AdvancED Flex 4

FLEX MASHUPS

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<qs:DragTile id="cmp2" width="100%" height="100%" dataProvider="{targetData}"

dragEnter="event.target.allowDrag(event);"

dragOver='event.target.showDragFeedback(event,event.shiftKey?

"copy":"move");'>

<qs:itemRenderer>

<fx:Component>

<qs:BitmapTile />

</fx:Component>

</qs:itemRenderer>

</qs:DragTile>

</mx:VBox>

</mx:VBox>

</s:Group>

</s:Application>

The example is a great demonstration of how you hacked together a mashup application that allows the

user to search through the Flikr API and provide a good user experience built on top of separate

components.

Creating Your Own Flex Mashup

Now that you know about data accessinterconnectivity, and mixing additional scripts, you are ready to

create your own Flex mashup. But, where do you start?

I suggest splitting the process of creating mashups into four steps:

1. Pick a subject: Picking a subject is the base for every Flex mashup. Your subject should

add value, although Flex has an advantage as a starting point, because the Flex stateful user

interface already adds value. Many times you will add a service or data source to an existing

application so the subject is already known. A good place to start is to get familiar with all the

available APIs, and a good resource to find all the APIs that are available is

http://www.programmableweb.com/apis.

2. Choose services: Now that you know the subject of your mashup application, the next step

is to decide which service or services you will use. Many times you have available more than

one API that provides the same or similar functionality, so you need to decide which one to

use or whether to combine a few together.

3. I personally prefer using services that are part of a cloud. You can rely on a service that sits

on a cloud server’s infrastructure rather than a small web site hosted by a shared hosting

plan. The following companies have a massive network of servers: Google, Yahoo!, Amazon,

and Salesforce.

4. Once you select all the APIs and services you will be using in your mashup, sign up for or

download the APIs needed. Many APIs provide a key or a unique ID number. Some APIs are

being sold on a license basis or given away as open source. Once you select the APIs you

will be using, spend some time checking out the manuals, the reliability of service, and the

performance.