Over the last few years, Flash design has become almost an integral part of the web design industry. The demand for interactive media rich websites has also helped in making Flash a popular and much sought after app among web developers. With time, Adobe has become more feature-rich and robust. Its use has diversified from mainstream web animation to online games, tutorials, desktop apps and so on over the years.
Now, Flash developers can take advantage of some apps and frameworks based on Flash technology and scripting for making stunning web and desktop apps. Flash design veterans using Flash for years can consider these frameworks seriously.
A number of Flash designers have switched to Flex Builder in the last few years for obvious reasons. The first release of Flex did not woo many Flash developers since it was launched without a UI and was a SDK. However, things changed with the advent of Flex Builder, which was built on the base of Flex SDK and had an intuitive interface. Nevertheless, the veteran Flash users initially grudged about its interface and way of mixing codes.
However, Flash developers soon found Flex Builder better suited for RIA development than Flash. It can make the development workflow streamlined and increase the productivity level of developers. For developing RIAs, developers need apps that reduce the basic coding time. Flex builder is a framework that offers the scripting advantages of Flash within an interface that is more flexible, scalable and enhances code reusability.
There are certain aspects where Flex scores over Flash for developing dynamic web and desktop apps more efficiently.
• As far as interface creation is concerned, Flash developers will need more time for developing interfaces for various devices using the panel components. Flex on the other hand, has plenty of layout components that make layout building and editing a breeze. The MXML used in Flex is tag based and it helps in simplifying interface creation. During compilation time, MXML gets changed into Actionscript code. In Flash, there is no other option than hand coding Action Script.

• Developers can use CSS for tweaking Flex components within the Flex Builder Interface. Those who have worked with CSS in Flash will realize the importance of this feature. They can also skin the components with suitable graphics within the Flex Builder interface. These features enhance the flexibility in the design process.

• Flex developers also benefit from Data binding. They can associate data with a component in Flex and with the updated data, change is reflected in the component in Flex. This eliminates the need for developers to switch between two apps and they can focus on coding when required. The States used in Flex are the substitutes for the frame based timeline used in Flash.
Flash developers need to understand that Flash and Flex are not rival products. Flash is better suited for web animation and website development, while Flex is better suited for RIA development. A web developer can use both apps according to his need and type of the project.