Flex 2.0 - Where are the Docs?
I know that Flex ships with a comprehensive set of PDF documents but call me old fashioned - I like my books in print. I find them easier to read while sitting on my back deck, and hand references to have on my desk. A visit to the Adobe store show Flex 1.5 docs available - but nothing for Flex 2.0. Sure they are a bit expensive, but we’re about to begin a project with a six figure budget, so $130 is really small change. I know a few Adobe people read this blog so if they could shed any light on the availablitiy of printed docs, that would be appreciated.
On a related note, we’re more than likely about to choose Flex over AJAX to create a relatively complex RIA that models stormwater runoff. The tool wil help civil engineers, municipal planners and developers minimize the amount of rainfall runoff on developments. I have spent a couple of weeks evaluating Flex 2.0 and it is really a fantastic technology/tool/framework. I am really enjoying my time spent with Flex. If you haven’t played with Flex yet I would strongly reccommend that you take a look.
My thought exactly! I can see Adobe’s PDF documentation being a handy searchable reference, but for an in depth read digital formatting stinks.
It also looks like any half decent third party books won’t even be available till November/January. I’m finding that most of the current books labelled Flex 2.0 really are about 1.5 with a slapped-on Chapter on “recent feature updates”.
Looks like I’ll have to trudge to Staples to get my Flex PDF docs paperfied. :P
Hi,
I saw this note internally:
“The printed Flex docs will be available in the Adobe store on October 12. In the meantime they are available for purchase via the Adobe customer service center.”
(Date subject to change, but the printed docs do exist now. I have a copy here. Call our customer service center to purchase now.)
HTH,
David
Adobe
Skookum! Thanks David :)
Nathaniel - That’s a great idea- I wonder how much that’ll end up costing me!!
I have printed some select chapters and they read really well on paper.
Awesome! Thanks David - I just ordered my copy! For those interested, the Adobe customer service number is 800-833-6687.
Diamondtearz - sometimes it works out cheaper, but if you want all the Flex documentation printed you are probably looking at pages numbering into the thousands. This would no doubt put you well over Adobe’s asking price (whic is actually pretty cheap - assuming that the printed documentation is comprehensive). Plus bound books last longer and look cooler on the shelf :).
I agree with you 100%. Can’t wait till Talbot’s book gets out.
fyi …
Total pages of all PDFs is: 3,200
The 3,200 pages excludes 2 books that are HTML only, including what naturally would be the most voluminous, the Flex 2 Language Reference. (The other currently HTML only Installing Flex 2.)
(Page counts based on PDFs downloadable at http://www.adobe.com/support/documentation/en/flex/ )
Following is a breakdown book by book:
242 Getting Started with Flex 2
258 Using Flex Builder 2
1,416 Flex 2 Developer’s Guide
240 Creating and Extending Flex 2 Components
346 Building and Deploying Flex 2 Applications
514 Programming ActionScript 3.0
184 Migrating Applications to Flex 2 (PDF only!)
fyi … you can find a list of 3rd party Flex 2 and AS3 books and training DVDs here:
http://www.renaun.com/blog/2006/06/27/49/
You are correct that PDF documentation is worthless. We have it for our new digital camera and my wife can’t stand the PDF documentation. I printed the documentation since most people read from the printed word. If Adobe want Flex 2 to survive, think about lots of books on that technology.
How much were the docs from Adobe?
I called 800-833-6687 about the Flex print Doc, but they have no idea what is going on?
What is the isbn or title of the book?
Try this number instead, its the Adobe Store +1-888-724-4508. When calling ask for the Flex and Flex Builder documentation sets or can also ask for SKUS: 38036679, 38036690.
Cost for the docs set is $50.
The docs will be available on the on-line store by October 12 for electronic purchase.”
Sydney
Flex Product Marketing
I would like to provide a few thoughts to counter Patrick Whittingham’s assertion that “PDF documentation is worthless”.
1) Searchable. I created a PDX (Acrobat Index File) of the entire Flex 2 doc set. With Acrobat 7’s “Search” function (SHFT+CTL+F) I find this index indispensable. fyi … Acrobat search on a PDX returns a clickable list of *all* instances of the search phrase. (Hint: Adobe really should include the PDX in the full Flex 2 “Documentation Zip File”)
2) Hardcopy. Hardcopy is just one click away. PDF is printer ready. I selectively print related to what I am working on. If you have access to free high speed printing (e.g. you work at a big company), get some prepunched paper, a binder and just print all 3,200 pages (and those camera manuals for your wife too :-)
One criticism that I have is that the Flex 2 docs are formatted for pages sized 7 x 9 inches. For my purposes 8-1/2 x 11 inches would be a lot more useful.
3) LiveDocs. Beyond PDFs you have to love those LiveDocs. For onscreen reading, more often than not I end up on LiveDocs. Easier to read. Easier to cut and paste. And easier to “bookmark” by copying the URL printed at the bottom of each framed page. LiveDocs here:
http://livedocs.macromedia.com/flex/2/docs/
My 2¢.
hth,
g
Printed versions of the Flex 2 doc set can now be purchased for $50 online at:
https://store1.adobe.com/cfusion/store/index.cfm?category=/Applications/FlexwithCharting&NR=0#view=ols_prod&categoryOID=1579184