Learning Flex 3: Getting Up to Speed with Rich Internet Applications (Paperback)

Copyright
PREFACE
GETTING UP TO SPEED
What Is Flex?
What about AIR?
Where Flex Fits
Why Use Flex?
How Flex Compares to Other Technologies
When Not to Use Flex
Summary
SETTING UP YOUR ENVIRONMENT
Using Alternatives to Flex Builder
Introducing Flex Builder and Eclipse
Running Your First Application
Summary
USING DESIGN MODE
A Blank Slate: Your Canvas
Adding Components to the Application
Moving Components Around
Exploring Common Components
Modifying Properties Directly
Summary
USING SOURCE MODE
What Design Mode Does
Anatomy of a Flex Application
Components Added in Source Mode
Code Completion
MXML in Depth
Summary
LEARNING THE BASICS OF SCRIPTING
Getting Ready
Inline ActionScript
Dot Notation
Assignment
Functions
Variables
Data Types
Objects
Classes
MXML and ActionScript Work Together
ActionScript's Relationship with MXML
Comments?
Summary
ADDING INTERACTIVITY WITH ACTIONSCRIPT
Understanding Events
Handling Events Inline
Using Event Constants
Making Things Happen
Debugging for Kicks
Summary
USING DATA BINDING
What Is Data Binding?
How to Use It
Implementing Two-Way Bindings
Storing Complex Data
Creating Bindable Variables in ActionScript
Determining When Data Binding Isn't Appropriate
Putting Data Binding to Work for You
Summary
LAYING OUT YOUR APPLICATIONS
Types of Layouts
The Display List
Sizing
Layout Container Options
Advanced Containers
Layout Controls
Alignment
Constraints-Based Layout
Summary
CREATING RICH FORMS
Preparing the Application
Validating Data
Restricting Input
Formatting Data for Display
Summary
GATHERING AND DISPLAYING DATA
Using List Controls
Using XML Data
Implementing List Selection
Connecting to Search Results
Dragging and Dropping in Lists
Using Inline Item Renderers
Exploring Other Types of Service Components
Summary
CONTROLLING FLOW AND VISIBILITY
Controlling Visibility
Navigation Components
Creating a Photo Gallery Application
Summary
WORKING WITH VIEW STATES
Scenarios for States
Creating New States
Modifying State Properties, Styles, and Events
Adding Components
Putting States to the Test
Summary
APPLYING BEHAVIORS, TRANSITIONS, AND FILTERS
Behaviors
Common Effects and Their Properties
Sound Effects
States Made More Interesting
Filters
Summary
STYLING APPLICATIONS
Using Inline Styles
Using Style Sheets
Embedding Assets
Skinning
Using Themes
Summary
DEPLOYING YOUR APPLICATION
Deploying to the Web
Deploying to the Desktop
Summary
Index