Flex vs. AJAX

Both Flex and AJAX are the technologies considered for developing rich internet applications. However, the crucial thing is to decide on either one according to its requirements, as they have lots of differences. Flex is an open source platform for developing applications that are deployed on the Flash Player. The languages included in the Flex are Action Script and MXML; and AJAX includes HTML, JavaScript and XML coding to establish an asynchronous interaction between the server and the client. Flex takes more time to learn than AJAX. AJAX is considered for tactical improvements, whereas Flex is preferred in the case of strategic implementations.

When it comes to determining which technology should be used in any particular situation, the Flex is preferred over AJAX for all large scale user productivity applications, or larger RIAs. On the other hand, AJAX is considered more for smaller RIA deployments, and in those situations where the performance is vital, or frequent updates are required. When it comes to animation, which indicates navigational changes or is just meant to entertain the user, Flex is the only solution, as AJAX extends very limited support in this context. Bitmap manipulation is also natively supported by Flex, whereas AJAX provides an inconsistent support to it, or it may require extensive interaction between the server and client.

It is quite advantageous sometimes to render HTML within an application which is fully supported by AJAX, but Flex provides a very limited support, with no frames, HTML tables, JavaScript, etc. Now, when it comes to interpretation of codes into executable actions, AJAX requires each web browser to interpret the code individually, whereas in the case of Flex, a single plugin for the browser enables cross-browser cross-platform interpretation of code. For the purpose of increasing accuracy and quality assurance, the AJAX application undergoes an automated testing through web page automated testing tools. On the other hand, the Flex application itself includes a framework for automated testing, which includes QTP tools.

Video has become an important component for online communication these days. Most of the applications demand video and audio streaming in it for communication or entertainment purposes. This feature is fully supported by Flex, with good quality video functioning. However, it is not supported natively by AJAX, and requires a separate plugin to play videos. Considering all these differences, one needs to make their choice according to their requirements.

Summary:

1. The languages included in Flex are Action Script and MXML, whereas AJAX includes HTML, JavaScript and XML.

2. Flex takes more time to learn than AJAX.

3. AJAX is considered for tactical improvements, whereas Flex is preferred for strategic implementations.

4. Flex is preferred for larger RIAs, whereas AJAX is considered more for smaller RIA deployments.

5. Flex provides native support to animation, bitmap manipulation and video and audio streaming, whereas AJAX extends limited support to them.

6. Rendering HTML within an application is fully supported by AJAX, but Flex provides it with very limited support.

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