Datasheet

The Adobe Integrated Runtime includes the Flash Player as one of its critical components. Other
components include a Web browser kernel to execute HTML, CSS and JavaScript, and APIs for
local file access and data storage. But the version of the Flash Player that’s included with AIR is the
same as the one that runs on users’ systems as a Web browser plug-in or ActiveX control. As a
result, any functionality that you include in a Flex application should work the same regardless of
whether the application is deployed to the Web or the desktop.
The diagram in Figure 1.5 describes the architectural difference between the Flash Player’s deploy-
ment in a Web browser versus the Adobe Integrated Runtime.
FIGURE 1.5
Flash Player installed with a Web browser versus the Adobe Integrated Runtime
Learning a little history about the Flash Player
FutureWave Software originally created a product called Future Splash Animator, which in turn
evolved from a product called SmartSketch. The player for the animations was Java-based and was
the ancestor of the current Adobe Flash Player. After its purchase by Macromedia, the product was
renamed and released in 1996 as Macromedia Flash 1.0.
The product went through a steady evolution, starting with basic Web animation and eventually
becoming a full-featured programming environment with rich media (video and audio) hosting
capabilities.
During its time with Macromedia, Flash (the IDE) was packaged as part the Studio bundle and
was integrated with other Studio products such as Dreamweaver and Fireworks. Macromedia
Web browser
Web deployment model
Flash
Player
Flash Player called as ActiveX or plug-in
Flash Player and Web browser
integrated into runtime
Flash
Player
Web
browser
Adobe Integrated Runtime (AIR)
Desktop deployment model
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Flex Fundamentals
Part I
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