Even Bruce Eckel who wrote the popular Java books, "Thinking in Java", has switched sides and is backing Flex.
I was wondering whether to rewrite juwo in Flex.
Qs:
1) can it open/close files, in Flex?
2) FTP stuff across, open network connections?
3) can it work offline?
If ActionScript is simply a scripting language in the browser, then I doubt it can do the above. So why the hype?
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Anil
> if you have questions on Flex, why
> not ask on Flex forums?
Because on the Flex forums, you will get mostly the positive hype; I am certain many Swing developers are also considering moving to Flex - but they may know the cons about it - and may tell me.
see Eckel's article http://www.artima.com/forums/flat.jsp?forum=106&thread=193593&start=15&msRange=15
Hi,
I am a devoted java developer for closed to 10 years since java 1.0 to java 6. And I have deployed many swing based application to the enterprise.
After I accomplished 2 swing/jmf based commercial app using java, I was searching for alternate solution for a better end user experience and I found flex that met and surpase my needs and expectation.
My conclusion is this [pertaining to desktop java only], Java is great, as a language, as a framework and as a platform. The only problem is the runtime implementation. Just like what James Gosling have said, forget about it. Even with the upcoming JavaFX, consumer Java, it is too late.
As of Flex, it is just the opposite, the language is not great, but usable. The platform APIs is not has comprehensive, but the important ones are mostly there, etc. databinding, ui components, e4x, web services, media apis. The greatest thing about Flex is the runtime platform - Flash, no one can match at this moment in time, not even Silverlight. I can quickly do up a prototype demo for web video conferencing in flex within 2 days. So can I do up a highly interactive enterprise application in 20 minutes.
Those who argue about java language vs ActionScript has missed the point. A language is only a means to an end. If you think Flex provides the APIs to accomplish what you need, scripting or not is irrelevant.
Unfortunately, Java for desktop is history. I would also like to point out that I think that Flash Lite is not going to replace J2me. FL will have challenges penetrating lower end phones which Java excel. What j2me should concentrate is on the better vector graphics support, media support and device integration. With these, I don't see what FL can offer that j2me can't.
If you need help in Flex, you can reach me at jvyloh@gmail.com