Chapter 2. Getting started
This chapter covers
- Touring the Flex tools
- Creating your first Flex application
- Understanding how MXML works
- Fitting ActionScript into the picture
To begin coding in Flex, you first need to set up a working environment. Flex comes with a free open source SDK that allows you to get started and create Flex applications, but serious developers prefer to use the Eclipse-based Flash Builder IDE.
We’ll show you how to make the most of a limited budget by taking advantage of open source tools, and we’ll spend a good part of this chapter going over the features of Flash Builder. Later, we’ll present how to begin producing Flex applications.
As a Flex developer you’re likely to spend most of your time in the Flash Builder tool. Before we jump in, you may want to ask yourself, “Can I get away with developing in Flex for free?”
With Flex’s free and open source SDK, there’s nothing to stand in your way of making Flex RIAs. The SDK includes the compiler to convert source code into Flash .swf files, as well as the Flex framework to handle the guts of an application, and the core components, including visual components such as buttons.
Our goal is to make Flex simple and easy to get into, and we do that by filtering out the facets that are seldom used, keeping you focused on the areas that will make a difference in your ability to be a successful Flex developer.