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My First Flex App! Part 2

Thu, 07 Jun 2007 10:32:42 GMT

So, my first, "simple" Flex app has turned into my first major Flex project. Here are my observations so far...

Flex is NOT simple. Well, it can be, but in order to leverage the real power and flexibility of the platform, you want to develop loosely coupled components that communicate via events and pass entire objects to one another (as opposed to keys or identifiers, as most web developers are used to). DO NOT expect to learn it in a weekend.
Between being REALLY OO-architected and event-driven, there are many new concepts for a ColdFusion developer learning Flex to wrap their head around.
Flex's biggest strength (to me) is the rich interface widgets it offers. This is the payoff for the added complexity of the platform. I can create a rich, immersive interface that users (particularly decision-makers) LOVE, very quickly, without all the nasty cross-platform debugging and accessibility concerns I have faced in the past using DHTML and AJAX. I can see why some pundits refer to RIA's as "experiences" rather than interfaces.
FlexBuilder (ala Eclipse) is very cool. I find myself gradually making the change over from Dreamweaver for my CF code. With the integrated debugger in CF8, I would be suprised to see many CF developers using something other than Eclipse after CF8 drops. Like the paths in DW, the debugging is a pain in the ass to set up, but there are good resources on teh web that walk you through it.
The integrated help in FlexBuilder is very well done - the examples are invaluable.
I am finding more and more tutorials and how-to's every day online for Flex (thank God).

I'll be posting some "quick-tutorials" and links to valuable resources, so stay tuned!

My First Flex App!

Wed, 24 Jan 2007 17:41:15 GMT

So I'm going to do it. Throw together a small, simple flex app.

I'll let y'all know if it's as easy and awesome as people are screamin'.

ColdFusion Developer Urgently Needed in Houston

Fri, 22 Sep 2006 11:47:00 GMT

ColdFusion developer needed ASAP in the Galleria area of Houston. This is a permanent, full-time position that will pay in the ~$60k range.

Required skills include ColdFusion and SQL Server, but they are growing quickly and value a diverse skill set for future need. Immediate availability is a big plus!

There is no significant travel.

They provide services in the income tax industry so there is a busy season before April 15th that will include significant overtime that will be balanced during the off season. There are bonuses available and good benefits.

Shoot me an email with your resume' attached if you're interested. My email address is my first name @ my full name (no underscored) dot com.

-Seth
(Mr. Bienek if you're nasty)