Adobe Flash Builder 4 – FAQ

Product Overview

What is Flash Builder 4?
Adobe Flash Builder 4 (formerly Adobe Flex® Builder™) software is a professional-grade development tool for rapidly building cross-platform rich Internet applications (RIAs) and content using the open source Flex framework, including support for intelligent coding, debugging, and visual design. It features powerful testing tools that speed up development and lead to higher performing applications.

What's new in Flash Builder 4?
Flash Builder 4 offers developers a set of new features that will help them further accelerate Flex application development and testing; create even more expressive, interactive applications; and work more easily with designers in the creation of RIAs through integration with the new Flash Catalyst product and other Creative Suite design tools.
This new release includes an update to the opensource Flex framework. Flex 4 offers a significant change in the way Flex UI components are created and used. The new Spark skinning and component architecture in Flex 4 allows for the complete separation between the visual layout and effects of components from the logic that sits behind the component. This allows the designer to have complete control over the interaction design while providing the developer complete control over the logic and data that the component controls. The benefits are twofold. First, the designer is able to create even more expressive application UI, allowing the designer to have total create freedom of the application UI. Second, this separation allows the designer and developer to work more collaboratively in the development of RIAs, eliminating redundant efforts and any distortion that is introduced in the hand-off of design assets. Flex 4 also adds several important language improvements making is faster and easier to build Flex applications.

What are the new features in Flash Builder 4?
Integration - Integrate with servers and services in existing infrastructure
Data Centric Development with Java, PHP, ColdFusion, and web services *NEW*

• New wizards make is easy to introspect Java, PHP, ColdFusion, REST and SOAP services to display their methods and properties in a tree view in the new Data/Service explorer.

• Bind methods to UI components using a simple drag-and-drop approach from the Data/Service explorer.

• The Data/Service explorer can display many different services based on different back-end technologies, all represented in a common, consistent model.

• Use services to generate forms for master/detail functionality and to create charts.

Data Management *NEW*
New Data Management capabilities automatically synchronize like-data across the various states of an application. Data management can track changed data in an application, batching updates and synchronizing with back-end data. These Data Management features take care of several "heavy-lifting" development tasks that are commonly used.
Productivity - Accelerate development and testing of applications
Network Monitor helps diagnose traffic between client and server *NEW*
The new Network Monitor provides a detailed audit trail of all data passed between the local Flex application and the backend, assisting with debugging and performance tuning.
Automatic generation of common code *NEW*
Automatic code generation for accessor functions (getter and setters), and event handlers speed development of commonly used functions.
Move Refactoring *IMPROVED*
Refactoring has been enhanced to now support move refactoring.
Debugger improvements speed troubleshooting *IMPROVED*
Set conditional breakpoints; evaluate expressions; and set watchpoints on specific instances of variables to halt execution when a watched variable changes value. Use the Expressions view to watch variables that were selected in the Variables view and to add/evaluate watch expressions. Break out of a loop during a debugging session using run-to-line.
Custom Templates *NEW*
Customize default information contained in new MXML, ActionScript, and CSS files like: author and date; introductory comments; copyright information; opening and closing tags and attributes; ActionScript declarations; namespace prefixes, and more.
ASDoc support *NEW*
New ASDoc support enable ASDoc comments to be displayed in MXML and ActionScript editors.
New Adobe Flash CS4 Professional workflow for creating and editing Flash components *NEW*
New workflow between Flash Professional and Flash Builder 4 makes is fast and easy to import and update custom Flex components.
Command-line build *NEW*
New command line build capability support automated build processes
Integration with FlexUnit *NEW*
New integration for the opensource FlexUnit functional testing framework speeds up testing.
Expressiveness - Create more intuitive, engaging applications that deliver more compelling experiences
Import Flex Projects created using Flash Catalyst *NEW*
Import Flex Projects (FXP) created using Adobe Flash Catalyst, saving time and improving the quality of the user experience. FXPs contain functional UI, including MXML, ActionScript, component skins and graphical assets, enabling developers to focus on core application logic.
Flex Theme Browser *NEW*
Easily browse, import and apply Flex themes to your projects.

