Eclipse E4 & SWT: A Real Flash/Flex Killer
Joining existing “Flash/Flex Killer” solutions (Silverlight & JavaFX), here comes a real threat Eclipse E4 & SWT. Instead of pushing for a new platform, Eclipse has come out a really brilliant idea. The latest Eclipse version provides a framework which enables Java programmers to compile Java codes into swf files. Compared to Silverlight and JavaFX solutions, the stmart point is there’s no effort needed to force users to install plugins for their browsers. Since the end result is the same, a bunch of swf files, Flash & Flex users will face a huge crowd of Java competitors. Even though the file size is pretty huge (2-3mb) for a simple file, but it’s not a issue for current internet speed and it’s totally not a problem for desktop applications.
This is only the first round of attack from other programming languages. Soon we’ll see more languages that can compile swf files, C#, Ruby and Python for example. Comparing ActionScript with other programming languages, there is no obvious advantage. In fact, other languages are well established and well supported. Seasoned Java or C# programmers would be able to apply their existing experience and knowledge to participate in this RIA war.
The era of high demand for Flash & Flex developers is ending.
pretty bold statement at the end, as long as the market is spreading demand will be high, another important thing is that Flash developers are less paid then Java and C# developers
at the end of the day, if you are real programmer languages does not matter and you will praise opportunity to do amazing staff on Flash platform no matter how you code it
@MrSteel, very valid points. Come to think about it, other programmers are earning more than actionscript programmers. I think this is mainly because Flash doesn’t have much real commercial projects and that’s why Adobe has been pushing Flex so hard for RIA.
Maybe my statement is to harsh but I really feel the pressure from the fact other programming languages can achieve what Flash can do. I have much less confident if I stand beside a Java programmer who has been developing applications since 1990.
There is no doubt that Flash is currently under some form of threats, from what is mentioned here for example, but the most threatening are the rise of blogs, beautiful CSS/AJAX websites (static HTMLsites are not how it used to be already), even Apple is forbidding Flash on the iPhone , although Adobe has been working very aggressively with Apple. The new Flash Player 10 will be deployed on most smartphones which is quite a relieve.
Even though Java, C# programmers might be able to script for Flash, at the end of the day it’s the beauty of the end result that matters, from a layman client’s point of view if they like what they see, it really doesn’t matter which scripting language was used. If a Flash programmer can build elegant UI / UX better than a Java programmer, he/she still have an edge. The new Eclipse E4 & SWT is just another tool for Java and C# to explore or port their apps into another platform.
Recently Adobe launched the Open Screen Project in which Flash developers can build RIAs for the smartphone, TV and desktop, in all platforms, while pumping $1million into this project encouraging Flash developers to build apps, I’m really excited about this, the more Adobe spreads the player across multiple platforms, the more in demand a Flash developer is. Check it out if you haven’t http://www.openscreenproject.org/
@Ben, totally agree with your points. Very valid point on the CSS threat. I’ve also more keen to build HTML sites. A hybrid of Flash and HTML is a great solution.
being more experienced dosen’t necessarily mean you are a better programmer, see the below link to get what im getting at.
http://www.codinghorror.com/blog/archives/000072.html
On a more positive note, we are seeing increased competition in your RIA space, specifically because it is a growing market with untapped potential. So isn’t it great that we are solution providers on one of the leading platforms that people want to get on to?
I also agree with Ben, that other than programming fundamentals, there is a gap in knowledge before programmer steeped in experience in a more traditional language can be productive as a multimedia programmer.
This levels the playing field somewhat as long time programmers of Actionscript, and more traditionally trained programmers both have to cover a significant amount of ground to be effective.
I do believe that as the RIA space matures, we will need to diversify our skillsets so that we can provide better and more well rounded solutions to our clients. but that does not mean that we need to chase every buzzword worthy technological advancement. Especially if you are looking to separate yourself from the good, as one of the greats in future.
My rationale on this point is that, everyone is different. Different as in different strengths and different weaknesses. We can’t be good at everything. Im a firm believer In playing to my strengths and doing just enough to cover my weaknesses.
Whether or not you agree with me, I believe that each of the above posters, has in his own way already specialized in their craft, such that they can take advantage of their own unique set of strengths.
This post shows, that you at least are not keeping your head in the sand, and that you are observing the trends that may shape the future of our craft. as long as you keep doing so, and take the correct steps to hone your craft, you will continue to remain competitive, and provide value to your clients.
P.S sorry for not commenting for ages, it was a pretty hectic towards the end of last year.