How can I start Flex?

[Rajib Nath]

I have vivid knowledge in ActionScript2.0. From that point I want to jump into Flex2.0. To achieve this I have study Java, so that I could grab Flex2.0.
Anybody is there to guide me how can I start Flex2.0, so that I can contribute something in this blog
It would be helpful for me if anybody send me any links and/or reference book to buy.

[Terry Allen]

Rajib,

Sorry this post is so late, things have been very busy the last few months! If you have not already exceeded this point, my best advice is to start at flex.org and work through the tutorials. After that make sure you bookmark the Adobe Livedocs and start out by choosing a standard Flex component such as the DataGrid (probably not the best choice to start with depending on your previous programming experience.) and then creating simple applications based on this component.

I started out by designing a simple web site and following through all of the tutorials I could find on Adobe's web site. I also listened to the pod cast provided by http://www.theflexshow.com/ starting with the first episode. Although it is not a 'learn flex' podcast, it worked wonders in keeping my interest in the subject and looking forward to some of the things I would be able to do (and use) later such as Cairngorm.

After I had worked with several standard Flex components and understood the basics I decided to create a simple application that used several of the components I had learned about. Basically in my case it is a CVSS Calculator that also ties into a database and has grown into a very nice in-house application for my employer. When you run into problems you will find that the community is very helpful, especially the flex mailing list (flexcoders is awesome! but be prepared for a LOT of mail :) )

Basics:

1) Read the Programming in Flex guide and do the tutorials available at http://www.adobe.com/devnet/flex/?navID=gettingstarted if it helps buy a Flex book. So far I have not had to buy any Flex books, although I did buy the ActionScript book by written by Mook.

2) Start working with the components that you learn about. Focus on one at a time and try to make it do different things in little mini-apps. The main point of this is to avoid being overwhelmed. Pay particular attention to events and try to grasp how they work in Flex.

3) Once you are comfortable working with the individual components start thinking of an application that you could make that does not require outside resources such as Cairngorm or something (that was one mistake I made.. I tried to start on an application that was entirely out of my liege and this set me back at least a month.. In my case I tried learning Ruby on Rails and Flex at the same time. This is possible for some, but I have a house full of kids and a full time job. Much simpler to learn AS3 and Flex and THEN tie into RoR or other things.

4) Get comfortable with ActionScript 3.0. The book by Mook worked for me. I am still working through it, but I do not have a programming background (more of a proghacking background. I used to program like building with lego's. Very ugly, and it took a LOT of time.)

5) I don't know because I am still learning :) I have finally decided to find a quiet office space in my house where I cannot be easily interrupted by family members.

Good luck to you and have fun!

Terry

[Rajib Nath]

Thank you Terry.
I could not start the Flex in a positive away. I was beating the bush to learn the Flex. Yes, you rightly said to follow the livedoc. But apart from that is there any other way to learn Flex? I mean is there any book that can guide me well to understand the Flex. I have the book of O'relly. Apart from that is there any book which has some sample codes to understand the Flex?
Once again thanks for your kind help.

[Terry Allen]

Here is an article that addresses many fears that developers coming from Actionscript 1 and 2 have put forth:

http://www.insideria.com/2008/01/actionscript-30-is-it-hard-or.html

Basically, Colin Mook states that although AS3 is Object oriented and can be used to make very complex programs, many of the features will not be needed by most people. I did not use any Flex books in my learning process so far, just the code samples that are available on the web. Also, when trying to decide on a flex component you can use the Flex Component browser.

The hardest part of using Flex that I have experienced so far is actually trying to tie into Facebook with an application that needs to use a database and the Facebook data at the same time. This has been very frustrating for me so far. I will continue to look through source code published by others and hope that I will get a flash of insight and be able to resolve my problem.

Have you looked for Flex at Amazon and checked the reviews? They may be able to help you find what you need.

Best wishes,

Terry