Flex | Ryan Campbell

26Aug/0944

Using MXML without Flex (Example and Source)

I made a few minor changes to the MinimalComps project from Keith Peters and got it playing nicely with MXML. The below application compiles to a tiny 23KB yet makes use of MXML and even data binding.

I added only 2 new extra classes (Container and Application). Container simply adds the ability to add child DisplayObjects via MXML. Application extends Container and handles configuring the stage.

The only changes I made to the existing MinimalComps classes was adding a few metadata tags and modified VBox and HBox to extend Container.

View or download the full source code.

Here's the source for the main mxml file:

Note: This has nothing to do with the new framework we are building. I just wanted to show off how easy it is to use MXML without Flex.

View or download the full source code.

Filed under: Flex, MXML, MinimalComps 44 Comments

22Jan/093

OpenFlux DataGrid Component (with view source)

I previously wouldn't have even thought of developing my own DataGrid component from scratch but with OpenFlux's help it's super easy (Or at least easy enough to want to attempt it). Over the last couple days I've spent my spare time developing an extremely flexible DataGrid component and if you view source, compared to the standard Flex DataGrid, you'll see there isn't a lot of code behind it.

The component is actually a grouping of multiple sub components including DataGridColumn, DataGridHeader, DataGridRow, DataGridCell which all extend either List or ListItem giving instant selection and drag/drop functionality. You can easily hook up your own custom controllers and views to add any functionality you desire.

Be sure to play around with the example below and view source to see how it all works. My only note is I'm having some SVN issues so this isn't yet committed to the OpenFlux project.

Filed under: DataGrid, Flex, OpenFlux 3 Comments

17Sep/085

OpenFlux + Degrafa = FluxCharts

Last night I started playing around with the new GeometryRepeater/PropertyModifier classes in Degrafa and decided it would be fun to create an OpenFlux chart component. The code consists of a Chart model class (currently just has a data Array property) and 3 mxml views. You can change the view at runtime to a pie, line or column chart.

The app is below with view source enabled. So far the component is really simple and doesn't even have a controller. I plan on developing it further but wanted to show it off at the early stage so you can see how simple it is to get started creating a custom OpenFlux component.

I will be posting updates as I add more functionality. Let me know any ideas you have for what you would like to see.

View Source Code

Filed under: Degrafa, Flex, FluxCharts, OpenFlux 5 Comments

10Sep/082

Customizing the OpenFlux ScrollBar

At the 360|Flex Day 1 Keynote, Mark Anders presented on Flex 4, Thermo and Flash Player 10 (video here). One of his demos was a custom scroll bar that was easily built with Flex 4/Thermo, but complicated with Flex 3. I've created a similar scroll bar using OpenFlux below with view source enabled. You'll be pleased to see how little code is involved. Making use of OpenFlux+Degrafa all customizations were done in MXML with not a drop of AS3 code required.

View Source Code

Filed under: 360Flex, Flex, OpenFlux 2 Comments

13Aug/080

Plexiglass: 3D Components Made Easy at 360|Flex

In the time since 360|Flex Atlanta, Ben and I have made a lot of progress on OpenFlux. The majority of my focus has been on what's called Plexiglass. It consists of an alternate view class, 3D layouts and cameras allowing you to create 3D components with as little as a couple lines of mxml or css.

We've still got a ways to go, OpenFlux is still in alpha release, but I'm really happy with what we've done so far and I can't wait to show it off. My session at 360|Flex will give you a great idea on what's currently possible, how to get started and future plans. Not to mention some sweet demos with full source code provided.

I'll also be looking to the crowd to drum up discussion on where to go next with the project. Although OpenFlux has been quoted as "Flex 4 Now", Plexiglass is definitely beyond the scope of the Flex 4 SDK. We've got a pretty solid core, I've experimented with Flex 4 compatibility and I think with the communities help this project can go a long way.

Below is a quick example (took 5 minutes) of a regular OpenFlux List component using the FlowLayout and an OpenFlux List using Plexiglass with the SpiralLayout. You can see by the source code, Plexiglass is really easy to get started with.

If you are interested in learning more come check out my session on Monday afternoon. On Sunday there is also free training on OpenFlux with Ben Stucki and I'll also be there to show you how to build a 3D component (e-mail info@360flex.com to RSVP).

Lastly: This will be my third time going to 360|Flex. The previous 2 (Seattle, Atlanta) I had a blast, learnt a lot, meet a bunch of great people and it sounds like this one is going to be even better. I look forward to seeing you all there and if you see me around please come say hi.

Filed under: 360Flex, Flex, OpenFlux, PlexiGlass No Comments

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