Chapter 23. Exploring Flex charting

 

This chapter covers

  • Understanding the parts of a chart
  • Using chart series
  • Types of charts
  • Customizing charts

Charting is the visual display of data using graphical elements called charts. If you ever need a way to sell Flex to your organization, charting will help you do it. Management loves charting; give the bosses a taste of Flex’s charts, and you’ll soon have them addicted and begging for more.

Flex charts are so compelling because, unlike using static charts (and even some animated ones), with Flex you can create interactive and engaging dashboard experiences. This is especially true if you combine charting with effects to seal the deal.

In this chapter, we’ll explore what makes up a chart, the charts that come with Flex, and how to customize them. Let’s start with an introduction to charting.

23.1. Introduction to charting

Flex’s charting feature comes as part of the Professional Edition. But even if you haven’t paid for that version, you can still build charts—they’ll just have a Flex Charting Trial watermark superimposed on the image.

Flex’s charting engine is incredibly flexible from a developer’s point of view. You can control what each specific data point looks like, build powerful dashboards, employ multiple axes, and support various forms of user interaction.

23.2. Setting the stage with series and data

23.3. Creating charts

23.4. Stacking charts

23.5. Exploring chart types

23.6. Customizing charts

23.7. Summary