The Future Of Flash In Web Development
- By Sammy Kirkland
- Published 01/29/2011
- Web Development
- Unrated
Apple recently made a big move against Flash first by excluding it in the iPad and then by saying that it's time is over. But the use of Flash is probably too diverse and important for developers to let it go any time soon. These are some of the arguments why.
1. Video streaming
Video is taking shape in new media. Flash has ruled this segment of the web for a long time. But now comes HTML5. Even though some claim that HTML5 is ready for video streaming, it's in fact not. HTML5 doesn't support streaming nor progressive play. Additionally there is no support for live broadcasting, or teleconferencing. Most of these can be achieved only with Flash.
2. Input support
Flash is implemented for input by major websites for example for video and audio capture, file uploading and even in reality online shows. Also, Flash has just introduced full support for touch screens and gestures; we'll be going to see some cool things evolving from this in the near future!
3. Gaming
The majority of online games require flash to be installed on the computer.
There are some technologies that are required for the browser-based games to evolve: object-oriented programming aid, 3D frameworks, advanced math calculations, collision recognition, contextual FPS, full-screen layer, event model, P2P (this has been around for over a year now), fast graphic filters (such as pixel bender), gesture support, RTMP and AMF protocols for rapid and accurate data synchronization, the ability to send objects through these connections (not just string variables), and media servers especially made for data synchronization just to name a few.
Flash works well these technologies and is the purpose why many
game developers go for it.
4. Online banners
Flash is the secret to interactive and impressive banners. It is not too strenuous and is so much better than GIF or JPG. Flash banners can be created to look like high definition movies, yet much lighter than the video itself and include interactive controls.
5. Web applications
Web2.0 brought with it a lot of impressive server based apps. Some apps are designed to run heavily on the client side. Javascript and HTML5 are too low performing to be practical here. Highly sophisticated applications like Picnik, Aviary, Google Apps and more are difficult to build using HTML5 and Javascript.
6. Tools, frameworks, components
Earlier on, creating flash applications and websites was very complicated especially when it came to scripting. But now there are many resources, frameworks and features some free and some premium that have made the once challenging tasks a lot easier for web designers.
7. Security & protection
Flash offers the best way to protect both the end user and the subject matter. Hacking Flash is not a simple task, for one because the Flash Player cannot take control of the computer or mobile phone. The content is also in a format that is protected from abuses and not easy to gain access to.
8. Cross-platform
Flash is the finest cross-platform technology that enables users of different devices and operating systems to access and create rich media content at the highest level of performance. Sad to say, some less capable devices will not support multitasking and processor-consuming tasks and therefore they will not be able to run Flash. However, the strong competition in the market will make this "unadapted" devices to fall behind just like the iPhone 3GS is currently losing ground in the fight with the much powerful Android.
1. Video streaming
Video is taking shape in new media. Flash has ruled this segment of the web for a long time. But now comes HTML5. Even though some claim that HTML5 is ready for video streaming, it's in fact not. HTML5 doesn't support streaming nor progressive play. Additionally there is no support for live broadcasting, or teleconferencing. Most of these can be achieved only with Flash.
2. Input support
Flash is implemented for input by major websites for example for video and audio capture, file uploading and even in reality online shows. Also, Flash has just introduced full support for touch screens and gestures; we'll be going to see some cool things evolving from this in the near future!
3. Gaming
The majority of online games require flash to be installed on the computer.
There are some technologies that are required for the browser-based games to evolve: object-oriented programming aid, 3D frameworks, advanced math calculations, collision recognition, contextual FPS, full-screen layer, event model, P2P (this has been around for over a year now), fast graphic filters (such as pixel bender), gesture support, RTMP and AMF protocols for rapid and accurate data synchronization, the ability to send objects through these connections (not just string variables), and media servers especially made for data synchronization just to name a few.
Flash works well these technologies and is the purpose why many
4. Online banners
Flash is the secret to interactive and impressive banners. It is not too strenuous and is so much better than GIF or JPG. Flash banners can be created to look like high definition movies, yet much lighter than the video itself and include interactive controls.
5. Web applications
Web2.0 brought with it a lot of impressive server based apps. Some apps are designed to run heavily on the client side. Javascript and HTML5 are too low performing to be practical here. Highly sophisticated applications like Picnik, Aviary, Google Apps and more are difficult to build using HTML5 and Javascript.
6. Tools, frameworks, components
Earlier on, creating flash applications and websites was very complicated especially when it came to scripting. But now there are many resources, frameworks and features some free and some premium that have made the once challenging tasks a lot easier for web designers.
7. Security & protection
Flash offers the best way to protect both the end user and the subject matter. Hacking Flash is not a simple task, for one because the Flash Player cannot take control of the computer or mobile phone. The content is also in a format that is protected from abuses and not easy to gain access to.
8. Cross-platform
Flash is the finest cross-platform technology that enables users of different devices and operating systems to access and create rich media content at the highest level of performance. Sad to say, some less capable devices will not support multitasking and processor-consuming tasks and therefore they will not be able to run Flash. However, the strong competition in the market will make this "unadapted" devices to fall behind just like the iPhone 3GS is currently losing ground in the fight with the much powerful Android.
Sammy Kirkland
Sammy Kirkland in site programmingand design. If you'd like to know more about our services, please visit our x-cart web design page and our wonderful cs-cart customization page.
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