Ted On Flash: 1 - One Solid Flex Release 2.0.1

1 - One Solid Flex Release 2.0.1

DIGG IT! 31 Comments Published Thursday, January 04, 2007 at 9:06 PM .

One Solid Flex Release 2.0.1...
No more numbers or cryptic blog posts!
Let's talk about Flex Builder 2.0.1, the best release of Flex ever. If you are making Flex applications, this release is a must have on many levels. 2.0.1 is 80% quality and 20% key features in support for runtime CSS, modules, and support for OSX. There are lots of engineers and beta customers that worked hard to make this release of Flex the very best.

So let's back up a bit and look back over the past release. The Flex 2.0.0 release was massive. The release saw simultaneous release of Flex SDK, Flex Builder, Flex Data Services, MXML and ActionScript 3 compilers, Flash Player 9 including a JIT compiler, completely new player APIS, DOM Events, an E4X implementation, Binary Sockets, an entire suite of re-written components, and amazing documentation and examples. 2.0.0 release was serious and very large. But there were things we missed, things that could only be found when larger scale development started atop Flex in the real world. As hard as you try, software is a science of imperfection and only with lots of eyes and real-world use can quality be improved. Software does not get better in a vacuum, it improves because people use it and find issues and report them. The nature of 2.0.1 was to remove barriers holding developers back and delivery a hardened and polished release ready for serious development. I believe that with 2.0.1 Flex has really arrived. This is why I did a countdown and why I am very excited about the release.

We didn't stop at quality though, we added some new things to Flex. We added features that development teams need to be successful on large projects cross-platform. These features push things beyond a dot release in my mind, the #1 in 2.0.1 really means something. So lets talk about the features that I am excited about:

1. Runtime CSS - Load CSS and style your application on the fly. Before this CSS was baked into apps at compile time. Many developers requested runtime style support and flex team delivered.

2. Modules - Thanks Roger! Modules allow Flex applications and logic to be broken into smaller chunks and loaded at runtime. This is really the addition of distributed components into Flex. Modules support a high and low level interface in that they can be as simple as loading an SWF, or as complex implementing the Factory pattern. In a nutshell, they rock and get my vote for the coolest feature.

3. Ready for Apollo - Flex 2.0.1 was modified in preparation for Apollo in several ways. The team looked at several features needed for Apollo's success and these were added to Flex 2.0.1. The 2.0.1 release supports (not included) the Apollo development plug-in that makes creation of Apollo apps easy. Duane has some photos of this on his blog. Best way to put it, 2.0.1 paves the way for the Apollo preview release later this year.

If you are looking to create Apollo applications, then Flex 2.0.1 is ready to support you today. If you download the Flex 2.0.1 SDK or Builder you will have access to what I believe is the primary development toolset for Apollo. Want to leverage Apollo? Then it is time to learn Flex.

4. OSX - I switched to OSX 3 months ago because I got access to Flex Builder on the MAC. I have zero need for Windows now and the only remaining winXP machine is my presentation laptop. Java on OSX is first class and you will find that Flex Builder is much more stable on Mac than on Windows. The JVM on OSX is dramatically better and with extra RAM and edited JVM settings, OSX Flex Builder is the best IDE I have used. The extensibility of Eclipse, the rock solid performance of OSX on x86 adds up to a great toolset. I am very proud to be attending my first MacWorld next week and I will be demoing on my MacBook Pro with pride. It took Flex Builder going to OSX to allow me to switch platforms and ditch Windows for good.

I am taking the Flex countdown to 1 now and await the final go ahead to post the new Flex badge. I thank you for your patience on the Flex Countdown and I hope the postings have been a pleasant diversion from my normal banter. No more counting, it is time to code some Flex 2.0.1.

Best part about this release? Notice there isn't a new Flash Player? This will be a trend to watch moving forward. Now that the base stack of Flex is rock solid in player/compiler/language it is time to start development of higher level Flex. The plan is to deliver on the same player and make the development model even better. More on this in the near future...

