Macromedia MX: Building Rich Internet Applications [With CDROM]

by Robert Reinhardt and Simon Allardice

Macromedia's new MX family of software products introduces a new tier of Web development and production to the existing skill sets of Web designers and developers. While most readers are familiar with... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0321158814
• ISBN13: 9780321158819
• Release Date: February 2003
• Publisher: Macromedia Press
• Length: 646 Pages
• Weight: 2.49 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.4" x 7.5" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

Leading Edge Solutions Linking Flash with Databases & More!

This is a really interesting book. I am a long time Flash developer (since Flash 4) looking to expand my knowledge into areas such as integrating databases with Flash front-ends, learning more about the new Flash Comm Server, and incorporating Cold Fusion into my designs (I am also an intermediate ActionScript programmer). Well, this is the book to do it. Flash Remoting, Flash Comm Server, Cold Fusion MX, and even a bit on Dreamweaver MX (exclusively on server-side applications) is covered in the book. There is also a chapter on Web Services, which is very enlightning. There is a lot of new information and technologies for Flash developers to absorb. The book has excellent examples and a companion web site with a forum. Overall, an excellent choice especially those wanting to learn the Flash Comm Server. This book should be flying off the shelves! Get it!

An Honest Review

Have you ever looked at your parent's book collection? Notice how they tend to pick up books by the same author, time and time again. I can say that after reading the first 8 chapters of Building Rich Internet Applications that I will be looking for more titles from both of these authors. First of all the title of this book is a little misleading,because it delivers A LOT more than just information and hands on demonstrations for building RIA w/MX. Other things you'll learn- Object-oriented programming concepts and practice.- Proper coding syntax for writing actionscript.- How to use actionscript to create a user interface with flash.- How to write ColdFusion components that allow Flash to access databases via Flash Remoting.These are just a few things I have picked up on after reading about half of the book. You will also learn how to put together a nice workflow process for a dynamic site from the database to the UI. There is also a great website that goes with the book where you'll ACTUALLY get to communicate with the authors directly.That's all for now... After I finish the book I'll have to come back and let you know how the rest of it went. I recommend this book for anyone at any skill level who has an interest in extending Flash to it's full capabilities.

Complex Topics, Easy to Follow

In this their latest book, Reinhardt and Allardice have written a wonderfully comprehensive, easily understandable explanation of the numerous new technologies (Flash Communication Server, Flash Remoting) with which Macromedia is radically changing the Web. Their thorough explanations satisfy both the needs of the newbie, and the desires of the expert. I am highly recommending this book for consumption by all of my University students.

The Definitive RIA Companion

Everything I need for building RIAs all under one cover. I highly recommend this book. The explanations in the book are thorough, lucid and well-written. I expect nothing less from these two writers.

Excellent resource from two leading experts

I received my copy of Macromedia MX: Building Rich Internet Applications today, and I am very impressed. Robert and Simon do an excellent job of making the MX suite of products really accessible to beginning AND advanced developers, and I think everyone can find something of value in the book. I think they achieved a good balance between theory and hands-on, practical exercises in order to help you to not only grasp the concepts, but also learn how to apply those concepts to real application development.I think it is important to point out that this book is not intended to replace other books that address each of the products/technologies in depth. Instead, I see that this book does two very important things: First of all, it helps readers find a really solid starting place with all these technologies in order to know what does what and how. And secondly, this book complements other related books in that it is the only book (that I know of) that shows you how to integrate all these products to produce rich internet applications.As always, Robert and Simon have translated their knowledge, expertise, and experience into a format that is easy and enjoyable to read. I have worked together with both Simon and Robert, and it is a real treat to see the fruits of their collaboration. Macromedia MX: Building Rich Internet Applications is a real winner.