Why did Flex Builder's name change to Flash Builder?
We're changing the name of Flex Builder to reflect the expanded role that it plays in developing applications for the Flash Platform. While Flex developers will use Flash Builder to build and test Flex applications, ActionScript developers will use Flash Builder to write, edit, and test ActionScript in the creation of Interactive content and applications for mobile devices. The Flex framework is also expanding its role in the Flash Platform, now providing the underlying framework for both Flash Catalyst and Flash Builder. Using Flash Builder, developers can code in ActionScript as well as MXML so this name change more accurately reflects the tool's language options.
At the same time, we are renaming our Professional edition to be Flash Builder 4 Premium edition. We made this change so people would not get confused between Flash Professional and Flash Builder Professional. Changing to Premium eliminated this issue.

What is the difference between Flash Builder and Flex?
Flash Builder
Flash Builder is an Eclipse based web development productivity tool that developers use to code, develop and test action script and mxml to create Flex applications, Flash content, and iPhone applications using the Packager for iPhone. Flash Builder helps developers build, test and optimize applications faster through features like intelligent coding, interactive step-through debugging, and visual design of the user interface layout.
Flex Framework
Flex is the underlying framework of components, plus programming language including MXML and ActionScript uses to create rich Internet applications. The Flex framework provides the declarative languages, application services, components, and data connectivity developers need to rapidly build rich Internet applications (RIAs) for the browser or desktop. You can extend and enhance the open source framework to suit your needs and contribute to the evolution of Flex through the Open Source Flex SDK project. Flex applications can be built using only the Flex framework, however most developers use Flash Builder to accelerate development of apps.

Why is Flex 4 an important evolution for the Flex framework?
Flex 4 provides a new component model that provides complete separation from appearance and functionality, enabling each to be changed independently without affecting each other. This new skinning and component architecture, code-named Spark, builds on top of the existing MX architecture, providing a much more efficient mechanism for developers and designers to work together to control the appearance of their Flex applications. Spark currently includes approximately 30 new components and primitives, forming the foundation of our next-generation components and primed for easy integration with Adobe Flash Catalyst. The following are the main benefits of this new model:
Productivity - Accelerate development and testing of expressive web applications
Flex 4 adds several important language improvements making is faster and easier to build Flex applications, including the new States tag.
Creative Freedom - Create more intuitive, engaging applications that deliver more compelling experiences
The new Flex 4 component architecture cleanly separates UI and client-side logic allowing complete customization of UI components and behaviors for the creation of totally unique user experiences.
Integrated Workflow - Collaborate with designers and developers saving time while delivering more compelling applications
Adobe Flash Builder 4 FAQ
New design-develop workflows between Flash Catalyst, Flash Builder, ColdFusion Builder and Flash Professional allows designers and developers to more efficiently collaborate in building and delivering expressive applications and content.
Data visualization libraries move to Flex SDK
Previously only available in Flex Builder 3 Professional edition, Flex charting components included in the data visualization libraries are now free as part of the open source Flex SDK.

Can developers build Flex apps using only the opensource Flex framework?
Yes, developers can utilize the Flex framework to develop applications without buying a tool from Adobe, however, they will be most productive when using the Flex framework with Flash Builder as there are many productivity features that speed up development, testing, and troubleshooting.

Will Flash Builder 4 work with existing Flex 2/3 applications? Can I use the new features in FB4 with the Flex 3 SDK?
Yes, developers can take advantage of the majority of the great new features in Flash Builder 4 when writing and maintaining applications that were built using Flex 2 or Flex 3. As developers begin to use the Spark component model in Flex 4, they will continue to use the MX components that come from Flex 3 in combination with the new Flex 4 Spark components. Using Flash Builder 4, developers will have the choice to create applications using the Flex 3 or Flex 4 framework.

