XML is the lingua franca of the Web. All designers and developers working in a web environment need a sound understanding of XML and its role in application development. Many software packages and organizations allow for the exchange of data using an XML format. Web services and RSS feeds are now commonplace.
For those working with Flash and Flex, a thorough understanding of XML is particularly important. XML documents are one option for the data provided to SWF applications. Flash and Flex can load, display, and modify XML content. These applications can also send XML content to other applications for updating or for use in different situations.
ActionScript 3.0 introduces some fundamental changes to the way in which Flash and Flex applications work with XML. One significant change is that XML is now a native data type. ActionScript 3.0 also introduces new classes and a different framework for working with external documents. These changes are based on the E4X ECMAScript standard, and they streamline and simplify the process for working with XML in Flash and Flex.
In this book, Sas Jacobs gives you an introduction to XML and E4X. She explores the new XML and XMLList classes and explains E4X expressions, providing examples for both Flash and Flex. In addition to explaining how to incorporate XML documents in SWF applications, Sas Jacobs shows you approaches specific to Flash and Flex and explores real-world usage. The book finishes with two case studies. In the first, you will learn how to consume and display information and images from Flickr using Flash. In the second, you will work with Adobe Kuler in Flex.
Whether you are a designer or developer, this book will help you work with XML and make the transition from ActionScript 2.0 to ActionScript 3.0. It will also provide you with an excellent grounding if you are new to Flash and Flex.
In this book, you’ll learn how to:
- Work with the new XML and XMLList classes in ActionScript 3.0
- Build E4X expressions in ActionScript 3.0 to simplify your work flow
- Work with XML content in Flash and Flex to create dynamic web applications
- Consume REST and SOAP web services in Flash and Flex
- Build real-world Flash and Flex XML applications
Summary of Contents
- Introduction to XML
- Generating XML Content
- Actionscript 3.0 and XML
- Using E4X Expressions
- Using the URLLoader Class With XML Documents
- Loading Methods Specific to Flex
- Loading Methods Specific to Flash
- Modifying XML Content With Actionscript 3.0
- Communicating With the Server
- Consuming Web Services With Flex
- Consuming Web Services With Flash
- Flash Case Study
- Flex Case Study
About the Author
Sas is a Web developer who loves working with Flash. She set up her business Anything Is Possible in 1994, working in the areas of web development, IT training and technical writing. The business works with large and small clients building web applications with ASP.NET, Flash, XML and databases.
Sas has also spoken at conferences such as Flash Forward, MXDU and FlashKit on topics relating to XML and dynamic content in Flash. In her spare time, Sas is passionate about travelling, photography and enjoying life. One of her most fervent wishes is that Flash will take over the Web!
Book Details
- Paperback: 520 pages
- Publisher: friends of ED; 1 edition (January 12, 2009)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 1430216344
- ISBN-13: 978-1430216346
- File Size: 5.6 MiB
- Hits: 660 times
