Chapter 17. SDK Development

The AIR Software Developer Kit (SDK) offers an alternative to using Flash CS3, Flex 3, or Dreamweaver CS3 for AIR development. Using nearly any simple text editor of a developer's preference, you can develop Flex or HTML and Ajax AIR applications using the SDK commandline tools. The free command-line tools are included in both the Flex and AIR SDKs.

SDK Development Essentials

Developing AIR applications using the SDK can involve a different workflow than working in Flash, Flex, or Dreamweaver. The SDK does not generate or manage the tools that automatically generate and manage the required files, such as the application descriptor file for compiling an AIR application. To employ the SDK, use the command-line tools to compile, debug, and package the application, and require the use of a command prompt such as cmd.exe in Windows, or Terminal in OS X or Linux. This section covers the basics of using the command line and the essential requirements for developing with the SDK.

There are several files required for compiling an AIR application. In Flash, Flex, and Dreamweaver, these files are generated automatically, and the application descriptor file is edited by wizards in the case of Flash and Dreamweaver. These files must be created in order for the command-line tools to compile an AIR application.

Application descriptor file

As described in Chapter 2, the compiler uses the application descriptor file to build your application. The compiler gives the file several ...

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