What is Flash Remoting?

Overview
Flash remoting is a SOAP like protocol allowing ActionScript to make ColdFusion (or someother language) function calls as if they were declared in ActionScript itself. This allows Flash to connect to databases (which it can't do) through languages like ColdFusion or PHP and means that flash can be used to develop internet applications, like online stores. Usually, Flash connects to ColdFusion, Macromedia's propriety server side markup language. ColdFusion handles the database connection, persistant objects, and other such things while Flash is the GUI. Open source projects like AMFPHP allow PHP and other languages to replace ColdFusion on the server.

Languages you can use with Flash Remoting

Native:

• ColdFusion
• .Net
• J2EE

Non-native:

• PHP
• Perl
• Python

Why you should use it

• Flash is a rich client (no page refreshes)
• Flash remoting is secure in its communication with the server
• The flash movie is client side, using less bandwidth for simple page displays
• Flash gives the programmer infinite control over the look and feel of the site
• You can animate your store using Flash (drop down menues, movable type, etc).
• Remote calls are asynchronous, so no waiting for time outs or dropped connections

Why you shouldn't use it

• Browser needs to support flash (older browsers usually don't have it installed
• Flash is proprietary and you have to buy it from Macromedia
• Remoting is poorly documented and Macromedia does not answer developer questions
• Remote calls are asynchronous, making controlling the program very difficult
• Ajax provides similar funcitonality for free