XML in Flash [Paperback]

Craig Swann (Author), Gregg Caines (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 067232315X | ISBN-13: 978-0672323157 | Publication Date: December 28, 2001 | Edition: 1

XML in Flash is an excellent introduction to creating state-of-the-art Flash applications with XML. XML is quickly becoming the most popular way to store and manage data. Flash's XML Socket makes it possible to network Flash front-ends to an application server. This allows developers to use a Flash interface for applications such as message boards, real-time chats, surveys, news feeds, and games.

XML in Flash begins by illustrating the basics of XML and the Flash XML Object. In Part I, Flash is used as a teaching aid as you learn the basics of Flash/XML integration. Part II covers how Flash works with middleware languages, such as PHP and ASP, as well as performance and optimization. You will also create a Flash message board with a database. Part III delves into the advantages of XMLSocket. Hands-on projects include creating a stock market ticker to receive XML data from servers. Finally, the appendixes include invaluable reference information on XML, XMLNode objects, and XMLSocket objects, as well as Frequently Asked Questions.

The example applications also illustrate the key concepts necessary for understanding the Flash/XML relationship. You will be able to use the applications on the accompanying Web site regardless of whether or not you spend the time to read and learn about their inner workings.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

XML in Flash is an excellent introduction to creating state-of-the-art Flash applications with XML. XML is quickly becoming the most popular way to store and manage data. Flash's XML Socket makes it possible to network Flash front-ends to an application server. This allows developers to use a Flash interface for applications such as message boards, real-time chats, surveys, news feeds, and games.XML in Flash begins by illustrating the basics of XML and the Flash XML Object. In Part I, Flash is used as a teaching aid as you learn the basics of Flash/XML integration. Part II covers how Flash works with middleware languages, such as PHP and ASP, as well as performance and optimization. You will also create a Flash message board with a database. Part III delves into the advantages of XMLSocket. Hands-on projects include creating a stock market ticker to receive XML data from servers. Finally, the appendixes include invaluable reference information on XML, XMLNode objects, and XMLSocket objects, as well as Frequently Asked Questions. The example applications also illustrate the key concepts necessary for understanding the Flash/XML relationship. You will be able to use the applications on the accompanying Web site regardless of whether or not you spend the time to read and learn about their inner workings.

About the Author

Craig Swann has been an active member of the Flash community since it's early days and formed CRASH!MEDIA in 1997 as a way to express and explore this non-linear and interactive digital landscape. CRASH!MEDIA is a Toronto-based Interactive Design Agency that specializes in integrating fresh ideas with cutting edge technology. CRASH!MEDIA has worked on a wide range of Flash projects for the following companies: Coca-Cola, Intel, Alliance Atlantis, YTV, General Mills, University of Toronto, The Canadian Gemini Awards, MGI Software and the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. As well as creating Flash rich-media ads for the Excite @ Home Network, Last year, CRASH!MEDIA's Flash site received the Best National/International Design award at the South by Southwest Interactive festival, and so far this year has received the coveted Macromedia Site of the Week Award. CRASH!MEDIA is currently extending into new wireless markets, creating wireless applications for Flash enabled devices including PocketPC, set-top boxes and PDA's.

Gregg Caines has been a freelance Web developer for a number of years, pinch-hitting for a number of big name companies including RaceFace, Durex, Aramark, and Crash!Media. His specialties are Flash, ASP, and PHP, but he enjoys tackling new languages and technologies just as much. When he's not downing cola's and hacking out web apps, he enjoys snowboarding, punk rock, and long walks on the beach.

Product Details

• Paperback: 360 pages
• Publisher: Sams; 1 edition (December 28, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 067232315X
• ISBN-13: 978-0672323157
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,108,264 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Book, but full of Errors, July 24, 2002

By 

JD (California, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: XML in Flash (Paperback)

This book is a MUST HAVE if you plan on working with XML within Flash. The book covers all the details of working with ActionScript and XML. I started out with little knowledge of ActionScript and working with the ActionScript associated with Flash's XML objects and methods. The authors explain almost every thing so clearly, that you understand not only how to work with the XML objects and methods, but how to work with ActionScript. I've found that there are quite a few errors that cause things not to work, which kind of bugged. But with my new knowledge was able to correct the bugs. .... I gave it 4 stars because it was enjoyable learning, easy to understand and I was able to do what I wanted...Learn XML in Flash, I would have given it a +5 if the errors wouldn't have been there.

12 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book!, January 21, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: XML in Flash (Paperback)

I bought this book not knowing what to expect, the description promised quite a bit of know-how was contained within. Pleased to say it was well worth it. Prior to getting this book, I'd gotten good with ActionScript and JavaScript but to hook Flash up with any back-end scripting or XML for my clients I've always been calling other people to consult and half the time had to just go with HTML instead.

I always had a fear of any of those 3-letter languages (ASP/PHP) since the few books I'd gotten on them were way to heavy on programming theory and usually lacking on real world examples, and definitely never had an example of how to connect those things to Flash! There's a good sampling of how to effectively use XML with Flash and working through the examples let me finally understand many concepts that previously had been just out of my grasp.

9 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars No support, August 7, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: XML in Flash (Paperback)

To be fair, I am giving them 3 stars. I purchased this book months ago to get me started with XML in Flash. I have not read the whole book, and gave up rather easily. I am not saying the book is bad, I just wanted to say that if you tell your readers the web site will be an "invaluble resource for learning the ins and outs of using XML in Flash" you might want to offer more than just the source code.

"[URL]will also have message boards and Frequently Asked Questions so you can find quick answers to any questions that need answering."

Please go to the website and look for yourself.

[URL]

The page was last modified 3/25/2002 and here it is months later.