best data component to deal with mysql table

[codeBeastAdobe]

Hi.

I have an LMS (learning management system) with a lot of info in a mysql dbb with a few tables.I also use a lot of php.

I was told flash data components aren't the best in the world so what should I do?

Somebosy mentioned that I should use Flex data components as they were built for this sort of thing and are a lot more powerful. So where do I get one of those for ie: do I have to download anything as I only have Flash Cs5.5. Then how do I get that component into flash?

Or would it be better to use a third party plugin for displaying tables. Somebody mentioned that excel and its pivot tables are amazing and simple.

At the end of the day I also want clients to be able to see a dashboard.

[Andrei1-bKoviI]

If you are talking about data visualization components (charts, graphs, etc.) - Flex is the way to go. You just need Flex SDK that contains these libraries. Technically you don't even need to develop using mxml although it is a pain to use these libraries outside of mxml.

Flex charts did not use to be free - one had to buy Flash Builder professional. I am not sure how licensing works now.

You should post questions on the Flex forum.

[Andrei1-bKoviI · Accepted solution]

Oh, and I missed other parts of your post.

There is no magic bullet in AS3 in terms of getting data unless you application is done in AIR. If your applications are web based - you still have to write data layer on the server to return SQL queries with subsequent feeding into data components.

As far as Excel vs Databases goes, DBs are much more powerful as data storage and retrieval facilities.

[codeBeastAdobe]

OH - that "magic bullet" in AIR - what is it so I can read up on it via google etc... or should I just google - "external data + adobe AIR". I DO have the app offline in AIR and online with swfs.

[Andrei1-bKoviI]

AIR has libraries related to SQLite. But not for mySQL. Here is documentation:

http://help.adobe.com/en_US/FlashPlatform/reference/actionscript/3/flash/data/package-detail.html

You cannot use them in online applications. In online applications you will have to write data handling services on the server (or use existing ones - I am sure there are tons of examples out there).

[codeBeastAdobe]

I am looking into various methods.

Excel has a powerful pivot table which is amazing for tables, graphs etc... in a few drags with no programming.

My brother uses it in Lloyds bank for number crunching millions of rows so it's even more than I need.

I don't know of anybody mentioning excel if they use flex ie: maybe I am mixing both worlds. I will look into flex data components as there are tuts on lynda.com and using mxml. Basically a knowledgeable prgm told me I have to know at least as much as the programmer that I subcontract to. Therefore I have been reading my butt off. I am very weak on databases so that's my next field of research.

THANKS.