Combining Ajax and Flash

Ajax and Flash are two of the most powerful programming techniques in building Rich Internet Applications (RIA). Ajax boasts of massive open-source support from almost every developer proficient the programming technique while Flash is proud to be the standard programming language for FLEX (Flash Version of Ajax) and Adobe AIR. Each programming language covers a specific market and because of their experience, they are now considered as the future of programming languages.

There are also developers who also pushed their online applications by using Ajax and Flash together. With the client side functionality of Ajax combined to the attractive UI generated by Flash, the end result is a powerful and aesthetically remarkable application.

But combining these programming techniques is easier said than done. Although knowing both programming techniques ensure that you can build an application while combining those two applications, the end result might not be as efficient.

The following are certain considerations every developer should remember when they are planning to build an application with Ajax and Flash combined:

• Percentage of Panel Opened – Although this is based on the user’s bandwidth, this is also directly connected to the ability of the browser to handle the application. Always check the percentage of panel that could be opened by browsers to ensure that the full experience of the application will be experienced. Also think about the current trend of netbooks as small scaled computers will also yield a different result.

• Time for Data Retrieval – aside from the efficiency of the application to render itself in browsers, data transmission should also be considered. Again, this might be intricately tied with the user’s bandwidth; the application also has a big responsibility of keep the data transmission as easy as possible. If data transmission could be simplified, other functions could become an easier experience.

• Response Time without Hidden Panels – in this point, the ability of the server to cater to the needs of the user should be considered. This becomes a hardware concern for developers. The server should be optimized for these two programming languages. Flash and Ajax have different needs and requirements which means a regular server might not be able to handle the requirements of the application.

• Post-Fetch Requirements – loading the application effectively after the user’s request is not end of the developer’s concern. After the application has been loaded, developers should make sure that the functions after the application is readily available. This is actually the tricky part of the application since developers need to predict the needed functions of the users. Careful planning is required to better implement post fetch functions without dragging the application.

Monetizing

– Probably the most important part for some developers. These actions and requirements are all pointed to one thing – better user experience which increases the number of users. Analytics and other gauges to enable monetizing of the application should be observed if developers want to earn from what they developed. All actions will be futile if developers will not be able to meet the financial requirements and yield of the application.