Intelligence is the faculty of making artificial objects, especially tools to make tools.
Adobe Integrated Runtime (AIR), initially code-named Apollo, was created in 2007 as an environment for building Rich Internet Applications (RIAs) running outside the browser while benefiting from desktop features. With AIR, developers can write desktop software using ActionScript, HTML, or JavaScript for the Windows, Macintosh, and Linux platforms. Each application is installed as a standalone client application; its proper execution requires that the AIR runtime be installed in the environment. Figure 1-1 shows the Apollo and AIR logos.
AIR version 2.5 focused on mobile development and introduced new features such as geolocation capability, accelerometer capability, and multitouch inputs. AIR is targeted at smartphones as well as tablet computers and netbooks.
AIR 2.5 and later supports the Android platform. Android is an operating system based on the open source Linux platform. It was initially developed by Google, and was further expanded by the Open Handset Alliance for use with mobile devices. Android runs applications developed using the Java programming language and packaged as an Android Package (APK) file.
Adobe adapted AIR as a tool for ActionScript programmers to make Android applications. HTML/Ajax mobile development is not available for AIR for Android.
The purpose of this book is to teach you everything you need to know—and more—to develop AIR applications for the Android platform.
Beyond Android, the Adobe Open Screen Project has brought AIR to RIM for BlackBerry, and is committed to bringing it to other partners in the future. For more information on the Open Screen Project, go to http://www.openscreenproject.org/.
The premise of this effort is to offer a uniform tool for a fragmented mobile world. One could hope that AIR will be to mobile development what Flash Player is to the Internet. It enables ease of development and distribution of applications across platforms and browsers.
The Adobe development tools come in several forms: Flash Professional CS5.5 and Flash Builder 4.5. They support Android OS 2.2 (named Froyo) and later, as well as devices with an ARMv7 or higher processor. AIR for Android does not work with earlier versions of the Android system.
The latest version of Flash Professional comes with the AIR for Android extension bundled. No separate download or additional installation is needed. When you launch CS5.5 and select File→New, you will see an AIR for Android option under the General tab or an AIR for Android category under Templates.
Burrito is the code name for the new version of Flash Builder, in public beta at the time of this writing. You can download Burrito from the Adobe Labs website at http://labs.adobe.com/technologies/flashbuilder_burrito/.
Burrito has templates for Flex Mobile and ActionScript Mobile projects.
Both products, Flash Professional and Flash Builder, include the AIR SDK and tools to automate deployment to devices. We will build our first AIR for Android application in Chapter 2.
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