out the tutorial.

Report · Jan 30, 2012

So jeff and colin, have you moved on to flash builder?

I share the same thoughts expressed here.

I use FlashIDE and feel stuck in my ways, when I try to incorporate flash builder I can't get the flow feeling right.

At this point I'm doing ok, I overlay the SDKs and just use the command line for captive runtime.

sometimes i feel amateurish when everyone else is using what is said the be more professional dev tool

Report · Jan 30, 2012

I'm not going with Flash Builder at all. I'm deep in the middle of multiscreen development with Flash/AS3 alone; even released some early test apps in the various app stores - all done with Flash/AS3.

I think that MadComponents is the way to go for mobile development. If you don't know what that is, stop right now and go search. Adobe should acquire it and push it. It's a fantastic environment for having no-bloat code for these different platforms.

...just my opinion.

Report · Jan 30, 2012

Currently the only reason I have to look at Flash Builder is for trying things for the Playbook. Otherwise everything I do is in Flash Pro.

Report · Jan 30, 2012

I suppose ill stay w/ flash IDE for now, i do hope in the future to get captive runtime and ANE support so i can dump the command line.

thanks