Go Flex!
Kudos to the Flex Team!
Kudos to Flex Developers!
Go Flex!

Ted :)

Flex 2.0.1 Builder two OSX
1+1 . 1-1 . 1-0...

We are really close to go live on the Flex 2.0.1 download. Sorry for the confusion here we are almost ready for go time.

Add the Flex Badge to your site and be the first to download new Flex bits! As soon as bits post the badge will update:

31 Responses to “1 - One Solid Flex Release 2.0.1”

# Anonymous January 4, 2007 10:59 PM

You guys seriously rule. Thanks for making this an awesome environment.

Quick question: I have currently one license for Flex 2 Windows, will this allow me to use the Mac implentation as well?
# xeal January 5, 2007 12:26 AM

I clicked on the big banner with "Download now Flex 2.0.1" which redirected me to the Flex 2 trial version dld page.
After downloading it I've discovered that it's not the updated version Hmmm... was I too quick? :)

Also, I hoped that I can just update FB2 by doing a simple Update (like any Eclipse app/plugin) but this does not seem to work too.

So how can I update my (licensed w/ charts) copy of FB2?
# xeal January 5, 2007 12:59 AM

I see that the banner with "Download now Flex 2.0.1" has been removed...

I'll be back :)
# Robert January 5, 2007 2:18 AM

The 2.0.1 Fb for Mac downlaoded and installed fine for me from the trial page. :) Woot!

Question about licenses:

On the FAQ page for Flex here, item #23:
http://www.adobe.com/products/flex/productinfo/faq/#item-23

�If I buy Flex Builder for Windows, can I transfer that license to Mac OS when it ships?
Final plans are not yet in place; however, Adobe will work to put a simple program in place that meets the needs of our Macintosh developer base.�

Now that 2.0.1 is out the door, is there any further/updated info on whether or not we can use our Windows licenses/serial's for Flex Builder and Charting to move over to the Mac version of FB 2.0.1 and Charting components?

Thanks Ted!
Rob
# Yakov January 5, 2007 4:08 AM

Ted,
I'm also considering buying MacPro, but your phrase "Flex Builder is much more stable on Mac than on Windows" may get you in trouble :)
Some people will interpret it as follows: "Flex Builder is a lot less stable in Windows than in Mac, but we are using Windows. Why bother?"

On the side note, what stops you from getting rid of your XP laptop?
# UnitZeroOne January 5, 2007 6:11 AM

Great! Just starting on a new Flex app, but where is the update download for windows ?
# Cutter January 5, 2007 6:36 AM

Ted,

My larger question is, will it (and the RDS features) completely work within the current version of Eclipse (3.2.1) or are we required to continue to maintain the older, less feature complete Eclipse solely for doing Flex development?
# Ted Patrick January 5, 2007 6:44 AM

Cutter,

Lots of information flowing in today. Let me find out what the story is. I want to make sure to provide accurate information on these important details and that takes time. I wish I knew everything but I am just one person on a team of many.

I pulled the counter back to 1.0 given some late work on the downloads site. The OSX build of 2.0.1 is posted but I am not sure if the WIN 2.0.1 is posted. Someone reported it wasn't so I err'd on the side of caution.

More to come today, doing my best here.

Ted :)
# Ted Patrick January 5, 2007 7:03 AM

Yakov,

In my subjective testing on both platforms, Eclipse on OSX is now more stable and runs faster than on Windows. WindowsXP SP2 is not ideal for running Java apps due to memory management of virtual machine applications (with the exception of .NET...hmmmm...).

It is my very biased opinion here that Java apps on OSX are just plain faster. This effects Eclipse , Flex Builder, and Flex SDK compilation stages. Both platforms are stable but OSX gives me zero delay and compilation seems faster.

My dependency on my presentation Windows laptop are due to my being cautious about switching. I wanted to do it gradually over 3 months vs over a weekend. I have had to learn and configure new apps for IM, email, ftp, command line, browsers, and editors. Also I have had to learn to become productive on OSX and that takes some time.

