Phonegap or Flex

Question

I want to create my first mobile application.

I am wondering whether to use Flex or PhoneGap.

I'm not a strong developer, but I have great skills in ActionScript 3 - that's why I would think about using Flex.

I don't know too much about PhoneGap, but my CSS and HTML4 / 5 skills are excellent, and my jquery / javascript is fine. Is that really all PhoneGap requires, or do I need database skills?

I read about FlashBuilder, but from what I understand, and correct me, if I'm wrong, I will need to code in one of the Eclipse-based plugin languages: Java, C ++, Ruby, COBOL, etc. I don't know any of them, so if I can stick with actionscript 3 using Flex or PhoneGap with HTML / Javascript / CSS, then that would be ideal.

Finally, if I take the time to really learn Flex, do you think that it will eventually disappear and be replaced by PhoneGap?

Answer 1

If you decide to go with Flex, then you will code in a combination of ActionScript and MXML. No knowledge of Java (or C ++, Ruby, Cobol, etc.) is required. Check out the Adobe Flex tutorial for a week - http://www.adobe.com/devnet/flex/videotraining.html - this will give you a good idea of ​​what flex development is all about.

Regarding Flex’s long-term flexibility, Flex was recently handed over to the Apache Foundation (more details here http://www.riagora.com/2012/01/apache-flex-and-the-community/ ).

Answer 2

Flash packer works great, its ease of use, and there is no need for skills in the native language. The problem is that if you want to access certain built-in functions, say that the camera or something like that is unlucky for you.

Phonegap is the bridge between HTML / CSS / JS and native code. You can program your application in the same way as a web application, and then connect it using the phonegap API to create your own system calls. You do not need to have extensive knowledge of native code (obj-c and java), but this is useful if you know a little or at least want to learn.

I used both options, and both of them work fine, but telephone correspondence is the best cross-platform solution. If you try to deploy the Flash application for Android, your users will have to download Adobe Flash before they can launch your application.