Can I create Mobile applications using Flash Builder 4?
Yes. Using Flash Builder 4 for ActionScript development will allow developers to create mobile applications for Flash Player 10.1 in addition to creating applications for the iPhone using the upcoming Packager for iPhone.
It is important to note here that the Flex framework is not yet supported for mobile applications, although many Flex apps will run on mobile devices. We are currently developing a variant of the Flex framework called the Flex Mobile Framework that will allow developers to create Flex applications that will run on mobile devices. We expect a preview version of this mobile framework to be available before the end of 2010. At that time, developers will be able to begin use Flash Builder to develop Flex applications for mobile devices. Until then, Flash applications can be developed using Flash Builder 4 and ActionScript.

How do I describe the value of Flex and Flash Builder to an IT manager, a LOB manager or a CIO?

• The Adobe Flash Platform enables organizations to create more intuitive and engaging web applications for customers, partners and employees, helping them better understand and use data and information to support key business activities, leading to increased levels of productivity, satisfaction and effectiveness.

• Flex can be used to add incremental richness by embedding micro-applications or component within existing websites, or revolutionize your entire web experience with immersive, single-screen applications, all with a single investment.

• Flex applications leverage the Adobe Flash Platform runtimes, including the Adobe Flash Player and Adobe AIR, already installed on over 98% of all internet connected desktops.

• The Flash Platform is the leading RIA development platform, with a 6-year proven history in leading companies around the world. The world’s leading software companies use Flex in their own products, demonstrating best-of-breed technology.

Purchasing Options

What are the editions of Flash Builder 4?
Adobe® Flash® Builder™ 4 Standard Edition (formerly Adobe Flex® Builder™ Standard)
Adobe® Flash® Builder™ 4 software is a professional-grade development tool designed to help software developers rapidly build cross-platform, rich Internet applications (RIAs) and content using the open source Flex framework. Access web services, REST APIs, and other data sources.
Adobe Flash Builder 4 Premium Edition (formerly Adobe Flex® Builder™ Professional)
Adobe Flash Builder 4 Premium Edition has all the great features that Standard offers, plus adds professional testing tools, including profilers, network monitoring, unit testing support, and command-line build, and includes a license for Adobe ColdFusion ® Builder™ software.

Why use Flash Builder Premium edition over Flash Builder Standard edition?
Adobe Flash Builder 4 Premium edition adds professional testing tools, including profilers, network monitoring, automated testing framework, integration with Flex unit testing, and command line build support, plus includes a license for the new Adobe ColdFusion Builder.
Powerful testing tools

• Accelerate application performance using memory and performance profilers that monitor and analyze memory consumption and CPU cycles.

• Support for automated functional testing tools such as HP QuickTest Professional (formerly Mercury QuickTest Professional)

• New support for the open source FlexUnit project

Network Monitor
Generate a detailed audit trail of all data passed between the local Flex application and the back end, assisting with debugging and performance tuning.
Command-line build
A new command-line build capability supports automated build processes.
ColdFusion Builder
ColdFusion Builder is a new Eclipse-based IDE for ColdFusion application developers. It provides deep integration with Flash Builder enabling rapid development of expressive web applications using Flex and Adobe ColdFusion.

What are the prices for Flash Builder 4 and Flex 4?
Flex 4
The Flex 4 framework is a free, open source framework of components. The framework is included when you buy Flash Builder 4 or you can download it for free from www.adobe.com/go/flex4_sdk.
Flash Builder 4

• Flash Builder 4 Standard Edition is US$249/US$99 full/upgrade. E175/E69. Y30000/Y12000.

• Flash Builder 4 Premium Edition is US$699/US$299 full/upgrade. E519/E229. Y85000/Y36000.

• Flash Builder 4 Standard Edition is free for educational institutions, including Student, Faculty and Admin

• Flash Builder 4 Premium Edition for Education is US$349 for full units. E249. Y42000.

What are the upgrade paths for Flash Builder 4?

• Customers who own Flex Builder 2/3 Standard OR Professional, can upgrade to Flash Builder 4 Premium for only US$299 E175 Y30000.

• Customers who own Flex Builder 2/3 Standard can upgrade to Flash Builder 4 Standard for only US$99 E69 Y12000.

• Customers who own Flash Builder 4 Standard edition can upgrade to Flash Builder 4 Premium edition for only US$499 E369 Y60000.

Who is eligible for Free-of-Charge units of Flash Builder 4?
Customers who own a valid Upgrade Plan or who own Platinum Maintenance will receive a FOC product.

