Apache Flex Flexbuilder

Is Flex Development Without FlexBuilder a Realistic Approach?

When starting with a new technology, especially in the realm of software development, the tools you choose can significantly impact your learning curve and productivity. A common question among budding developers in the Flex community is whether it is feasible to develop Flex applications without the industry-standard tool, FlexBuilder. Let’s dive into this topic and explore the viability of developing Flex 3 applications without FlexBuilder.

Understanding Flex and FlexBuilder

Flex is a powerful framework for building rich internet applications, leveraging the strengths of Flash. The rich visual interactivity and seamless data integration capabilities make it a popular choice among developers. On the other hand, FlexBuilder (now known as Adobe Flash Builder) is an integrated development environment (IDE) specifically designed to facilitate the development of Flex applications.

Why Consider Going Without FlexBuilder?

Developers often ponder the necessity of purchasing FlexBuilder, especially when the Flex SDK and related components like BlazeDS are open-source. Here are some reasons they might consider this approach:

  • Cost Concerns: Purchasing FlexBuilder can be a significant investment, especially for independent developers or small startups.
  • Exploratory Learning: Beginners may want to test out Flex technology before committing to any financial investments.
  • Platform Issues: The availability of the FlexBuilder alpha version on Linux, without a visual editor, makes it less appealing for those who are primarily using that platform.

Is Developing Without FlexBuilder Realistic?

The short answer is: yes, it is realistic to develop Flex applications without FlexBuilder. However, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons involved in such a decision.

Pros of Developing Without FlexBuilder

  • No Initial Costs: You can start coding right away without investing in an IDE.
  • Flexibility in Tools: Many developers opt for different code editors like Visual Studio Code or FlashDevelop, which could be more suitable for their coding style.

Cons to Consider

  • Lack of Productivity Boosts: FlexBuilder offers robust features that improve developer productivity substantially.
  • Diminished Learning Curve: The absence of tools like code completion, debugging features, and visual editors can slow down the learning process, making it more challenging for new developers.

Benefits of Using FlexBuilder

While it’s entirely possible to code without FlexBuilder, here are significant advantages of using it:

  • Code Completion: Helps in speeding up the coding process and reduces errors.
  • Visual Editor: Allows you to drag and drop UI components, making it easier to design layouts.
  • Robust Debugging: A powerful debugger that can handle complex applications, allowing you to quickly identify and fix issues.
  • Profiler: Assists in optimizing application performance, a critical aspect of application development.

Alternatives for Developing on Linux

If you’re working on a Linux machine, the situation can be more complicated due to limited options. As previously mentioned, the alpha version of FlexBuilder currently available for Linux lacks a visual editor. However, it’s still deemed reasonably feature complete and free to use. Many developers who use Linux have reported a satisfactory experience with this version.

Trying Other Options

In addition to FlexBuilder, several alternatives can make your development journey smoother:

  • FlashDevelop: A free, open-source IDE that many developers praise for its lightweight nature and powerful features.
  • IntelliJ IDEA: Offers extensive support for Flex and is greatly valued for its intelligent coding assistance.

Conclusion

Ultimately, whether you develop Flex applications without FlexBuilder largely depends on your specific needs, skill level, and budget. While you can successfully build applications using alternative methods and tools, investing in FlexBuilder could enhance your productivity and learning experience in the long run.

If you’re serious about diving into Flex and find yourself invested in the framework, consider trying out FlexBuilder’s evaluation version for 30 days. This hands-on experience may solidify your understanding of its benefits before making a purchase decision.

Remember, successful development goes beyond just the tools you have; it’s about continuous learning and adapting to the technology landscape!