Mar
26
2003

ff2003: creating rich media in flash mx

Current session: Creating Rich Media Applications in Flash MX, presented by Simon Allardice (Clingfish.com) and Robert Reinhardt (The Content Project).

Today, knowing Flash is not enough. With the introduction of Flash Communications Server MX and Flash Remoting MX, more and more skills are demanded of a rich media developer. In this workshop, you will be taken step by step through the process of creating rich media applications that utilize not just Flash, but many of the current cutting-edge MX software programs. Explore real-world examples and techniques for creating multi-user systems with real-time text, video and audio capabilities - applications that weren’t even possible just a few months ago. Whether you’re developing for E-Learning, business or entertainment sites, the successful integration of MX software demands an advanced skill level and a radical rethink of the way you design and build applications. In this workshop, you’ll not only learn the hands-on, practical techniques, but also how to create a coherent, logical design that maximizes your time and your team’s creativity.

(My battery was on the verge of crapping out, so I’m combining all the sections of this session into a single blog entry.)

Somewhat guiltily, as I respect Collin Moock, I ditched his “Action Script for Flash MX” session because he had already posted his session notes online, and decided to check out this session about rich media apps instead. But I have to admit, I was kind of disappointed by the rich media session. Nothing against the presenters — they had a lot of interesting stuff to present. But most of what they offered was stuff I’ve already read about via Macromedia’s site and other Flash tech sites.

They started out by showing a few examples of Flash Communication server, showing video from one of Robert Reinhardt’s previous speaking engagements and an automated application set to continually record 5-minute clips of CNN war coverage.

This was followed by a basic introduction to databases by Simon Allardice, including basic terminology — tables, fields, records, relationships, etc. Then he talked about the joys of SQL.

“One line of well-written SQL can save you a hundred lines of ActionScript”

Reinhardt followed up with a basic introduction to ColdFusion MX. Then Allardice introduced Flash Remoting.

To paraphrase the slides… The deal with Flash remoting is that it handles the exchange of data between Flash and some kind of data provider. Flash needs an intermediary; it can’t talk directly to the database. What Flash Remoting does is simplify the process of connecting Flash movies to Cold Fusion MX, .NET, JSP or XML Web Services. It reduces the need for extensive coding to pass and parse data between Flash and other applications — you can pass whole arrays and objects.

Flash Remoting has two aspects: server-side and client-side. On the server side, FR components come standard with Cold Fusion MX and JRun 4; components for .NET and J2EE are available for a fee. On the authoring end, Flash Remoting components are free to download from Macromedia site.

These downloaded components include three key files:

  • netservices.as, which allows the two key commands — setDefaultGatewayURL and createGatewayConnection — that create the Flash Remoting connection

  • netdebug.as - used for debugging

  • dataglue.as - used to take the imported data and populate Flash UI components like the listbox and combobox

    • The basic process of making a Flash Remoting connection:

    - specify FR gateway on the server

    - connect to the gateway; creates a NetConnection object

    - use NC object to link to a remote service

    - use service to call remote method

    - remote method calls the data

    Reinhardt offered a basic introduction to Flash Communication Server MX, which allows you to share data/audio/video with multiple users, and to connect with Flash Remoting resources.

    In addition to talking about Flash Communication Server, Reinhardt also placed special emphasis on the importance of planning when building a rich internet application:

    Determining your audience

    - create a profile of your ideal user (equipment, internet connection, skill level)

    - create a profile for the RIA that addresses those needs (available bandwidth, number of users)

    - use an application like visio to flowchart how the RIA will work

    Common developer myths

    - hack of all trades, master of none? don’t expect to be a master of everything.

    - develop a team plan - file naming conventions. coding conventions/structures. project structure (functional spec). meet regularly and often.

    Posted at 5:30 PM in flashforward

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