Is Flash Builder still free for Education?
Yes, but we are making a change in the “free for education” program. As of Flash Builder 4, Adobe will now be offering Flash Builder 4 Standard edition free for all Education. Education users who want Flash Builder 4 Premium edition can now purchase it for US$349 E249 Y42000. Edu customers who already have a free copy of Flex Builder 3 can request a free copy of Flash Builder 4 using the same process that they used to request Flex Builder 3, visiting freeriatools.adobe.com.

Where can I purchase Flash Builder 4?
Once announced, Flash Builder 4 will be available for purchase online from the Adobe Online Store, directly from Adobe Sales, and through our partners and resellers. Flash Builder 4 is available from Adobe’s TLP, CLP and FLP pricelists.

Can I get a trial extension serial number for Flash Builder 4?
Flash Builder 4 provides a 60-day trial period where the Premium edition features are available for free. At the end of 60-days from installation, the product will stop working. In special cases, people will have the ability to extend the trial by contacting Adobe Customer Service.

What support/upgrade options are available for Flash Builder 4?

• Adobe Enterprise Developer Program - Flex support is available through our subscription-based, AEDP program.

• Platinum Support is available

• New with Flash Builder 4, Gold support is now available through licensing and FLP

• Upgrade plans are available through all channels, in addition to Platinum support which also provides upgrade protection.

Flash Builder and other Adobe Products

Flash Builder and Flash Catalyst - how are they related and what is the value?
Adobe Flash Catalyst is an interaction design focused tool focused on providing the following:
1. Use the power of the Flash platform to create interactive projects - Rapidly create expressive interfaces and interactive content to your exacting design standards. Deliver your creative vision with the reach and consistency of the Adobe Flash platform.
2. Approach interaction design without writing code - Transform static Photoshop, Illustrator, or Fireworks designs into fully interactive projects without requiring any development or coding skills. Define behaviors and control sophisticated interactions with simple yet powerful menu-based commands.
3. Speed the design and development process - Use familiar design applications to easily create and edit artwork. Developers can open Flash Catalyst projects directly in Flash Builder, preserving design
When used together, Flash Catalyst and Flash Builder allow designers and developers to work collaboratively. Projects created in Flash Catalyst are saved as Flex Projects, which can then be imported into Flash Builder where developers can add logic and data connectivity.

Flash Builder and ColdFusion Builder - how are the related and what is the value?
ColdFusion Builder is an Eclipse based IDE for ColdFusion development that is deeply integrated with Flash Builder 4. It allows developers to manage their entire development cycle from concept to production all in one easy to use tool. While Flash Builder is focused on the development of the user interface of an application, it can be used with ColdFusion Builder to code the server-side logic and build an application from client to server with integrated work flow between the two tools.

What is the difference between Flash Builder and Flash Professional?
Flash Professional is an authoring tool for designers and developers who want to create immersive experiences and video content across the multi-screen environment. It is used by software developers, but not as a core development tool.
Flash Builder is a development tool used by software developers to rapidly build cross-platform applications using the Flex framework, and is also used by interactive content developers to create interactive content usingActionScript. Developers creating apps for the iPhone using the new Packager for iPhone will also use Flash Builder for ActionScript editing.
Does Flash Builder 4 support FP10.1 and AIR 2?
Flash Builder 4 initially ships with support for FP10 and AIR 1.5. There will be an update to Flash Builder 4 later this year that will include support for FP10.1 and AIR 2. Until this time, developers can download and use the beta libraries for both FP10.1 and AIR 2 from Adobe Labs.

Getting Started

How can customers get training on Flex?

• "Flex in a week" is free, online video-based training course available from the Adobe Developer Center.

• We have training partners around the world that offer 3 and 5 day hands-on classes to help train developers.

• Adobe Professional Services can help customers get started or provide deep expertise in Flex application architecture and development.

Where can customers find related technologies that will help in Flex development?
Leading technologies providers like HP, IBM, Borland/Infosys, and others provide products that help in the development of Flex applications. For a list of related technology providers, please see www.adobe.com/products/flex/related