Adobe AIR with JavaScript

Since it was first introduced, Adobe AIR has become a part of powerful applications because it can easily create interactive websites. In fact, users unfamiliar with programming languages will not notice any difference if they have used JavaScript based sites in the past. It might require a client that will allow AIR to run in the desktop and browser but it's sleek and can easily rival other proprietary tools in the application.

But Adobe AIR is pushing for more in terms of tools that developers can use with the programming language. Developers can now integrate Adobe AIR with JavaScript. Combining these two programming languages will eventually improve the application significantly. HTML and CSS can also be implemented which means an Ajax based application with Adobe AIR is possible.

Tools for Integration

The ability to implement AIR and JavaScript sounds really good but the challenge on which tools to use. There are two tools developers can consider for this type of project. The first option is the free development tool Aptana. What makes this option great is that the tool itself can work with AIR without additional extension.

The second option is to use Adobe's proprietary development software Dreamweaver. Unlike Aptana, web development with the addition of JavaScript is possible through extension. This might sound like a concern since developers will have challenges in terms of compatibility. But since the development tool is proprietary, the extension will work without any problems because the tool came from Adobe.

Using Frameworks

Aside from the ability to create AIR and JavaScript through Aptana, developers can push the development faster by using frameworks. Through frameworks, developers would be able to use different tools in their application. Major frameworks such as jQuery and Prototype will have no problem in these integration tools. Developers just have to make sure they specify the framework version.

The Use of HTML

From JavaScript, developers can push the online application to Ajax through additional HTML and CSS. Dreamweaver eases the development with the addition of HTML by providing a box where the code can be added. Developers simply point to the code so that they can implement the HTML part of the online application.

You Have the Tools - Now Push the Development Further

The ability to create JavaScript and Ajax based applications with AIR should push the developers to do the following:

• Create better looking sites - JavaScript alone should provide interactive applications but the use of AIR will allow developers to create smooth images in their online applications.
• Easy to maintain - This is actually the biggest challenge for developers. But most of the problems in maintenance is actually on CSS and JavaScript.
• Exploit the functions - AIR and JavaScript each has specialization which will allow developers to create more. Developers should be able to implement these abilities and make them work together.

JavaScript and Adobe AIR are known to provide great looking and interactive websites. But combined, developers will definitely create something better as they will use the best of both worlds.