about the book

Readers will learn the essential features of the AIR API with examples and code samples that they can use to get up and running in AIR quickly. The book shows how to create and customize native windows, as well as how to read and write files and folders on the local file system.

• An easy-to-follow tutorial approach
• Coverage of desktop and hybrid desktop/web application styles
• Clear instructions for Flex and Flash developers
• Every chapter walks readers through several code examples

Adobe AIR in Action also shows you how to set up and connect to a local database, detect network connectivity and connect to Web services, bridge ActionScript and JavaScript, and deploy and update their applications. Each chapter walks the user through several code examples that address the basics of how to work with the new APIs.

Web developers who read this book will be able to take instant advantage of the increased resources available to desktop applications. Sometimes-connected, web-enabled applications are gaining in popularity, and web developers of all stripes will want to add these skills to their toolbox.

what's inside

• Create and customize native windows
• Read from and write to the file system
• Connect to local databases
• Detect network connectivity
• Work with video and audio
• Bridge JavaScript and ActionScript
• Deploy and update applications

about the reader

This book assumes basic familiarity with Flex or Flash and ActionScript.

about the authors

Joey Lott has deep professional experience using Adobe technologies like Flex, Flash, and ActionScript. Joey is the author (or co-author) of ActionScript Cookbook, Programming Flash Communication Server, and the Flash 8 Cookbook and several other related books. With coauthor Sam Ahn, he is a partner and founder of The Morphic Group.

Kathryn Rotondo is a software developer at Schematic. She received a graduate certificate in software engineering from the Harvard Extension School and a certificate in Flash from the Rhode Island School of Design.

Sam Ahn has architected and built RIAs over the past seven years for clients including Pfizer, Wyeth, MINIUSA, and Puma. Along with co-author Joey Lott, he is a partner and founder of The Morphic Group, an interactive development company focusing on Flash/Flex application development.

Ashley Atkins is a senior software developer at Six Red Marbles, and has over six years of experience developing in ActionScript. His range of work extends from creating simple educational interactions to architecting and developing applications in Flex and AIR.