With this book, you can start building Rich Internet Applications using Adobe's Flex 2 framework. Our book is still in progress, but you can get going on this technology through our Rough Cuts version, which gives you access to the manuscript as it evolves. You can read it online or download it as a PDF, and even contribute to the finished product.

Programming Flex 2 shows you how to build RIAs that take advantage of the ubiquitous Flash Player. With all the power of a sophisticated runtime environment and a powerful programming language (ActionScript 3.0) the possibilities with Flex 2 are nearly limitless. Yet at the same time, due to a markup language called MXML and a vast library of off-the-shelf and highly-configurable components included as part of the Flex framework, you will be able to build applications right away. Plenty of practical and useful examples explain not only how, but also why to use a particular feature, when to use it and when not to. You'll learn to build Flex applications that combine the immediacy of the Web with the functionality and responsiveness of desktop applications. Topics include:

• Managing Layout
• Working with Components
• Working with Media
• Using Transitions and Effects
• Working with Data
• Customizing Application Appearance
• Client-side and Remote Data Communication
• Debugging Flex Framework Applications
• Creating Application and Custom Components

Programming Flex 2 provides you with more than just a reference, it provides valuable and practical insight into this new technology. Reading this book you'll learn not only how to build Flex applications, but how Flex works.

Flex provides a way to rapidly create RIAs with a very low barrier to entry. Yet as with any technology, mastery of Flex 2 takes dedication and a good guide. Programming Flex 2 is your guide to Flex 2 application development, supplying all the information you need in one place.

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