Do you use Flex SDK (without flex builder) ?

[Ayman]

Im hesitant whether to buy Flex builder, and I want to make this step from flash to flex. The flex SDK is free, but I do not quite understand how exactly to work with it. It is basically a set of functions I can use, and a compiler? Anyone worked with it, and can refer me to a tutorial, for a helloworld application or something?

Thanks

[ptobias]

If you haven't already, I would suggest downloading the Flex Builder Trial on Adobe's site to gain an understanding of Flex. Also, there are a handful of tutorials and getting started articles on Adobe's Developer Connection under Flex.

For me, I use the Flex SDK (mainly the compiler) with FlashDevelop to build projects using Actionscript. There is an option in there to start a Flex project if you are interested in moving to Flex. However, FlashDevelop has no design view. It is a script editor.

[McGuffin]

I use the Flex SDK when coding for myself, as I generally work with only code and not in the Flash environment. For work, I use Flash. I use a program for Mac called Textmate to code and build my projects with its ActionScript 3 bundle.

[Ayman]

Yeah I use flashdevelop myself along with Flash CS3. I code in flashdevelop and compile in Flash.
Pbtobias, how are you getting along with flashdevelop + flex compiler, without a design view? And this means you do not use Flash CS3 at all?? And what's the difference between the flex compiler and the flash compiler (they both take as3 and give swf)?

This is becoming more and more confusing.

[efnx]

I used to code my pure as3 projects in the CS3 IDE, but I've recently switched to TextMate. TextMate is the best editor I've ever worked with and through bundles you can have sytax coloring, code sense etc. for any language. I highly recommend it .

Ayman, I think that the flex and flash IDE's are both using the same compilers, ANT, mxmlc and fcsh, but the Flash IDE adds some extra layers of abstraction (or obfuscation) so compilation is easier but less flexible for the user. TextMate is a step further away from Flex in that same sense to the point where you have to set up your own build environment, but people have released bundles to get you started.

[ptobias]

Ayman, I really enjoy working with FlashDevelop and the Flex compiler. I don't have any complaints with the combination as of now. I use the Flash IDE for timeline animations or quick projects usually. But for the most part I use FlashDevelop as a standalone application on my usb stick along with the Flex Compiler. Then I can work from just about any computer.

Regarding the difference in compilers, there was a thread on this forum a few months ago discussing this topic:
http://www.kirupa.com/forum/showthread.php?t=262884

I'd be interested in knowing any other differences.

[Ayman]

Thanks efnx for that info

So ptobia , with flashdevelop & flex compiler, you can't really create any visual content (shapes, animation, etc) ?

[ptobias]

Ayman, I use the Graphics API to create basic shapes or I'll load external assets when using FlashDevelop. When working with more involved animations then I'll use the IDE. It all depends on the type of project; whether it is with a team, or just something I'm developing on my own.

[springframework]

flex builder is great, go buy it.

design view and code hints alone will save you 1 hour a day.

plus the debugger, and error console.


yeah go buy flex builder if you want to develop flex applications.



p.s. i haven't used any other product to compile a flex application.



Jesse Couch Actionscript 3.0 (http://www.jessecouch.com/)