With a solid Eclipse on OSX, many of these issues have now evaporated and with Flex Builder 2.0.1 there, I am ready to pull all my examples, presos, demos, and code off of my laptop.

It is nice to be able to switch and have my primary application be rock solid in my new digs.

Internally at Adobe there are MacBookPro and MacPro machines everywhere. I would bet that over 50% of the engineers have one now given testing on OSX and leveraging Parallels for any other OS. I run FreeBSD, Ubuntu, Vista, and XP in Parallels for testing.

I switched over and have been suprized how great OSX really is for daily work. Nothing like BSD UNIX at the core. I am suspect too that with Java going open source, we are going to see JVM support jump big time on OSX and Unixes.

Blue skys!

Ted :)
# Mike January 5, 2007 7:07 AM

Hey Ted, now that we have an OSX, you guys shouldn't be far off of Linux compatibility right? I understand this would depend on FP 9 for Linux getting finished up as well.

Any thoughts or plans revolving around that?

Thanks,
Mike.
# Tom January 5, 2007 7:22 AM

No new player ? What's this I hear about debugging support on Linux ?
# Ted Patrick January 5, 2007 8:07 AM

In regards to "No new Player", I should have said that Flex is not targeting a new Flash Player standard with this release. The goal is to support the Flash Player 9 release SWF standard for a long time. This makes Flex attractive to larger scale projects of a 5+ year lifespan.

No idea on the Linux specifics regarding releases for debug players. Again lots of info coming in the next few weeks.

Ted
# Anonymous January 5, 2007 9:00 AM

Adobe should really provide better licensing solutions for Freelancers who are forced nowadays to have a multi-os setup. I run XP on my desktop & OSX on my laptop and don't want to spend twice the money to get a license for both platforms. According to the EULA you can always install a second copy on a laptop as long as you don't use them together. Just a little rant that bothered me :)

Anyway: great news on the Mac release, now bring on the Win download!
# Mike January 5, 2007 9:14 AM

Something I forgot to ask earlier...

We are still waiting on the actual updaters right? Or do we need to reinstall entirely for this.

Thanks again,
Mike.
# Anonymous January 5, 2007 9:15 AM

I am still a little confused. Is the Flex 2.0.1 SDK ready for download?
# Chris Sharon January 5, 2007 9:15 AM

"edited JVM settings" - would you like to expand on that? :)

Also, any word on transferring my windows licenses? I would hate to have several licenses for an os that we don't use. Every time I have to launch Parallels to run windows, I feel like crying.
# Chris Sharon January 5, 2007 11:27 AM

Never mind I got my answer about the trade-in for Mac.
http://www.adobe.com/products/flex/productinfo/faq/#item-39

Awesome!!!!!!!

Thanks Adobe
# Chapman January 5, 2007 11:34 AM

Some nice free Flex videos for those wanting a briefer... http://dohowto.com/flex
# Ali Daniali January 5, 2007 11:55 AM

In regards to FB2.0.1 for Mac, I went to get the trial version from the Adobe site. When I start the download I'm prompted to download the following file FLB_2.0_Mac_WWE.dmg. Now it's still downloading, but I'm wondering if this is the latest Mac installer. Any help would be nice. Thanks Ted.
# Joc January 5, 2007 2:09 PM

is there some where to report bugs?

I downloaded it for Mac but I'm just getting build errors with an empty application which I didn't get with the trial.

1023: Incompatible override. NewTesting line 11 1168030893858 3453
1144: Interface method create in namespace mx.core:IFlexModuleFactory is implemented with an incompatible signature in class _Test1_mx_managers_SystemManager. NewTesting line 7 1168030893859 3454
1144: Interface method create in namespace mx.core:IFlexModuleFactory is implemented with an incompatible signature in class _Test1_mx_managers_SystemManager. NewTesting line 7 1168030893860 3455
# Ali Daniali January 5, 2007 2:09 PM

So according to this Adobe FAQ (http://www.adobe.com/products/flex/productinfo/faq/), you have to call Adobe Customer service to get your FB2.0.1 serial for the Mac.

