Synopses & Reviews
Breathe new life into your desktop applications with AIR
Adobe Integrated Runtime (AIR) lets you use scripting languages you already know and frees you from the dull parts of developmentso you can focus on creating exciting and cost-saving application user interfaces using Flash, Flex, and JavaScript. Find all the tips, techniques, and best practices you need to succeed in this comprehensive reference.
Install AIR across Windows®, Mac®, and Linux®
Get up to speed on the development tools: JavaScript®, Ajax, Flash®, Flex®, and HTML
Learn AIR programming, development, and debugging essentials
Build a large-scale application and follow best practices
Add windows, dock icons, and dynamic icons
Leverage Ant to automate your build process
Distribute your application with polished finishing touches
Companion Web SiteThe companion Web site, www.airbible.org, contains the book's source files as well as a blog in which the authors share additional articles, updates, and resources for AIR development. The site is also a place where readers may post questions and provide the authors with feedback.
Synopsis
Adobe Integrated Runtime (AIR) lets you use scripting languages you already know and frees you from the dull parts of development—so you can focus on creating exciting and cost-saving application user interfaces using Flash, Flex, and JavaScript. Find all the tips, techniques, and best practices you need to succeed in this comprehensive reference, including installing AIR across Windows, Mac, or Linux; learning AIR programming, development, and debugging essentials; and much more.
About the Author
Benjamin Gorton has been developing software for the desktop and the Web for over 10 years. For the past seven years, he has been working in Flash and ActionScript, doing projects for such companies as Disney, MTV, Neopets, and Sandisk. He currently resides in Los Angeles, where he works as a Senior Software Developer for Schematic.
Ryan Taylor is an award-winning artist and programmer specializing in object-oriented architecture, CGI mathematics/programming, as well as both static and motion design. Ryan, 25, has already landed his name in the credits of the #1 and #5 all-time best selling video game titles, written for multiple books, and established himself as an all-around leader in the digital arts community. Currently, Ryan serves as a senior developer on the Multimedia Platforms Group at Schematic. He also works as an independent contractor, offering his expertise to top companies and agencies all over the world.
Jeff Yamada lives with his wife AmyLynn and son Jackson in Salt Lake City, Utah, where he is currently a Senior Interactive Developer at the award-winning RED Interactive Agency. Jeff specializes in the architecture and development of immersive branded Flash experiences, rich Internet applications, and of course, AIR applications. As both a designer and developer, Jeff has spent the last ten years freelancing, consulting, and working for the University of Washington, Microsoft, Avenue A | Razorfish, Schematic, and Nintendo. Jeff contributes to the open-source community and shares his thoughts and ideas with the world at http://blog.jeffyamada.com.
Table of Contents
Acknowledgments.
Introduction.
Part I: Introduction to AIR.
Chapter 1: Clearing the AIR.
Chapter 2: Setting Up Your Development Environment.
Chapter 3: Building Your First AIR Application.
Part II: Programming for AIR Essentials.
Chapter 4: Crash Course in AIR Programming.
Chapter 5: Development Essentials.
Chapter 6: Debugging and Profiling.
Part III: AIR API.
Chapter 7: Communicating with the Local Machine.
Chapter 8: Using the Filesystem.
Chapter 9: Using the Clipboard.
Chapter 10: Dragging and Dropping.
Chapter 11: SQLite Databases.
Chapter 12: Using Native Operating System Windows.
Chapter 13: HTML Content.
Part IV: Building an Application.
Chapter 14: Preparing to Build a Large-Scale Application.
Chapter 15: Building a Reusable Config Class.
Chapter 16: Application Design Best Practices.
Chapter 17: SDK Development.
Chapter 18: Sample Application: LogReader.
Chapter 19: Polishing a Finished Application.
Part V: Testing and Deploying.
Chapter 20: Deployment Workflow.
Chapter 21: Leveraging Ant to Automate the Build Process.
Chapter 22: Installation and Distribution.
Index.