So Wait, What Was That Flex API for ArcGIS Server?
While the buzz at the DevSummit was for the REST API and the JavaScript API, the Flex API sure got noticed. Folks seemed disappointed that they missed the session on the Flex API. Well some bloggers have already been posting their thoughts on the Flex API and it is well received.
- A New Flex Web Map API is Coming
- Finally, GeoWeb is Complete and Born
- Mmmm… Kooool-Aid! DevSummit With the Goggles On (scroll down to the “side notes section”)
I’ve been telling folks I’ve got serious reservations about using any development environment created by “Adobe”, but this Flex API stuff is really compelling and worth a look.
ArcGIS Chefs have another service to cook with
James,
We have been using the flex api to front ArcGIS server as well as ArcIMS. Flex is awesome. With the new REST API it is really going to open up possibilities. I am currently putting this stack together for our .net environment: WebOrb(now free and opensource for all platforms:.net, java, rails..) Using WebOrb data managment (Active Record for .net)- with PureMVC framework for the flex presentation. Good to see it getting some love.
@CMH,
I’m glad to read about someone using Flash/Flex as their GIS front end. I guess it’s time for me to get off my duff and at least learn the basics.
@James
Us Adobe ‘developers’ dont want you anyway. Thats why MS created silverlight for you guys. Too bad you’ll be 4 years behind all of us.
@Jason: From what I’ve seen the only thing Silverlight is behind Flash with is the install-base, but that is currently increasing by 1.5 mil. installs per day. With the improved developer productivity and code reuse, I’m sure the push from the developers will push Silverlight even further. Anyway just choose your poison that suits you best. Whatever get’s the job done. Personally I need a good argument to not just using JS and DHTML before requiring the user to install a plugin.
@Jason: Hey if my clients want Flex, I want flex.
Seriously though, the Flex API is very impressive and changed my opinion of Flex quite a bit.
@James
I know…I was just giving you a hard time for the Adobe comment. You know what a Coldfusion proponent I am. Adobe has really taken the time to make Coldfusion the ‘language of choice’ for you backend with Flex. One of these days you should have a look at the CF Flex stack and you might be surprised how quickly you can turn out a sweet app.
what “possibilities” are the new apis going to provide for developers using arcgis server? wow – 8 new buggy ways to write the same query. now i can re-write that same trivial app in flex, jason, rest, .net adf, java adf.
Well you can write it one way. The way you prefer (or the way your SOW/Client/Boss/Life Partner wants).
If you don’t like the ESRI clients, just use the RESTful API and use your favorite client. You don’t have to use ESRI’s stuff anymore if you feel they are “buggy”.
Actually, Adobe didn’t make Flex, Macromedia did… Adobe just made it (much) better.
any good examples of public sites that we can see this api in action? even the rest or javascript apis would be nice to see
Referencing the Thematic Mapping Blog, Google has just released a Flex API for Google Maps and it looks pretty good for a first cut. If it gives Google Maps the ability to handle large vector layers better than the HTML Google Maps, this may give Google Maps a big leg up on VE.
I can’t seem to make the link work in a post, but Googling “Google Maps Flex API” should return plenty of results.
Please how can i use google maps as base when i have to make a application using flex and Arcgis
Can I use Google Maps/Live Maps as base maps along with the ESRI Flex API?