Beginning ActionScript 2.0

Chapter 22. Reading XML

This chapter introduces the many ways in which XML files can be loaded into your application at runtime. Once the XML is loaded, you see how you can use Flash's robust XML toolset to access and utilize the data presented. You also examine security concerns that affect the success of XML in your application and explore solutions to security restrictions such as proxies, shims, and policy files.

Using the Built-in XML Class

Luckily Flash is a platform that is constantly in development. Because Flash is constantly being updated, its input and output methods are constantly under scrutiny. You have new classes and methods with almost every release. These additions can include class sets for SOAP (don't worry about what this is; more about SOAP later) and drag-and-drop components for quickly connecting your Flash application to remote servers for data transactions. This section concerns itself with the most recent and native XML data transport methods available in AS2, introducing you to the methods and objects designed for XML-based data interactions.

One thing to remember is that when you start diving into XML you'll hear fancy terms such as DOM, DTD, XSL, Schemas, SOAP, RPC, and more. Do not be afraid. At the end of the day, XML is simply a markup text similar to HTML. XML's power is its logical simplicity. Flash's XML object is, in fact, a great way to begin working with XML for the first time because of the simplicity and tolerances built into the Flash XML object. ...