Also here is more info I found about the Mac version delay...
http://weblogs.macromedia.com/flexteam/archives/2007/01/flex_201_is_her.cfm

So here is my experience with Adobe Customer Service so far...

I called Adobe Customer Service to get a cross platform serial (I have FB2 for Windows and now have a MBP) for FB2.0.1.

After an hour and ten minutes (35 min of hold time) on the phone, the story I got from Amanda (Sales Rep) was the following.

1) I needed to fill out and fax back to Adobe a document called "Letter of Software Destruction",

2) then call BACK into Adobe and give them my case number,

3) where they will release the order and have it shipped to me.

Even though my original order was the download version, I have to pay for the shipping on actual media that needs to be sent, as they don't have the download version available!

Anyways if you are in the same boat, and what I experienced is truly normal, be long hold times and the paperwork.

I wish Adobe would treat us Mac people better. :(
# Jeffry Houser January 5, 2007 3:03 PM

It took me a while to find it, but this is where to go to download the updater:

http://www.adobe.com/support/flex/downloads_updaters.html

The big banner on this blog goes to the "full product" download. I do not know if the "full product" download is the new version (or not).
# Robert January 5, 2007 4:29 PM

For what its worth, I just got finished with customer service, and although I had a long hold time, I was able to exchange my windows license for a Mac version - woot! I did have to fill out the form as Ali mentioned, and there was a shipping charge - but it was only $6.36 - not much at all, and totally worth it to me for the privilege to exchange the license and get a brand new copy of the media and manual. Well done Adobe!
# Anonymous January 5, 2007 11:34 PM

I know it's an extremely tiny thing, but any idea when we'll get the new Icon branding?

I was hoping 2.0.1 would have it, but after installing the trial version on my Mac it's using a tweaked, but still spherical dock icon with the old font rather than the new Periodic Table icon that was shown and that the PS CS3 beta is using.
# sectore January 11, 2007 9:20 AM

"edited JVM settings"
Does it means that you changed your arguments for Eclipse like described on eclipsezone.com: http://eclipsezone.com/eclipse/forums/t61618.html?

I figured it out on my Powerbook (OS X 10.4.8 / FB 2.0.1), started Eclipse over the commandline ./eclipse -Xms1024m -Xmx1024m and my Flex Builder runs really smoother. Great.

Cheers,
sectore
--
www.websector.de
# FrankieShakes January 11, 2007 1:02 PM

sectore,

How much RAM do you have on your Powerbook? I've got a 12" and am wondering if the "-Xms1024m -Xmx1024m" flags you have need to be tweaked based on the available memory.
# sectore January 12, 2007 1:35 AM

FrankieShakes,

currently I have 2 GB RAM on my Powerbook (1.5 GHz PowerPC G4).

You will find a lot of performance tips on Adobes Flex cookbook beta website as well:
Improve performance of Flex Builder 2 IDE

Cheers,
sectore
--
www.websector.de
# barry.b May 20, 2007 6:12 AM

Ted, I find it hard to believe your hyperbole about Flexbuilder. You really should get out more

Flexbuilder is barely adequate and the whole Eclipse platform is performance-poor and buggy. it's barely better than notepad but is the only game in town.

and the bloody thing has blown up again! I'm over it man, I really am...
# George June 29, 2008 2:18 AM

great news on the Mac release
# Alex Griffin July 12, 2008 6:08 AM

It is my very biased opinion here that Java apps on OSX are just plain faster. This effects Eclipse , Flex Builder, and Flex SDK compilation stages. Both platforms are stable but OSX gives me zero delay and compilation seems faster.
# Karl Kiss July 13, 2008 9:59 AM

Great! Just starting on a new Flex app, but where is the update download for windows ?

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Note: This is the personal blog of Ted Patrick. The opinions and statements voiced here are my own.

1 - One Solid Flex Release 2.0.1

31 Responses to “1 - One Solid Flex Release 2.0.1”

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