Foundation XML for Flash

XML is a completely platform-agnostic data medium. Flash is able to make use of XML data, which is very useful when creating rich Internet applications. It allows you to populate Flash web interfaces with data from almost any source that supports XML as a data medium, be it databases, raw XML files, or more excitingly, .NET applications, Web Services, and even Microsoft Office applications like Excel and Word!

In this book, Sas Jacobs first introduces XML itself—what it is, its syntax, its associated technologies (such as CSS and XSLT,) and how to get XML out of your applications in a format Flash can use.

Then, she shows how to use the XML object to stream XML data into Flash, and how to use the XMLConnector component and XML Sockets to build advanced Flash/XML applications. Numerous example applications are built throughout the book, including an MP3 player, XML photo gallery, an Excel-driven web catalog, Access and Word-driven content management systems, and an XML-driven chat application.

Flash and XML.- to XML.- XML Documents.- Using the XML Class.- Working with XML in Word 2003.- Working with XML in Excel 2003.- Working with XML in Access 2003.- Using the Data Components with XML.- Consuming Web Services with Flash.- Using the XMLSocket Class.- Which XML Option is Best for Me?.

Sas Jacobs is a Web developer who loves working with Flash. She set up her business Anything Is Possible in 1994, working in the areas of web development, information technology training and technical writing. The business works with large and small clients building web applications with ASP.NET, Flash, XML and databases. Sas has also spoken at conferences such as Flash Forward, MXDU and FlashKit on topics relating to XML and dynamic content in Flash. In her spare time, Sas is passionate about travelling, photography and enjoying life. One of her most fervent wishes is that Flash will take over the Web!