A tour of Adobe’s Apollo project with Kevin Lynch
For those of you who can’t seem to get enough info about Adobe’s Apollo project, Ryan Stewart had an opportunity to talk with Kevin Lynch, Adobe’s Chief Software Architect about Apollo. What it is, and where they plan to take it. The article features some screenshots, and some more info about what types of apps you’ll be able to build with it.
With a new chapter in the evolution of the internet, commonly coined as Web2.0, there is presented the challenge of defining that chapter. Disputes arise as individuals attempt to predict the success of the future, each one vying for some preferred technology. With the sudden popularity of AJAX (JavaScript server communication) and AJAX-based applications such as Google Maps and Gmail, Flash developers stare open-mouthed thinking, “Flash has been able to do all of that stuff since I was in high school.” So the gauntlet gets tossed as knowing smiles speak the challenge: Flash verses JavaScript.
Which technology is best? Flash has common functionality between environments regardless of browser or system. It has advanced design and animation capabilities as well as really cool alpha-video. It can stream live data, talk to any server JavaScript can talk to, and it’s perfect for robust applications that run in the browser. And about everyone has it!
JavaScript, however, is the internet. The browser is JavaScript’s domain. It coexists with HTML and CSS, fully supporting them in delivering content to the user. It too is capable of robust applications and is the technology of choice for authorities such as Google. It has control over the browser environment, from history to style. And it is more widely supported then the ubiquitous Flash Player.
Then, over the crossfire of boasts from the conflicting technologies is heard the tiny voice of the user, “aren’t I the reason you are here? Isn’t it my needs you are trying to meet?” And sheepishly we forget the conflict and acknowledge a higher purpose.
In fact, now more then ever there are opportunities for Flash and JavaScript to combine their talents and strengthen each other for the common goal of improving the user experience. JavaScript can use Flash for enhancing the design of its content domain, while Flash may rely on JavaScript for providing history and navigation support. This is just the beginning of endless possibilities in their relationship.
The future of the internet is defined by the user experience it will provide, an experience that transcends the constraints of a specific technology or personal bias. It is on our shoulders to build that internet and to allow our greatest work to be in the name of the user.