Web Biz

Trying to get started with Flex?

Well, the first step is installing the Flex Builder that will provide you with an advanced IDE to develop the next cuttin-edge Flex app.  You can download and install the Flex Buider 2 trial to use for free for 30 days.  After that you will need to purchase Flex Builder from Adobe, or use an alternative to write your MXML and ActionScript.  Here is a quick run down of how I installed Flex Builder 2:

Installing Flex Builder 2 

1. Install Eclipse SDK (3.2 is the compatably version with Flex Plug-In)
   1. Download the 3.2 build of Eclipse, available here.
   2. Extract the file to the directory where you want eclipse to be (e.g. C:\eclipse)
2. Install CFEclipse (In Eclipse go to Help->Software Updates->Find and Install)
   1. Select search for new features to install
   2. Click ‘New Remote Site…’
   3. Enter ‘CFEclipse as the name
   4. Enter ‘http://www.cfeclipse.org/update’ for the URL.
3. Make sure the newly created CFEclipse site is checked, click ‘Finish.
4. Eclipse will download and install CFEclipse.  You will need to agree to the licensing and choose to install all or those components (install or upgrades) that are found.
5. Eclipse will need to restart.
6. Now, download Flex Builder 2 Eclipse Plug-in (not the standalone version) from: http://www.adobe.com/cfusion/tdrc/index.cfm?product=flex
7. Double click on the install file.
8. Choose the directly were Eclipse is installed (I usually extract the Eclipse SDK to C:\eclipse)
9. After the Flex Plug-in is installed, start Eclipse.
10. You can also optionally install the ColdFusion extensions for Eclipse that are included with the Flex install.  The zip file is located in the flex builder root directory (usually in C:\Program Files\Adobe\Flex Builder 2 Plug-in).

To install the CF extensions

1. In Flex Builder, select Help > Software Updates > Find and Install.
2. Select the Search For New Features To Install option, and then click Next.
3. Click New Archived Site.
4. Select the ColdFusion_FlexBuilder_Feature.zip file, and then click Open.
5. When the Edit Local Site dialog box appears, click OK.
6. Ensure that the ColdFusion_FlexBuilder_feature.zip is selected, and then click Finish.
7. In the Search Results window, select the check box next to ColdFusion_FlexBuilder_Feature.zip, and then click Next.
8. Select the I Accept The Terms In This License Agreement option, and then click Next.
9. Click Finish.
10. Click Install All.
11. When the installation is complete, click Yes to restart Flex Builder.