O’Reilly: Inside RIA

Normally, when working client-side within a web application and there's a need for data exchange, it feels very natural to use JSON as a data exchange format. It's easy to take a string from the server, convert it into a JavaScript object and then access what we need out of it. But maybe there's a better way.

Sometimes it can be difficult to find quality resources to learn about all the functionality you need to know to build your rich internet application. Luckily, Adobe puts a great deal of effort into providing plenty of learning material for the community.

Every fledgling technology has misconceptions about it until people get more exposure to it, have used it, have developed with it, and understand the intent and limitations of that technology. AIR is no exception. Robert O'Callahan made a couple remarks concerning AIR, highlighting these misconceptions such as sandboxing applications and the ability to use custom chrome. Jonathan Snook looks to clarify why sandboxing isn't necessary and why custom chrome shouldn't be feared.

At Web Directions North this week, taking place in the beautiful city of Vancouver, Canada, InsideRIA's very own Andre Charland will be presenting a session on Adobe AIR. Walter Smith will also be taking part in this session to talk about Microsoft Silverlight.

Rich Internet Applications may have finally earned themselves the ubiquity it deserves since being coined by Macromedia back in 2002. My name is Jonathan Snook and these are my initial thoughts on the state of RIAs.