12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Flash and ColdFusion Integration!, September 14, 2002
This review is from: Reality Macromedia ColdFusion MX: Macromedia Flash MX Integration (Paperback)
This book by the star of Macromedia Ben Forta, and his crew of
co-authors is perhaps the first of its kind to highlight the many
business uses for Flash integration. It is refreshing to see a new point
of view that highlights applications which are more than just the
Skip-Intro's that have made Macromedia's Flash infamous. While the
book's focus is not a coding reference, it does expertly diagram methods
for successful implementations of real world rich user interface
applications. If you have ever wondered how to create a database driven
web application that acts like a website, but performs like a true rich
UI application, Reality ColdFusion MX is for you. With this offering,
Forta assumes that the reader has already been introduced to both Flash
and ColdFusion. Instead the reader is presented with a more intricate
discussion about integrating these two complimentary and recently
co-branded software packages. Many of the new features introduced in the
MX versions of Flash and ColdFusion (CFC's, Flash Remoting, Flash
components, and Shared Objects) are described in depth throughout the
book.
Reality ColdFusion MX is divided into four sections, each based on its
own Flash application (media player, expense reporter, instant
messenger, and email client). The development process is shown in its
entirety from the point of view of a real world consulting engagement
(where frequently time and budget dictate the planning process more than
the actual requirements do). Forta expertly recounts real life
experiences while highlighting the most powerful new features of Flash
and ColdFusion MX. This book is for coders and architects that are ready
to delve into the world of using Flash as a dynamic user interface. The
focus here is not on how to do a motion tween across the timeline, it is
understanding how to properly separate presentation from function, while
rapidly creating an application that can change the way business is done
on the web. Kudos to Forta and the gang for teaching us the future of
Flash MX as a business tool that can be used side-by-side with
ColdFusion MX for powerful presentations of server side applications. I
highly recommend this book to anyone who develops applications for the
web.
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Decent introduction, but it's only an introduction, February 9, 2003
This review is from: Reality Macromedia ColdFusion MX: Macromedia Flash MX Integration (Paperback)
This book provides an acceptable introduction to Flash Remoting with CF, but there isn't enough code or explanation to allow you to start on your own until after you've learned both CF and Flash well independently. Also, at least 80% of the book talks about methodology, fake meetings, requirements gathering, and stuff like that--not the stated purpose of the book.
If you have extra time, I think it's worth a read, but if you can't read everything you want to, you're better off concentrating on Flash and ColdFusion specific books.
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A much needed book on good CF project planning, October 24, 2002
This review is from: Reality Macromedia ColdFusion MX: Macromedia Flash MX Integration (Paperback)
This book is not written for everyone. Even if you know your CFML and ActionScript it is best that you have developed a couple of projects first (before trying this book).
I personally like the layout of the book. Yes it takes a little getting use to. I did not realize some people disliked the unimaginative way most computer books are written. Having notes pasted in at odd angles gives the book a "real world" feel.
I have only looked at the mail client example, but from that I am very impressed with the book. The code provided in the book was straight forward and easy to follow.
I am a CF programmer by trade. While I know some Flash, I would not consider myself an expert. The Flash coding was what slowed me down the most. However, after completing the mail client I must say my Falsh skills have improved (but I am still no Hillman Curtis).
If you are an advanced CF user who knows Flash, this is the book you have been waiting for. Even though this book is beyond the beginner-intermediate level, I would encourage them to read the book lightly. There are many concepts that are explained in this book that could shed some light on CFMX and Flash.
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